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HISTORY 



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liERKi/ncR County 

NEW YORK 

ILLUSTRATED WITH PORTKAFTS OF MANY OF 
ITS "IZ^ V.s 



GEORGE A. HARDIN 

ASSISTKU HV 

FRANK H. WILLARD 



SYRACUSE, N. Y.: 
D. MASON & CO., Publishers. 
1893. 



fl 



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A 



70 '}') 



To the Citizens of Herkimer County 



When the publishers, in 1892, declared their intention to publish 
another history of Herkimer County, they made inquiry as to the 
unbound volumes of the history prepared by Judge Benton, and 
issued in 1856. Such information as they desired was furnished them 
on that subject, and then they asked if consent would be given to aid 
and assist in supervising their proposed publication. 

As a century had passed since the organization of the County, and 
thirty- six years had elapsed since the publication of " Benton's His- 
tory," it was believed that many events not noticed in that work could 
be collected, and that, with the multitude of events transpiring since 
that time, the proposed work would be welcomed. Therefore consent 
was given to aid in gathering material; in advising as to events known; 
in suggesting sources from which facts could be obtained worthy of 
being recorded. 

After such consent was given, it was found necessary to have an 
immediate assistant to look after details, and to prepare descriptions 
and outlines of events worthy of notice. For such puipose Mr. 
Frank H. Willard was mentioned and engaged by the publishers, and 
he has with fidelity performed the work assigned to him. 

It was known that the late Samuel Earl had collected much valuable 
information concerning early events and written many articles record- 
ing them. An application was suggested and made to his son, Robert 
Earl 2d, and to his brother. Judge Earl, who promptly and cheerfully 
gave access to all the articles written and information gathered by 
Mr. S. Earl, and the same have been valuable aids in preparing the 
following pages. 



12 PREFACE. 

Valuable information has also been furnished by W. T. Loomis, Esq.; 
by Mr. William G. Milligan and manj' others, to whom grateful ac- 
knowledgments are due, and therefore given. 

The County bears a patriot's name, and it is hoped that the reader 
may find in these pages evidences that its citizens have in times past 
and passing, honored tlie hero of the battle of Oriskany. 

The bench and bar, as well as many distinguished members of the 
legal and other professions who have had their origin in this Count}', 
have been given extended notice. 

The manufacturing industries developed in the County have received, 
as tliey justlv merit, considerable attention. 

The portraits found in the work, with biographical sketches accom- 
panying them, serve to illustrate the character of citizens who have 
had their homes within the bounds of the County, and it is believed 
they will furnish interesting features of the work. 

The publishers have given painstaking attention to every detail in 
the mechanical preparation of this volume. The engravings have been 
carefully executed by artists of well-known ability, and the letter-press, 
binding and gilding are in excellent style. 

Vigilant eftbrts have been made to trace authoritatively the events 
narrated, and give reliable information as to the scenes and deeds 
which have given the County a worthy position in the Empire State. 

To its citizens the work is submitted, in the hope that it will meet 
with their approbation. 

Respectfully, 

George A. Hardin. 

Little Falls, N. Y., May, 1893. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

DESCRIPTIVE OF THE COUNTY, 17 

CHAPTER H. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS 27 

CHAPTER in. 

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR, 40 

CHAPTER IV. 
THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD, 47 

CHAPTER V. 

GROWTH AND PROGRESS 86 

CHAPTER VI. 
THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD, 94 

CHAPTER VH. 
HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING IN HERKIMER COUNTY, 110 

CHAPTER Vni. 
TEE COURTS, THE BENCH AND THE BAR OF HERKIMER COUNTY 131 



14 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IX. 
THE r^ERKTMER COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY, 155 

CHAPTER X. 
THE TOWN OK G ERMA N FLATS, 175 

CHAPTER XI. 
THE TOWN OF HERKIMER, 213 

CHAPTER XII. 
THE TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS, 242 

CHAPTER XIII. 
THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD, 301 

CHAPTER XIV. 
THE TOWN OF SALISBURY, ........315 

CHAPTER XV. 
>) THE TOWN OF MANHELM 328 

CHAPTER XVI. 
THE TOWN OF DANUBE 343 

CHAPTER XVII. 
THE TOWN OF STARK, 348 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
THE TOWN OP WARREN 354 



CONTENTS. 15 

CHAPTER XIX. 

THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA 361 

CHAPTER XX. 

THE TOWN OF WINFIELD 368 



CHAPTER XXI. 
THE TOWN OF LITCHFIELD 382 

CHAPTER XXII. 
THE TOWN OF FRANKFORT 387 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
THE TOWN OF SCHUVLER 397 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE TOWN OF NEWPORT 405 

CHAPTER XXV. 
THE TOWN OF NORWAY .412 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE TOWN OF RUSSIA 434 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE TOWN OF OHIO 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 
THE TOWN OF WILMURT 



16 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
BIOGRAPHICAL 453 



PART II, 

FA M I LY SKETCH ES 1 

INDEX 251 

INDEX TO FAMILY SKETCHES 267 



HISTORY 



HERKIMER COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

DESCRIPTIVE OF THE COUNTY. 

NEARLY three-quarters of a century had passed after the first ad- 
vent of permanent white settlers into the valley of the upper Mo- 
hawk river — a period made historically memorable by the occurrence 
of many important events and the enactment of deeds of valor and 
heroism — before Herkimer county existed as a subdivision of the State 
of New York. The original ten counties of the colony were created 
November i, 1683, and named Albany, New York, Dutchess, Kings, 
Orange, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester On 
March 11, 1772, Montgomery county was created, under the name of 
Tryon (changed in 1784), and embraced nearly the whole of the cen- 
tral and western part of the State. Herkimer county was erected from 
Montgomery February 16, 1791, and received its name in honor of the 
distinguished general, Nicholas Herkimer. As first formed the county 
embraced a vast extent of territory, extending from its eastern boundary 
westward to the eastern boundary of Ontario county, exclusive of the 
territory of Otsego and Tioga counties, which were erected at the same 
date with Herkimer. The boundaries of the county as originally given 
were as follows ; All the territory bounded north by Lake Ontario, the 



18 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



river St. Lawrence, and tlie north bounds of the State ; easterly by the 
counties of Clinton, Washington and Saratoga, as they then were ; south 
eriy by the counties of Montgomery, Otsego and Tioga. From this 
large tract of country Onondaga county was set ofif in 1794 ; Oneida in 
1798 ; Chenango, from Herkimer and Tioga, in 1798 ; and these counties 
have been variously subdivided at later dates. In 18 16 parts of the towns 
of Richfield and Flainfield, in Otsego county, were taken, with a part 
of Litchfield, Herkimer county, to form the present town of Winfield. 
(See chapter 5 of the Laws of 1817, and chapter 228 of Lawsof 1816.) 
In 1817 the towns of Salisbury and Manheim, and all that part of Min- 
den (Montgomery county) now comprised in Danube and Stark, were 
annexed to Herkimer county. (See chapter 184 of Laws of 18 17.) 
This county as it now exists covers an area of 1,370 square miles, and 
is bounded on the north by St. Lawrence county ; on the east by Ham- 
ilton, Fulton and Montgomery counties; on the south by Otsego coun- 
ty ; and on the west by Oneida and Lewis counties. 

The present county comprises within its limits the following tracts 
and parts of tracts of land granted by tlie crown before the Revolution, 
and by the State since the treaty of 1783 : 



NAMES OF PATENTS OR TRACTS. 



Adgate's Tract, '-.. 
Bayard's Patent,'.. 



Brown's (John) Tract,*- 



Cosby's Manor, ' ._ 

Colden's (A. ' Patent 

Frank (Conrad) & Go's Patent,. 

Fall-Hill Patent. -- 

Glen's Purchase 

Hommedieu's (I/) Patent, 

Henderson's Patent," 

Hasenclever's Patent, 

Johnson's (Guy) Patent, 

Jersey field Patent," 

Kass's Patent, 

Lindsay's Patent, 

Livingston's Patent,' 

Lispenard's Patent,' 

Lansinjr's Patent,' .,. 

McComb's Purchase.' 

McNeil's Patent, 

Match in's Patent,' _. 

Nobleborough Tract,'. _ 

Moose River Tract," 



NAMES OF ORIGINAL PATENTEES. 



Petrie's Purchase,.- i 1740 

Royal Grant | 



43,907 j Mathew Adgate. 

50,000 ; William Bayard, Alexander Ellis, and fifty-three 
j others. 

I A part of i,Q2o,ooo acres granted to Alexander Ma- 

I comb. 

g,4Do Johan Joost Petri, and ninety-three others. 

3,000 Cadwallader Colden, the younger, and Coenradt 

I Ryghtmeyer. 
22,000 Joseph WoiTell, William Cosby, and nine others. 

4,000 Alexander Colden. and three others. 

5,000 Coenradt Frank, and five others. 

2,324 I Johan Joost and Hendrik Herchkeimer. 
25,076 

4,000 I Kzra L'Hommedieu and Nathaniel Piatt. 

6,000 James Henderson, and two others 
18.000 I Peter Hasenclever, and seventeen others. 

2,000 Guy Johnson. Forfeited by attainder of G. J. 
94,000 Henry Glen, Alexander Ellis, and ninety-two others 

1,100 Johan J[urgh Kass. and his children. 

3,000 I John Lindsay and Philip Livingston. 
20,000 I Philip Livingston, and nineteen others. 

9,200 ■ Leonard Lispenard, and thirteen others. 

6,000 Jacob and Abraham Lansing, and Jacob GleD. 

j Alexander Macomb. 

4,000 I John McNeil, and three others. 

1,600 Thomas Matchin. 
40,960 ! Arthur Noble. 

i Owned by the State, except 13,080 gfranted ini847 to 

j Anson Blake. 

6,000 John Tost Petrie, and two others. 

! Sir William Johnson. 



DESCRIPTIVE OF THE COUNTY. 





t 

2 


o3 




NAMES OF PATENTS OR TRACTS. 


08 


NAMES OF ORIGINAL PATENTEES. 








Henry Remsen and three others. 


Snell and Timmerman'sPatent-. 




3,600 


Jacob Timbernian and Johan Joost Schnell. 




1755 


34,000 






Nicholas Herchkeimer, and fifteen others. 


Schuyler's Patent .. 






Abraham Lynsen, and twenty-one others. 


Totten and Crossfield Patent •-. 








Vrooraan's Patent,* 




9,760 


Isaac Vrooman. 


do --- 


T7R6 




Isaac \ rooman. 




1790 


«3 


Isaac Vrooman 


Van Driesen, Peter,. . _ 


Petrus Van Driessen. 


Van Driesen, John ,. .. 


1786 


428 


Johan Van Driessen. 


Van Home's Patent,'.. 




8,000 


Abraham \ an Home, and three others. 


Vaughn's Patent 


1770 


8,000 


John Vaughn, and seven others. 


Watson's James Tract,* . 






A part of Macomb's purchase. 


Winne's Patent, 




2 000 


Peter Winne. 


Walton's Patent, -. 


,7fiR 


12 000 


William Walton, jr., and eleven others. 


Young's Patent,* 


1752 


14,000 


Theobald Young, and ten others. 



This mark (') denotes that the lands indicated are partly in Herkimer, and partly in other 
counties. 

The foregoing table indicates that the title to most of the lands in the 
county was granted by the crown before the beginning of the Revolution, 
and those grants were recognized as valid by the constitution of 1777; 
but at the same time the State was left free to protect itself against 
treason or hostility by any person holding under the grants, as hereafter 
shown. 

In explanation of the table the following details are of interest : 

The original evidence of ownership of the Burnetffield lots were certificates given 
the grantees in the winter and spring of 1723. The next transaction in land in the 
county was the purchase of the Kast patent in 1724 by the family of that name, who 
were among the Burnetsfield patentees. John Jurgh Kast and his son of the same name 
had each received a thirty-acre lowland and a seventy-acre upland lot, and the family 
now bought a tract of 1,100 acres on the river in Schuyler, half way between East and 
West Schuyler villages. Next came Lindsey's purchase, covermg 3,000 acres in oblong 
form, beginning on the south bank of the Mohawk, a mile and a half below Little Falls, 
taken by John Lindsey and Philip Livingston in 1730 ; then Van Home's, made in the 
following year by Abraham Van Home and three others, the tract consisting of 8,000 
acres about the Canajoharie castle. 

The next tract taken up was the famous Cosby 's Manor, granted in 1734. The part 
of this tract within Herkimer county formed a block about seven miles square, beginning 
just west of Frankfort village (about two-thirds lying south of. the river), and surround- 
ing East's patent. The chief patentee was Governor William Cosby. The property 
passed into the hands of Lady Grace Cosby, and was the subject of a correspondence 
between herself, her agent, Sir William Johnson, and Oliver De Lancey, the latter of 
whom in the summer of 1762 bought the tract for himself and Janie.^ Jauncey, Peter 
Remsen and Goldsbrow Banyar, paying £6,000 currency. 

Next to Cosby 's Manor in date of granting was the tract of 1,000 acres on the 
north bank of the river, just east of Little Falls, purchased by Rev. Peter Van Driesen 



20 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

in 1737. Ill the next year Cadwallader Golden took 3,000 acres in a strip a mile and a 
quarter wide running south from Van Home's patent to Otsquago Creek. 

One of the most important of the earliest patents was Glen's purchase, so called from 
Jacob Glen, the patentee. The tract of land involved consisted of 25,076 acres, occupy- 
ing, in general terms, the eastern part of the town of Herkimer, the southern half of 
Fairfield, Little Falls north of the river, and the western part of Manheim. The Indian 
title was extinguished in 1734. 

In 1738 five of the lots were granted to Patrick McClaughry and Andrew McDowell, 
and eight to James De Lancey, John Lindsay, and Abraham Glen. In 1739 three were 
granted to Lendert Helmer, two to Jacob Glen, three to Archibald Kennedy, three to 
John Schuyler, jr., three to Arent Brant, and three to Philip Schuyler. In 1761 three 
were granted to Samuel Auchunity, three to William Mitchell, and three to William 
Ogilvie. 

Henderson's patent of 6,000 acres was granted to James Henderson, his son of the 
same name, and John Kelly, 1739. Most of it is embraced in the town of Warren. In 
1741 Peter Wiime bought 2,000 acres on both sides of West Canada Creek; except 
where bounded by the Burnetsfield patent on the south, this tract was surrounded by 
the Hasenclever patent. The southern part of the town of Warren is embraced in 
Young's patent, granted in 1752 to Theobald, Adam, Frederick, and Andries Young, 
and seven others. In the same year Joban Joo.st and Hendrick Herkemer bought 2,324 
acres on the south bank of the river, extending from Lindsay's purchase to the eastern- 
most Burnetsfield lots. Lansingh's patent was granted in the following year to Jacob 
and Abraham Lansingh and Jacob Glen. The part of it in Herkimer county lay in the 
south of Danube and the northwestern part of Stark. 

A strip along the southeastern side of Winfield was part of a tract of 43,000 acres 
granted in 1755 to Daniel Schuyler and twenty-one others and called Schuyler's patent. 
Snell and Timmerman's tract, 3,000 acres, in the southern part of Manheim, was granted 
in the same year. In 1755 were also granted Staley's first and second tracts, so called, 
containing 34,000 acres. The patentees were Rudolph Staley, Johan Joost Herkimer, 
jr., Nicholas Herkimer and fifteen others. The first tract, together with the river, sur- 
rounded all the Burnetsfield lots south of the Mohawk, except the easternmost five, and 
extended south far enough to take in most of the present towq of German Flats. The 
second tract included almost all of the town of Columbia. Between the two, in narrow 
form, lay Staley's third tract, also called Frank's patent, from Conrad and Frederick 
Frank, who were interested in it. 

In 17C1 John McNeil and three others bought wliat has been called McNeil's patent, 
in the southern part of Stark. In this year, too, Alexander Colden, William Willett, 
Stephen De Lancey and Christopher Blundell procured the patent called by the name 
of the first of these gentlemen. It consisted of 4,000 acres, mostly on the north side of 
the river, filling the space between Burnetsfield and Cosby's Manor ; eight small lots 
south of the river embraced the site of Frankfort village. 

Livingston's patent, part of which occupied the southeastern corner of Stark, was 
granted in 1702. In 1765 Guy Johnson bought 2,000 acres, now about equally divided 
between the southeastern corner of German Flats and the adjoining portion of Little 



DESCRIPTIVE OF THE COUNTY. 21 

Falls. Walton's patent ran along the western county line from Cosby's Manor to Wes-t 
Canada Creek, with a breadth of two and a half miles ; it was granted in 1768. In the 
following year Peter Hasenclever and seventeen others bought what has since been 
called Hasenclever's patent. It consisted of 18,000 acres, all but a small portion of 
which was bounded by Cosby's Manor, Walton's and Alexander Colden patents and 
West Canada Creek. 

The Royal Grant (so called) comprised a large tract of land lying between the Can- 
ada Creeks which was acquired by Sir William Johnson from his Indian friends in 1760, 
and for which he received a patent from the government in 1769. The tiact embraced 
about 66,000 acres and lay back of the lands previously granted. 

In 1770 8,000 acres, comprising most of Little Falls south of the river and the west- 
ern corner of Danube, were granted to John Vaughn and seven others, forming the 
Vaughn patent. In the same year the Jersey field patent was made to ninety-four per- 
sons, 1,000 acres to each, bounded by the Royal Grant, West Canada Creek, the line 
which forms the northern boundary of Salisbury, and the eastern county line. Bayard's 
patent, purchased by two brothers of that name and fifty-three others in 1774, embraced 
most of the towns of Litchfield and Winfield. In 178G Isaac Vrooman bought 4,000 
acres, and in 1790, 10,193 acres in a narrow strip extending across Danube and 
parts of Manheim and Stark. The other 428 acres of Manheim were taken in 1786 by 
John Van Driesen. In the same year Thomas Matchin bought 1,600 acres on the north 
side of West Canada Creek in the town of Russia. The Totten and Crossfield purchase 
was made in that year, and included 25,200 acres, part of which was in the northeast- 
ern corner of the county. In the same year Ezra L'Hommedieu and Nathaniel Piatt 
bought the 4,000 acres remaining in the northwest part of Stark and the southern part 
of Little Falls. In 1787 theNobleborough tract was patented to Arthur Noble and 
comprised 41,000 acres, lying at the angle in the southeastern line of Wilmurt ; and in 
the same year 48,000 acres southwest of the above, bounded on the south by West 
Canada Creek, were purchased by Henry Remsen and three others. In 1792 the State 
granted to Alexander Macomb an immense tract of land in the great northern wilder- 
ness at a nominal price, of which the John Brown and the Watson tracts are parts. 
The Guy Johnson tract was conveyed by Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Jacob G. Klock, 
and Henry Oathoudt, commissioners of forfeitures of the western district of New York 
to Benjamin Tallmadge, major in the array of the United States, June 7, 1784, and by 
Tallmadge to Caleb Brewster, July 9, 1794. Matthew Adgate in 1798 patented 4.3,907 
acres now in the southern part of Wilmurt. The latest patent in the county was for 
13,080 acres of the Moose River tract granted to Anson Blake in 1847. 

The titles of the Indians to lands in the Mohawk valley, as well as those of the white 
settlers who adhered to the crown in the Revolution, were destroyed by that event, 
through the Attainder Act of 1770. 

The Attainder Act of 1779 embraced fifty-nine persons, three of whom 
were married females, and they were also declared convicted and at- 
tainted with their husbands of offenses against the act. This manner of 
procedure was warranted by the fact that many women were in posses- 



DESCRIPTIVE OF THE COUNTY. 23 

sionin their own right of large tracts of land. The Legislature passed an 
act on the I2th of May, 1784, directing the prompt sale of confiscated 
and forfeited estates, requiring the proceeds to be applied to the sinking 
and discharging of public securities created for prosecuting the war. 
This was the first step taken to dispose of these estates, and the functions 
of the commissioners ceased in 1788. The act of 1784 designated the 
kind of money and certificates or bills of credit issued by the State, which 
might be received in payment for lands sold. In the course of the trans- 
actions thus effected there ensued a heavy depreciation of public securi- 
ties, which was severely felt by the people who were forced to accept 
them from the government. The purchasers of the public domain, how- 
ever, were in no respect losers by their operations. Having purchased 
these securities at the current specie market price, or at the sum fixed 
by the continental scale of depreciation, they exchanged them in most in- 
stances for some of the best lands in the State, at a price per acre a little 
more than nominal, and thus accumulated large fortunes for themselves 
and their descendants. The titles were, moreover, guaranteed in all re- 
spects by the State. 

The commissioners of forfeiture of the western district of the State sold 
and deeded between September, 1784, and September, 1788, ninety- 
three lots in the first allotment of the Royal Grant; ninety-one in the 
second allotment; 130 in the third allotment; and 137 in the fourth 
allotment. This proceeding on the part of the State was founded on the 
attainder of Sir John Johnson, by the act of 1779. 

The map made by Lawrence Vrooman in 1797, and reproduced here- 
with, shows that Sir William Johnson gave by his will to six of his 
natural children by Molly Brant (or Brandt), 15,000 acres of this grant 
as follows: To Margaret, 2,000 acres; George, 3,000; Mary, 2,000; 
Susan, 3,000; Ann, 3,000; Brandt, 1,000; and to William 1,000. The 
portion of this tract thus devised adjoins the East Canada Creek, and is 
in the present towns of Manheim and Salisbury. The lots as numbered 
on the map are: 166 in the first allotment ; 102 in the second ; 136 in 
the third; and 143 in the fourth. These are the highest numbers, but 
in several instances intervening numbers below are not found. ^ 

' The late Samuel Earl left among his historical memoranda the following : " As Mary Brant and 
her eight children, Peter, Elizabeth, Magdalene, Margaret. George, Mary, Susanna, and Anne, and 
young Brant Kaghnectayo of Canajoharie, and William Tagawinente of C^najoharie, were inca- 



24 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

A specific half of eighteen lots in Jerseyfield patent was also sold 
and deeded by the commissioners of forfeitures, within the periods above 
mentioned. The original patentees of this large tract were mostly of 
the Dutch extraction, not German, and residents in Albany, Schenecta- 
dy and the lower Mohawk valley. None of these names appears in the 
Attainder Act of 1 779. Some party, known to be obnoxious to the pen- 
alties of the act, must have been proceeded against by indictment for 
treason against the State, and the lands declared forfeited on inquisition 
found. The whole of five lots and a specified half of four others in Liv- 
ingston's patent were also sold and conveyed by the commissioners. 
Peter De Bois, who was attainted by the act of October 22, 1779, was 
one of the patentees of this grant, and the sales probably covered his 
interest, or what remained of it, in the whole patent. 

A part of Glen's purchase seems to have been owned by some one ob- 
noxious to the law of attainder. James De Lancey was one of the three 
joint patentees of several lots in this purchase. He was attainted by the 
act of 1779. (See chapter 25, of the Laws of 1779). Six small lots in that 
tract were sold and deeded for ;^i,095. New York currency, on the 27th 
of August, 1788, to replenish an exhausted treasury. James Caldwell 
purchased five of the lots and Michael Myers one of them. Johan Jurgh 
Kast's little patent of 1,100 acres in Schuyler contributed $500 to pay 
war expenses. One lot in that patent seems to have been sold to make 
compensation for treason against the State. " Surely none of the de- 
scendants of that sturdy old Palatine could have been recreant to his 
country and a traitor to humanity." ^ 

A portion of the Bayard patent is held under title from the commission- 
ers of forfeitures, two of the Bayards having been attainted by the act of 
of 1779. In regard to the Johan Joost Herkimer property, Judge Ben- 
ton wrote as follows: 

Diligent search and examination has been made in the proper quarter to find some 
evidence of grants under the authority of the State, of the Johan Joost Herkimer prop- 

pable of taking' and holding lands by reason of their being Indians, the several devises in the will 
of Sir William Johnson lo them were inoperative and void, and the lands and estate devised to 
them respectively upon the death of Sir William, descended to and became vested in Sir John 
Johnson as heir at law, and by his attainder became vested in the State as a portion of his inherit- 
ance. No tribunal competent to determine the law as it was at the death of Sir William or the 
attainder of Sir John has decided anything contrary to or in conflict with the foregoing prop- 
osition." 

2 Benton's " History of Herkimer County." 



DESCRIPTIVE OF THE COUNTY. 25 

erty, but without success. Some part of the Herkimer property came into the hands 
of Alexander Ellice, soon after the Revolution. The preci.se time has not been ascer- 
tained by the writer, nor has he been able to lay his hand upon any papers showing 
the title to have come from the State. This, however, must be so, for Mr. Ellice, be- 
ing a British subject, would not have been allowed to hold forfeited lands except by a 
grant from the State.' 

In respect to that part of the Royal Grant, devised by Sir William to his Indian 
children, the sale by the commissioners could not be sustained, and consequently was 
abandoned in regard to some of them, who had not committed any overt act of treason 
or offense against the statute. One of these children, however, did bear arms against 
the colonies, and may have been proceeded against under the Attainder Act, by indict- 
ment. The present titles of a portion of the grant are therefore derived from Sir \\ illiam's 
will, through his Indian children, but all the remainder, which passed to Sir John John- 
son, as heirs at law, is held under the State by virtue of his attainder. 

Natural Characteristics. — Tlie surface of Herkimer county may be 
called a hilly upland, with a series of ridges extending in a generally north 
and south direction. The beautiful Mohawk River flows easterly across 
the southerly part of the county, through a valley that is broad from its 
westerly end to near Little Falls at the easterly side of the county, 
where the stream breaks through a mountainous ridge, the naked rocks 
rising on either side from 500 to 600 feet. From this point to the eastern 
boundary of the county the river flows through a valley bordered by 
high and precipitous hills. The East Canada Creek rises in Hamilton 
county, flows southward and empties into the Mohawk; it forms the 
eastern boundary of the county from the Mohawk to the northeast cor- 
ner of the Royal Grant. The West Canada Creek rises in the northern 
part of the county and in Hamilton county, flows southwesterly and 
discharges into the Mohawk near the village of Herkimer ; part of it 
forms the boundary between Herkimer and Oneida counties. The 
Moose, Black and Beaver Rivers, which flow northward to Lake Onta- 
rio, have their sources in the northerly part of the county, where numer- 
ous lakes and ponds of pure water are found, many of them still in the 
forest fastnesses of a large region that has been left almost wholly in 
its native state, the surface and soil rendering it of little value for culti- 
vation. 

The geological features of the county are of considerable interest. 
The portion of the territory lying north of a line extending west from 

' For further reference to titled and leases from Ellice. see subsequent history and maps ot Little 
Falls. 



26 UISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Brockett's Bridge (now Dolgeville) is covered with primary rocks — 
granite, gneiss, feldspar, and hornblende. The same formation out- 
crops also at Little F"alls. Rising successively above the primary are 
the Trenton limestone, appearing in Norway and Russia, the Utica 
slate, appearing upon the summit of all the hills immediately north of 
the Mohawk ; the Frankfort slate appearing immediately south of the 
river; the Oneida conglomerate and Clinton group, extending in a belt 
through near the center of the south half of the county; the Onondaga 
salt group, waterlime, Onondaga and corniferous limestones, appearing 
in thin layers next south ; and the Marcellus shales and limestones of 
the Helderberg range, covering the summits of the southern hills. These 
rocks yield an abundance of lime, waterlime, and building material, and 
are extensively quarried. Useful minerals are few in number, among 
them being beautiful crystals of quartz. The soil of the county is 
diversified, comprising sandy and argillaceous loams, based on limestone, 
sandstone and primitive granite gneiss; calcareous loam, sandy and 
clay loam. Rich alluvial flats are found in the Mohawk valley, that are 
as productive, perhaps, as any lands in the State. The soil north of the 
Royal Grant is light and sandy, better adapted to grazing than to tillage. 

In the early history of the count)' the lands were tilled and the pro- 
ductions comprised wheat, corn, rye, barley, peas, bea'ns, oats, hay and 
potatoes. Wheat and barley constituted the chief articles of export to 
the Albany market. With the opening of the Erie canal in 1825, the 
heavy grain producing section in the western part of the State became 
a rival against which the Mohawk valley could not successfully contend. 
Between 1820 and 1830 the prospects of the Herkimer county agricul- 
turist were not encouraging. Insects destroyed the wheat year after 
year, and it has been stated that in 1820, " if all the personal or mova- 
ble property in the county had been sold at a fair appraisal, it would 
not have produced sufficient means to pay the domestic debt of the 
county, and probably not more than half of it. After the opening of 
the canal, the attention of the community was gradually turned toward 
grazing and the dairy, and for many years past the latter interest has 
given the county a national reputation. The dairy products of the 
county will be further alluded to in subsequent town histories. 

The lumber interest of the county was extensive in former years, and 
is still carried on with success in its northern parts. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 27 

CHAPTER II. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

ONE hundred and seventy years ago, when the sturdy German emi- 
grants, fleeing from their native country on the Rhine to escape a 
cruel vassalage, planted themselves in the wilderness within and around the 
territory of which this volume treats, they found it occupied by one of 
the Six Nations of Iroquois Indians — the Mohawks. These nations 
(exclusive of the Tuscaroras, who were practically amalgamated with 
the Oneidas) were established across the territory of the State of New 
York, beginning with the Mohawks on the east, with the Oneidas, On- 
ondagas, Cayugas and Senecas next in the order named. Their central 
council fire was with the Onondagas. But limited as was this country 
wherein these nations had their permanent abiding place, their unexam- 
pled and reckless bravery in war; their statesmanship as demonstrated 
in the system of government devised by them ; their indomitable per- 
severance and unyielding persistence in extending their power, gave 
them practical domination over the greater part of the continent and 
earned for them from one of their admirers the title of " The Romans of 
the New World." The records of the deeds of the Iroquois Indians are 
found upon thousands of pages in words from gifted pens, while their 
personal characteristics and civil and domestic history have no less 
faithful chroniclers. This fact renders it wholly unnecessary to attempt 
in these pages more than a simple statement of their occupancy of the 
soil, to be followed with the history of their relations with the white 
settlers of the county. 

Through the settlement of the French in what is now Canada early 
in the sixteenth century; the nearly simultaneous establishment of the 
Dutch in the vicinity of the Hudson river, and the subsequent domina- 
tion of the English, a long series of bloody wars was inaugurated, which 
did not cease until the final extinction of French power in 1763. There 
was strife from the beginning to gain the fealty of the Indians. They 



28 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

were not onl\' extremely useful as fighters in the service of either power, 
but their friendship was equally desirable for purposes of trade. Of 
course they were regularly swindled by either party toward which they 
leaned. As far as the Mohawks were concerned they were always on 
terms of amity with the Knglish. The influence of Sir William John- 
son over them was boundless, and at his death the)' transferred their 
affections to his family, a fact which was the cause of untold woe to 
the colonists in after years.^ King Hendrick, as he was called, was a 
celebrated Mohawk chief who was at the height of his power when the 
Mohawk valley was opened for settlement. He was an intimate 
friend of Sir William Johnson ; adopted and wore the English costume, 
and never faltered in his allegiance to that nation. He resided much 
of the time at the upper Mohawk castle in what is now the town of 
Danube. He was killed at Lake George, September 8, 1755. 

To the religious wars that swept over Europe early in the seventeenth 
century may be directly attributed the emigration from Germany 
which ultimately led to the first permanent settlement of the upper Mo- 
hawk valley by white people. Germany was a battlefield of religious 
war for nearly a hundred years. The peasantry generally embraced 
the doctrines of the Reformation, in which they received the sj-mpathy 
of Protestant Englishmen. The affinity existing between the sovereigns 
of England and the German Palatinate, led to the application bj' the 
suffering Germans to Queen Anne, in 1708, to send the Palatines to 
her then colony of New York. To escape from what they would not 

' ^' . -. ,■ twenty-three was sent to the 

M"- -le. who was a British admiral. 

Tht ssful in their cnltivation. sale. 

sto' r .^^Ti-!, : r; ,-,: hc became connected with tv 

riir ' permanently in the Mohawk vallej'. and applip 

him .Mininjr the friendship and confidence of the fu 

iliai It I '.1111 Ml. St. me mansion which he called Fort Johnson, and 

wh' W.1S entrusted with the sole management of the Indian 

mill v.'ellerit service. He was appointed a colonel in the British 

■ •"" colonial troops and the Indian warriors, the 

nm devastation by the French and their allies. 

ct. Joseph Brant, which gave him additional 

: —'-.- under appointment as major-g-eneral, he led the 

:tnd was rewarded by a baronetcy and 5,000 pounds from 

' 'nccat Fort Johnson in the eastern part of Montprom- 

'■ -moved to Johnstown, where he built his stately 

^:e nth of July, 7774- His remains were buried 

''torred while repairs to a church were being 

.. ,.w i.i. ■■■■'• "■"■ 'tincf place. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 29 

endure in their own country, they fled to another where their religious 
faith might be cultivated and enjoyed free from persecution. 

On the loth of May, 1708, Joshua Kockerthal, a minister, with forty 
others from the Lower Palatinate in Germany, reached England. They 
were in a condition of destitution. The English Lords of Trade 
vouched for their good character and " humbly proposed " that they 
" be sent to settle upon Hudson's River, in the province of New York, 
where they may be useful to this kingdom, particularly in the produc- 
tion of naval stores, and as a frontier against the French and their In- 
dians." On the lOth of August following the provincial governor was 
directed to provide subsistence for Joshua Kockerthal and forty- two 
German Protestants, and " to grant him 500 acres of land for a glebe 
with liberty to sell a suitable portion thereof for his better maintenance 
till he shall be able to live by the produce of the remainder." 

These Palatines probably arrived in New York about the close of the 
year 1708, and an order was made in the Provincial Council at New 
York May 26, 1709, to continue the relief promised by the queen until 
the expiration of twelve months from the date of their arrival; this re- 
lief included clothing, mechanical tools and materials to work with. It 
is known that this company, or the greater part of it, settled permanent- 
ly in what is now Ulster county; and, as has often happened in similar 
cases, the emigrants met with much difficulty in securing the promised 
aid from England. The tools were, however, supplied them, as agreed. ^ 

The second immigration of Palatines, and by far the larger in num- 
bers, arrived at New York shortly before June 14, 1 7 10. In the Coun- 
cil, the president (Mr. Beekman) " informed the Board that the ship 
Lyon is arrived in this port, having brought a considerable number of 
Palatines for whom her Majesty has commanded him to Provide Lodg- 
ing and Provisions and desired the Gentlemen of the Councill to give 
their opinions what measures are proper to be taken with them." 
More than 3,000 emigrants came over at this time, and there being con - 

1 The following lists of tools and names of their recipients are interesting : Joshua Kockerthal— 
I Barrel of Lime. 3 Gouches, 2 formers, i Grindingstone, i square, i Rule, i Compass, and several 
pieces more- Hermanns Schuneman— 2 Handsaws, 1 Great Saw, 3 Gouches. 2 Agors. besides several 
pieces more. Michael Wiegand—i, great file, i smaller dito, 1 mortising chisel, i Joynter, i Agor, 
besides several pieces more. Andreas Volk— i Cross Cut Saw, i Smooding plain, i wiping saw, an- 
other set of gouches, besides severall pieces more. Peter Rose — i Glupott. i Whimplingpitts, i 
hatchet, i little hamer, 2 Agors, i Joynter, besides severall pieces more. These lists are continued 
in Doc. Hist. New York, vol. HI, pp. 550-51. 



30 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

tagious disease among them, they were quarantined at Nutten Island 
(now Governor's) where they were maintained in liuts at pubhc ex- 
pense.i Many died on the passage over. 

This body of Palatines came over under the special charge of Governor 
Hunter, who had particular directions where to settle them, with the 
view of their aiding in protection against the French and Indians. For 
this purpose the commissioners designated " a tract of land lying on the 
Mohaques river, containing about fifty miles in length, and four miles in 
breadth, and a tract of land lying upon a creek [evidently the Scho- 
harie] which runs into said river, containing between twenty-four and 
thirty miles in length. This last mentioned land is claimed by the Mo- 
haques, but that claim may be satisfied on easy terms." ^ Reference is 
made by the commissioners to the obstruction in the river at Cohoes, 
but they thought that should be but little hindrance. In the spring of 
1710 Hunter ordered the survey of lands on the " Mohaks " river, and 
particularly in the " Skohare to which the Indians had no pretence." 
But owing to the remoteness of the Schoharie lands, and their supposed 
unfitness for agriculture, with the scarcity of pine timber. Hunter finally 
purchased " a tract of land on Hudson's river from Mr. [Robert] Liv- 
ingston, consisting of 6,000 acres, for ;^400 of this country money, for 
planting of the greatest division of the Palatines." He also informed 
the Board of Trade that he had found an ungranted tract near by on the 
west side of the river where he had planted the remainder of the Pala- 
tines, or intended to do so soon. On the i6th of June, 1710, in prob- 
able anticipation of what would naturally occur, the Board expressed 
the opinion " that a Proclamation doe Issue to prevent Exactions and 
Extortions in the price of Bread & other Provisions whereby the Pala- 
tines may be the better and easier Provided therewith." The sequel 
justified this measure, for the contractor who supplied flour, etc., cheated 
the poor immigrants in weight ; and they complained bitterly to the 
home government that the conditions under which they came to New 
York were not fulfilled. The number of Palatines on Livingston's man- 

' " It is the opinion of this Hoard thereupon that Nutten Island is the properest place to put the 
Palatines on and that Huts should be made for them." The huts were built by two of the Palatine 
carpenters, Johannes Hebon and Peter Williamse. 

2 The board also designated lands on the " Hudson's river, where are great numbers of Pines, fit 
for Production of Turpentine and Tarr, out of which Rozinand Pitch are made." 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 31 

or and on the opposite side of the Hudson river in 171 1 numbered about 
1,800. 

Many Palatine children, some of whom were orphans, were taken un- 
der direction of the governor and bound out as apprentices to the inhab- 
itants of the colony. 1 Some of these afterwards became conspicuous in 
the history of the State. About eighty children were thus apprenticed. 

Among the volunteers who accompanied Colonel Nicholson on his 
expedition to Canada in 1711, are found the names of several that 
afterwards became familiar in the Mohawk valley, as follows : 

Hen. Hoffman, Warner Dirchest, Fred. Bellinger, Hen. Wederwachs, Frantz Finck, 
Martin Dillenback, Jacob Webber, William Nellis, George Dacbstader, Christian Bauch, 
Mich. Ittick, Melch. Folts, Niclaus Loiix, Hartman Windecker, Hans Hen. Zeller, Jno. 
Wm. Finck, Jno. Hen. Arendorff, Johan Schneider, Henry Feling, Job. Jost Petry and 
Lud. W. Schmit. 

Steps were taken at an early day for the inauguration of simple gov- 
ernment among the Palatines, as indicated from the following: 

In Council, 17th June 1710. Mr. Cheife Justice Reported to his Excellency that 
himselfe Mr. Barberie and Mr. Bickley have met on the Reference made to them 
yesterday to consider of a Scheme for the good Governing the Palatines, and haveing 
Considered the same, Proposed that Commissions of the peace and other Commissions 
be Granted to some persons among them for that End and that an Ordinace Issue Im- 
powering to heare and determine Small Causes, all of which his Excellency Referred 
to Mr. Cheife Justice and Mr. Bickley to prepare such Commissions and Ordinaces. 

Dissatisfaction and discontent arose among the Palatines on the Hud- 
son River. It is more than probable that much of this feeling was 
chargeable to Robert Livingston, who had a contract for providing them 
with flour, etc., and was also intimately associated with them in other 
directions, in all of which he made the most of his situation for his 
personal gain. In a letter written in March, 171 1, by a meinber of the 
British government to one of his colleagues, the writer says: 

I think it unhappy that Colo. Hunter at his first arrival in his government fell into 
ill hands, for this Livingston has been known many years in that province for a very ill 

1 In Cotincil, June 20, 1710 : There haveing beene severall Proposalls made for the takeing many 
of the Palatine Children for a terme of Yeares and there being many Orphans who are unable to 
take care of themselves to work, and many who by sickness are rendered incapable of doeing any 
service for some time and in that condition would be a great expence ^nd there being noe Prospect 
of Settleing them this sumer by reason its soe much advanced His Excellency does appoint Doctor 
Staats and Mr. Van Dam or either of them to take such Proposalls for Placeing out the Orphans 
and other Children whose Parents have a numerous ffamily Entring into an Instrument in Write- 
ing to Cloath Victuall and use them well and to deliver them to the government when called for.— 
Doc. Hist. New York, vol. Ill, p. 553. 



32 HISTORY OF HERKIMER CODNTY. 

man, he formerly victualled the forces at Albany, in which he was guilty of most noto- 
rious frauds by which he greatly improved his estate; he has a mill and a brew-house 
upon his land, and if he can get the victualling of those Palatines who are conveniently 
posted for his purpose, he will make a very good addition to his estate, and I am per- 
suaded the hopes he had of such a subsistance to be allowed, were the chief, if not the 
only inducements that prevailed with him to propose to Colo. Hunter to settle them 
upon his land. 

The charitable view of Hunter's conduct is that he was a dupe of 
Livingston. 

On the 30th of May, 171 1, the colonial secretary informed the Board 
of Trade that the Palatines would not work at tar and turpentine- making 
on the Hudson River lands where they had been seated, but were deter- 
mined to remove to the Schoharie lands where the queen had ordered 
them. We may be sure that there was very good reason for this action 
on their part. They were not people who would have become discon- 
tented if they had been honorably treated. That they were poorly fed, 
clothed and housed, cheated in trade, and forced into kinds of work 
which were distasteful to them, is well known. In reply to a question 
as to the behavior of his people, Mr. Kockerthal said : " They are all 
at work and busy, but manifestly with repugnance and merely tempo- 
rarily ; that the tract intended for them [the Schoharie and Mohawk 
lands] is in their minds a land of Canaan. • » * They will not listen 
to tar-making." 

In the autumn of 17*1 Governor Hunter warned the Palatines to 
" take measures to subsist themselves " during the following winter. 
Thereupon immediate action was begun for removal to the Schoharie 
lands. Their own account says : " All hands fell to work and in 2 weeks 
time clear'd a way thro' the woods of 15 miles long with the utmost 
toyle and labour, tho' almost starved and without bread." Fifty families 
reached the Schoharie district, only to learn that the lands had been 
granted to people in Albany, and to be warned not to settle thereon by 
the governor. The governor, however, " prevailed with the proprietors 
of these lands to make an offer of the lands free from all rent or acknowl- 
edgment for ten years, and ever after at a very moderate quit rent." 

Governor Burnet succeeded Governor Hunter in 1720. Among his 
instructions from the home government were express directions to re- 
move such of the Palatines as might desire, from their first settlements 




v-^ 



^ 



/ 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 33 

to lands more suitable for them. This action was doubtless precipitated 
by a strong memorial from the commissioners of the Palatines at Scho- 
harie, which was taken to England in 1718, and the instructions above 
noted were issued within the next sixteen days. 

In October, 1722, a third company of Palatines arrived in New York 
from Holland, having touched at England on the passage. In the fol- 
lowing year a large exodus of the Schoharie Palatines took place to Penn- 
sj'lvania and other localities, in consequence of the Albany ownership 
of Schoharie lands, above alluded to. The arrival of the third company 
from Holland in 1722, and this exodus in 1723, will enable us, as nearly 
as may be, to fix the date of the first settlement of the Palatines at Ger- 
man Flats. On this important point we shall quote from the late Judge 
Benton's work, wherein he shows the result of careful and exhaustive 
research : 

On the 21st of November, 1722, Governor Burnet informeJ the Board of Trade, elc, 
that he had expected when he was at Albany, to have fixed the Palatines in their new 
settlement which he had obtained of the Indians for them at a very easy purchase, but 
in consequence of the divisions among them, and their complaints about the quaHty of 
the lands in the new purchase, he concluded not to show any earnestness in pressing 
them logo on to the lands. But he says there tvere about sixty families who desired 
to have a distinct tract by themselves, and being those who had all along been most 
hearty for the government, he had given them leave to purchase lands from the Indians 
between the English settlements near Fort Hunter and part of Canada, on a creek 
called Canada Creek, where they will be more immediately a barrier against the sudden 
incursions of the French, who made this their road when they last attacked and burned 
the frontier town called " Schonectady ." The Indian deed for the lands at and west of 
Little Falls, covered in part by the so called Burnetsfield patent, is dated July 9, 1722, 
anterior to the arrival of the third company of Palatine immigrants, and this fact forces 
the conclusion that the grantees of the patent were composed chiefly, if not entirely of 
those Palatines who arrived in 1710, and were first .'eated on the Hudson River; and 
this view seems to be strengthened by Governor Burnet's remarks to the Board of 
Trade. It is quite certain that but few, if any, of the Schoharie people were among 
the first settlers of the German b^lats, unless they straggled from below. But there is 
no such name as Erghemar, Herkemer or Herkimer in the lists of those who came over 
in the two first companies of immigrants, nor apparently any name from which Herki- 
mer could be derived or coined without violating all known rules of etymology. The 
Erghemar family were not among the Palatines on Hudson River in 1711, nor of those 
who remained in New York. They probably arrived with the third company of im- 
migrants in 1722, from Holland, where they had sojourned many years. 

At what time these people actually settled upon the lands patented to them by the 
crown, in the spring of 1725, is perhaps problematical, and rests in tradition. They 
5 



34 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

were very urgent to remove to a part of the country vehere they could pursue their 
vocations and indulge in their own peculiar customs, unmolested by strangers and un- 
controlled by colonial task masters; where the lands they tilled were secured to them 
(}y all the sanctions of a public grant emanating from the king. They had long felt and 
known that " patience and hope make fools of tliose who fill their hands with them." 
They and their ancestors for three-quarters of a century nearly, had been afflicted with 
all the worldly evils and miseries that an intolerant and tyrannical hierarchy, .supported 
by absolute despotic governments, could bring upon them ; and they had looked to the 
future with patient and hopeful emotions for a day of deliverance. After twelve years 
of trial and privation incident to a new climate and a wilderness country, during which 
time they saw that strangers, and not their families after them, were to be benefited by 
their labors (no lands had yet been set out to them, by grant from the crown), well might 
they exclaim that those who endure patiently present wrongs and take no means of 
relief only to hope for it, were unwise and improvident. 

The Dutch recaptured New York in 1673, but it was restored to the English by treaty 
in 1674. At this time and to the close of the seventeenth century, a very great ma- 
jority of the people of the province were Low Dutch or Hollanders, and the French of 
Canada exerted much interest with all the Iroquois Indians, through the agency of the 
Jesuits and the control of the fur trade, except the Maquae-s, Mohocks or Mohawks. 
The whole country from Albany north to Lake Cbamplain, and from Schenectady west 
to Lakes Ontario and Erie was an unbroken wilderness, and it was therefore important 
that England should strengthen her colony of New York in both directions by planting 
.settlements as barriers against hostile approaches, but she had no people to spare; the 
<;ontinental wars in which she had been long engaged and was then involved, more than 
liecimated her population, and she eagerly embraced the opportunity of sending over 
the Palatines at the public expense. Governor Burnet, whose talents, learning and 
kindness commended him to the well disposed colonists, seconded this policy of his 
Ljovernment with zeal and success. Little did the governor or the home government 
then believe they were planting a barrier of stout hearts and sinewy arms on this 
frontier, which was soon to aid in obstructing the designs of the mother country in one 
of her most deliberate and best planned campaigns of the Revolution. Nor could these 
then houieless exiles put aside the curtain of futurity and behold the terrific and tragic 
scenes which were so effectively and relentlessly enacted upon the soil they had chosen 
for their homes, and by the power through whose agency they had obtained their 
promised land. 

The precise time when the Palatines made their first lodgment in the county is not 
ascertained. It was not later than 1725. Some who have speculated upon the subject 
suppose they came up the Mohawk valley as far as the Little Falls and to the Stone 
Ridge as early as the year 1720. Their agents, sent to spy out the lands, may have 
traversed the valley to the western bounds of the territory claimed by the Mohawk 
Indians as early as 1720, and perhaps before that period ; but Governor Burnet had not 
fixed them in the new settlement he had obtained for them of the Indians, at a very 
easy purchase, as late as November, 1722, and he that year permitted some of them to 
purchase lands of the Indians " on a creek called Canada Creek." They secured the 
carrying place at the lesser falls as well as a long extent of wilderness country above, 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 3& 

by their Indian deed; and the license of the colonial governraent to make the purchase 
may have been considered by both parties an authorization tor them to remove before 
the patent was made out, as it no doubt was a solemn, irrevocable public pledge that 
the lands would be granted by the crown as soon as they should be surveyed. On 
this hypothesis it may be conjectured that settlements were made at or near the present 
site of the Stone Church in the town of German Flats, and at Herkimer village as early 
as the years 1723-24, if not before. Owning the lands at the carrying place, it is not 
likely that point was long neglected or unimproved. 

Burnetsfield patent, so called in popular parlance, is a curious document, and well 
worthy of some special notice. It was granted on the 30th of April, 1725. It recites 
that " whereas our loving subjects, John Joost Petri and Coenradt Rickert, in behalf of 
themselves and other distressed Palatines, by their humble petition presented the 17th 
day of January, 1722, toour trusty and well beloved William Burnet, Esq., Captain 
General and Governor-in-chief of the province of New York, in council have set forth 
that in " accordance with the governor's license they had purchased " of the native 
Indians in the Mohawks country" the tract of land on both sides of the "Mohawks 
river" commencing at the "first carrying place [Little Falls], being the eastermost 
bounds called by the natives Astourogon, running along on both sides of the said river 
westerly unto a place called Ganondagaraon, or the upper end of it," being " about 
twenty-four English miles along on both sides of the said river. ' The Indian deed is 
dated July 9, 1722. That the council advised the governor to "grant to each of the 
said persons, man, woman and child, as are desirous to settle within the limits of the 
said tract of land the quantity of 100 acres." 

The grantees were to hold the lands of the crown " in free and common socage, that 
being the usual tenure named in the colonial grants at this time, as of the manor of East 
Greenwich, in the county of Kent, in Great Britain, subject to an annual quit-rent of 
two shillings and sixpence per hundred acres, and on condition that the grantees, their 
heirs and a.ssigns, should within three years from the date, plant, settle and effectually 
cultivate at least three acres of land of every fifty acres " granted to them. This patent 
also contains the usual reservation of gold and silver mines.Jtimber fit for the royal navy, 
and the right to enter upon the lands and take and carry away the same. 

Of the ninety-two persons named in the patent to whom lands were granted, twenty- 
two appear to be females, by the description, married, single or widowed. The paper 
does not disclose the number of families or the heads of families represented by males 
who settled on the tract, or how many one hundred acre lots went to any one family, 
husband, wife and children. There are several Pellingers, Starings, Wevers, Smiths, 
Edicks, Beermans, to whom grants were made. Jurgh Erghemar, Johan Jost, Mada- 
lana and Catharina Erghemar are separately named, but Nicholas Herkimer, afterwards 
the General, was not a patentee. 

The following table gives the names of the original patentees, the 
number of the lots taken by each, and their location. Many of the 
names will be familiar as still belonging to their descendants in the 
county, while many of them have been so changed in their orthography 
as to be scarcely recognizable : 



36 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



NAMES OF PATENTEES ARRANGED. 



r- Beerman, Mary, 

a. Beerman, Johannes/-- - 
3- Same 

4. Bowman, Jacob,.. 

5. Bowman, Johan Adam,. 
Same, 



D. 

6. Dacksteder, Anna, wife of Jurgh Dacksteder,. 

7. Dacksteder, Jurgli,_ 

Same, 



8. Edich, Elizabeth, 

9. Edigh, Johan Michael,. 

10. Edich, Jacob, 

11. Editch, Michael, 

12. Er^hemar, Jurgh, 

13. Erghemar, John Jost,.. 

14. Erghemar, Madalana,.. 

15. Erghemar, Catharina.-. 



16. Feller Nicholas, 

Same, 

17. Feller, Mary, wife of Nicholas Feller,- 

18. Felmore, Coenradt,__. 

ig. Felmore, Chri.stiana, 

20. Fols. Jacob, 

21. Fols. Melgert, 

Same, 

22. Fox. Christopher, 



H. 
Heger, Henry. 

Helmer, Elizabeth, wife ofLendert Helmer,, 

Helmer, Philip. 

Helmer, Johan Adam, 

Same, _ .__ 



Helmer, Frederick, 

Helmer, Anna Margaret. i 

Herter, Apolone, 

Herter. Lowrens, _. 

Hess. Augustines, 

Hoss, Johannes, _. 



ife of John Adam Helmer 



K. 

^4. Keslaer, Johannes, _. 

35. Keslaer, Nicholas, 

^6. Kast. Johan Jurgh, jr., 

Same, 

37. Kast, Johan Jurgh, 

Same, 

"iS. Koons, Mary Catharine, widow, 

Same _ 

3(). Korsing, Rudolph, 

40. Korsing, Belia, wife of Rudolph Korsing.. 

41. Koues, Lodowick, 



43. Mayor, Hendrik,.. 
Same. 

44. Mayor, Anna, 

45. Miller, Johannes.. 



North 
South 



North 
South 



South 
North 
I South 



At the Little Falls. 



All the 30 acre lots were 
set on what were call- 
ed the Great Flats, in 
and near the present 
village of Herkimer. 
The 70 acre lots are 
described in the patent 
as wood land. 



Mohawk Village. 

And large island in 



Mohawk Valley. 



At the Little Falls 



Near Rankin's Lock. 



I South Opposite Great Flats. 



* l\vo lots of same number to Johannes Beerman. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



37 



S'AMES OF PATENTEES ARRANGED. 



48. Pears, Catharine, 

4g, Pears, Lodowick, ;__ _ 

50. Pell, Frederick, 

51. Pell, Anna Mary, 

52. PelUnger, Johannes, 

Same, ,. 

53. Pellinger, Peter, 

Same, 

54. Pellinger, Margaret, wife of Johannes Pellinger,. 

55. Pellinger, Frederick, 

56. Pellinger, Margaret, wife of Johannes Pellinger,., 

57. Petri, Johan Joost, 

Same, __ 

58. Petri, Gurtruydt, wife of Johan Joost Petri, 

Sg. Petri, Mark. _._ 

60. Pouradt, Johannes 

61. Poenradt, Gurtruydt, wife of Johannes Poenradt,. 



R. 



62. Reelle, Godfrey, 

Same, 

63. Reele, Godfrey, jr.,*. 

64. Reele, Godfrey, 

65. Rickert, Lodowick.. 
Same, 

66. Rickert, Catharine,-. 

■67. Rickert. Conradt, 

68. Rickert, Mark 



. Shoemaker, Rudolph, 

. Shoemaker, Thomas,- 

Same, 

. Smith, Adam Michael, 

Same, __. 

. Smith, Johan Jurgh, 

Same, 

. Smith, Ephraim, 

. Smith, Marte, 

. Speis, Peter,-- _. 

, Speis. Elizabeth, wife of PeterSpeis, 

, Spoon, Hendrik _ 

, Spo .n, Hendrik, jr., --- 

, Staring, Mary Eva, wife of John Adam Staring,. 
. Staring, John Adam, 

Staring, Frederick, _ 

Same, __. 

. Staring, Johannes Velden, 

, Staring, Nicholas, 

Staring. Joseph, 

Staring, John Velde, jr., 



86. Temouth, John Jost,. 

87. Temouth, Fredrigh,.. 



Same, - 



88. Veldelent, John,- 
Same, -_ -_ 

8g. Veldelent, Anna, 



90. Wever, Jacob, 

Same. 

QT. Wever, Nicholas, 

Same. 

92. Wever, Andries, 

93. Wever, Jacob, jr., 

94. Welleven, Nicholas, - 



South 
North 



Opposite Great Flats. 
And )^ of an island. 
On east side of West Can- 
Same, [ada Creek. 



Near Mohawk Village. 



Stone Ridge, Herkimer 
Village. 



Nori:h Capt. Peter Klock. 



Nori;h 
South 
North 

South 



Ilion Village. 



Ilion Village. 



At the Little Falls. 
And X of an island. 



At Little Falls. 



Ft. Herkimer, Stone Ch. 



Same lot to Godfrey Reele and Godfrey Reele, jr 



38 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 




In the Burnetsfield patent 
there were forty-six lots on 
each side of the river. Those 
embracing the villages of Ilion 
and Mohawk and the inter- 
vening ground were of uni- 
form shape and size. Lots 
24 south and 27 and 28 north 
of the Mohawk, were partly 
composed of islands in the 
stream. The broad river bot- 
toms about the site of Herki- 
mer were naturally a coveted 
portion of the patent ; and to 
give as many as possible of 
the grantees a share in this 
choice land, it was not appor- 
tioned among a few in 100- 
acre lots, but was divided as a 
rule into lots of thirty acres 
each, and the recipients of 
these completed their allot- 
ments by taking 70-acre lots 
(of the same number) of the 
higher wooded ground back 
of the river. The 30-acre lots 
covered the site of Herkimer 
(except one 86- acre piece) 
and all the vicinity in the an- 
gle of the river and West 
Canada Creek, back to a line 
passing from the river to the 
creek a little northwest of the 
village ; while from this line 
the corresponding 70-acie lots 
stretched away in a block 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 39 

northwestwardly for about two miles and a quarter. These large lots 
ran the whole length of this block, while they were only sixteen rods in 
width, the object being to give each of them an end toward the flats 
and as close communication as possible with the low lot belonging to 
the same proprietor. (The accompanying plan shows the divisions of 
these lots). 

The act of confirmation, January 17, 1723, required that the names 
and number of all the persons to be concerned in the grant should be 
certified to the surveyor-general before the survey was made, and as 
appears by the patent issued, there were only thirty- nine families and 
ninety-four persons reported. 

The Burnetsfield patent was dated April 30, 1725, about two years 
after the first Palatine settlements in this vicinity. The Burnetsfield 
grantees held their land subject to a quit- rent of two shillings and six- 
pence per hundred acres, and were bound to cultivate within three years 
at least three acres of every fifty given them. " For a long time after the 
Palatines came to this valley," said Samuel Earl in a historical address, 
" the heart of their settlement was where the old stone church stands 
[Fort Herkimer]. Here came the Schoharie Palatines, to the number 
of thirty families and upwards, in the spring of 1723, and then began 
the first settlement in this county." 

While the impartial reader of this day will readily accord the pre- 
sumption that the offer by the queen of a haven to the persecuted Ger- 
mans was a boon of the highest importance, we cannot shut our eyes to 
the selfishness and injustice of the government and its unprincipled agents 
who, at the same time, sought to profit through the necessities of the 
immigrants and to set them up on the frontier as probable targets for 
the French insurgents. 

It was not until 1724, long after Governor Burnet's arrival, that the 
6,000 acres purchased of Mr. Livingston fourteen years earlier was se- 
cured to the Palatines by patent. This gave each of the families a 
liberal domain; each of the sixty-three heads of families took what he 
had held and improved, while the remainder of the tract was left in 
common. 

At one time Governor Burnet contemplated removing the whole of 
the German population then under his government to the center of the 



40 HISTORT OF HERKIMER COUNTV. 

State, as indicated in his letter of October i6, 1721, to the Lords of 
Trade, wherein he says : " I did intend to settle the Palatines as 
far as I could in the middle of our Indians, but finding they could not 
be brought to that, I have granted their own request which was to have 
a license to purchase of the nearest Indians, which are on the Mohocks, 
which I have granted them with this condition, that they be not nearer 
than 2. fall in the Mohocks River, which is forty miles from Fort Hunter, 
and four score from Albany, by which the frontier will be so much ex- 
tended, and those people seem very well pleased and satisfied with what 
I have done." In his letter of November 21, 1722, he says: "As 
about sixty families desired to be in a distinct tract from the rest," he 
gave them leave to purchase from the Indians on the Canada Creek, 
where they would be more immediately a barrier against the sudden 
incursions of the French. 



CHAPTER HI. 

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 

THE time came soon enough when the peaceful German settlers of 
the upper Mohawk valley were called upon to " stand as a frontier 
against the French and their Indians." After about thirty-five years of 
prosperous peace, during which their farms had been cleared, buildings 
erected, stock and crops raised and defenses established, the shock of 
the French and Indian war, as it is known, came upon them in Novem- 
ber, 1757. The English fort at Oswego and the small fortifications on 
Wood Creek and the upper Mohawk had been captured in the previous 
year; and on the 12th of November, 1757, a force of about three hun- 
dred marines, Canadians and Indians, under command of M. De 
Belletre, traversed the wilderness by way of Black River, and attacked 
and destroyed the Palatine settlements on the north side of the Mohawk 
at or near the present village of Herkimer. The attack was a surprise 
and resulted in a cold-blooded massacre, which is described as follows in 
the bombastic style of the French narrator : 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 41 

"On the 11th of November, at three o'clock in the forenoon, M. de Belletre, pre- 
ceded as was his custom by scouts, crossed the river Corlaer [Mohawk] with his de- 
tachment, partly swimming, partly in water up to the neck. He encamped at night- 
fall in the woods a league and a half from the Hrst of the five forts that covered the 
Palatine settlements. 

"The l'2th, at three o'clock in the morning, he gave his detachment the order of 
march and attack so as to surround the said five forts and the entire Palatine village, 
consisting of sixty houses. 

" Though M. de Belletre knew that the English got notice the day preceding, yet 
that the courage of the Indians may not receive the least check, and to show them that 
he would not rashly expose them, he liberated an Indian of the Five Nations, whom he 
had until then detained under suspicion. But this savage could not injure M. de 
Belletre, because he commenced at the same time to attack the five forts and the Pala- 
tines' houses. 

" At sight of the first fort he decided to take it by assault. The enemj' kept up a 
most active fire of musketry, but the intrepidity with which M. de Belletre, and all the 
officers and Canadians of his detachment advanced, coupled with the war whoop of the 
Indians, terrified the English to the degree that the mayor of the village of the Pala- 
tines, who commanded the said fort, opened the doors and asked for quarters. 

" M. de Belletre lost no time in repairing to the second, the third, the fourth and 
fifth, which were not less intimidated than the first, by his intrepidity and the cries of 
the Indians. They all surrendered at discretion and were entirely burnt. 

" During this time a party of Canadians and Indians ravaged and burnt the said sixty 
houses of the Palatines, their barns and other out buildings, as well as the water mill. 

" In all these expeditions about forty English perished — killed or drowned. The 
number of prisoners is nearly one hundred and fifty men, women and children, among 
whom is the mayor of the village, the surgeon and some militia officers. We had not 
a man killed ; but M. de Lorimer, officer, was wounded in the right side by a ball, and 
three or four savages slightly. 

'' The damage inflicted on the enemy is estimated according to the representations 
of the English themselves, to wit: 

•' In grain, of all sorts, a much larger quantity than the island of Montreal has pro- 
duced in years of abundance. The same of hogs; 3,000 horned cattle; 3,000 sheep. 
All these articles were to be sent in a few days to Corlaer [Schenectady] ; 1 ,500 horses, 
300 of which were taken by the Indians, and the greater number consumed for the 
support of the detachment. 

" The property in furniture, wearing apparel, merchandise and liquor might form a 
capital of 1,500,000 livres [$277,500]. The mayor of the village alone has lost 400, 
000 [$74,000]. The French and Indians have acquired as rich a booty as they could 
carry off. They have in specie more than 100,000 livres [$18,500]. One Indian alone 
has as much at 30,000 [$6,550]. There was likewise plundered a quantity of wampum, 
silver bracelets, &c., scarlet cloth and other merchandise, which would form a capital 
of 80,000 more. All this damage could not be done short of forty-eight hours. M. de 
Belletre made provision to be always able to resist the enemy, who as has been ob- 



42 HISTORY OF HERKIMKR COUNTY. 

served were to the numlier of 350 men in the said Fort Koiiari |HerkinieiJ, jdioul a 
quarter of a league from the field of battle." 

Although this account is greatly exaggerated, as was proved subse- 
quently by the narrative of Mr. Daine which was sent to the French 
minister, ' especially in regard to destruction of property, it still tells a 
tale of barbarity most revolting in all its details. The responsibility for 
this disastrous event is in dispute. William L. Stone, the biographer 
of Sir Wilham Johnson, exonerates the baronet from blame, while the 
late Judge Benton throws doubt upon Stone's proofs. It seems almost 
incredible that Sir William Johnson could have connived for this wan- 
ton attack, and no less incredible that he would endeavor to hide his 
duplicity under proofs deliberately manufactured. Sir William had 
long before the assault urged the stationing of a force of rangers at the 
German Flats for scouting purposes. He had characterized the garri- 
sons among the Palatines as being " not only very arrogant and self- 
sufficient," but " of no use in protecting the Germans." His interest 
for the welfare of the Germans seems to have continued down almost 
to the date of the attack. He wrote to the Lords of Trade September 
28, 1757, as follows : 

The Tiiscaroras and Oneidas have not yet made any e.xpress declaration to me ; 
they have promised soon to do it. The latter are divided among themselves, and the 
greater part under the influence of those of their nation whom the French have drawn 
ofT to live at Sweegachie on St. Lawrence river, and at whose scalping parties, which 
molest the German Flats, they do at least connive. 

The evidence of Sir William's honor in the matter rests chiefly upon 
the following : Having been informed that the Indians had not notified 
the Palatines of the enemy's approach until the morning of the attack, 
he sent his dsputy to make inquiry of several Oneida and Tuscarora 
Indians who had assembled at the German Flats why they had not 
given the settlers timely warning. The deputy agent, George Crogin, 
did not arrive at the scene of desolation until the Indians had left for 
home; but at his request they returned. His narrative of what then 
took place states : 

> Governor DeLancy, in mentioning the tlestruction of " a valuable settlement on the north side 
of the Molia\vk*s rivtr, opposite to Fort Hareniger, called the Gerinan Flats," says, " the loss is 
estimated at twenty thousand pounds this money," a large discrepancy from that given by the 
valorous Frenchman.— Hcnton's Herkimer County. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 45 

The aforesaid Indians returned, and on the 30th of ISl ovember [1757], at Fort Harke- 
man, Conaghquieson, the chief Oneida sachem, made the following speech to Mr. Cro- 
ghan, having first called in one Rudolph Shumaker, Hanjost Harkeman and several other 
Germans, who understood the Indian language, and de.'^ired them to sit down and hear 
what he was going to say. Conaghquieson then said : " Brother, I can't help telling 
you that we were very much surprised to hear that our "brethren, the English, suspect 
and charge us with not giving them timely notice of tiie designs of the French, as it is 
well known we have not neglected to give tliem every piece of intelHgence that came 
to our knowledge. 

" Brother : About fifteen days before the afiFair happened, we sent the Germans word 
that some Swegatchi Indians told us the French were determined to destroy the Ger- 
man Flats, and desired them to be on their guard. About six days after that we had 
a further account from the Swegatchi, that the French were preparing to mai-cli. 

" I then oame down to the German Flats, and in a meeting with the German.s, told 
what we had heard, and desired them to collect themselves together in a body at their 
fort, and secure their women, cliildren and efifects, and make the best defense they 
could ; and at the same time told th^i to write what I had said to onr brother War- 
raghiyagey [Meaning Sir William Johiison. The Palatines never sent this intelligence]. 
But they paid not the least regard to what I told them, and laughed at me, saying they 
did not value the enemy. Upon this I returned home and sent one of our people to 
the lake [meaning the Oneida lake] to find out whether the enemy were coming or not; 
and after he had stayed there two days, the enemy arrived at the carrying place, and 
sent word to the castle at the lake, that they were there, and told them what they 
were going to do ; but charged them not to let us at the upper castle know anything of 
their design. As soon as the man I seut there heard this, he came on to us with the 
account that night, and as soon as we received it we sent a belt of wampum to confirm 
the truth thereof, to the Flats, which came here the day before the enemy made their 
attack ; but the people would not give credit to the account even then, or they might 
have saved their lives. This is the truth and those Germans here present know it to 
be so." 

The aforesaid Germans did acknowledge it to he so, and that they had such intelli- 
gence. Gkorgk Croguan. 

The authenticity of this document is doubted by Judge Benton, while 
Mr. Stone gave it credence and at the same time claims to have other 
evidence that the Palatines were promptly and properly warned of the 
impendi<ig attack. Other writers believe that the warning was sent, 
but that it was delivered in such a manner as to weaken its import in 
the minds of the settlers. It is a subject that must be left for the histor- 
ical student to investigate for himself and form his own conclusions. 

Judge Benton sums up the consequences of the deplorable event as 
follows: "These people were then seated on as fertile a spot as any in 
the State, had good buildings on their farms, and. were generally rich. 



44 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Their buildings and crops were destroyed by fire, and their horses, cat- 
tle, sheep and hogs were many of them killed. Some of the people 
were slain by the marauders and nearly one hundred carried into cap- 
tivity. The German minister and a majority of the inhabitants who 
followed him, saved themselves by going to the fort on the south side 
of the river, on the morning of the attack. The enemy burned a grist- 
mill, probably on what is now called Staring's Creek, and a saw mill 
within a few miles of the settlement. There were about twenty houses 
between Fort Kouari (Herkimer) and Fall Hill or Little Falls, on the 
south side of the river at this time, and eight on the north side, w hich 
were abandoned for a time when the settlement at Herkimer was de- 
stroyed." 

On the 30th of April, 1758, the Palatines were ag.iin attacked by a 
large party of Indians and a few French, the assault being directed 
against the settlement on the south side of the river, near the fort. Lieu- 
tenant Blair, of the Rangers, was wounded and about thirty of the in- 
habitants were killed. It will be of interest to copy the follouing ac- 
count of this event from the New York Mercury of May 22, 1758: 

About 12 o'clock on Monday, the 30th of April last, an Oneida Indian acquainted 
Captain Herkimer that a party of eighty Indians and four Frenchmen were nigli his fort, 
and would certainly come down and attack the settlements that day, and advised Cap- 
tain Herkimer to go into the fort and take as many of the inhabitants with him as he 
could collect. About 3 o'clock, most part of the inhabitants, having no^ice from Cap- 
lain Herkimer, left their houses and assembled at the fort. Four families that fled from 
Henderson's purchase in the spring for fear of the enemy, could not get in ; and had in 
their houses two Indian traders of the name of Clock, and six wagoners that were 
carrying Captain Gage's baggage to the fort. At 4 o'clock, all of a sudden, the hou.ses 
were attacked, and the wagoners, being surprised, ran up .stairs, the better to defend 
themselves. The Indians immediately rushed into the hou.se, and killed and scalped all 
that were below. Some of the Indians attempted the stairs, but they were knocked 
down by the wagoners. They then fired up through the loft, and soon were joined by 
more Indians, who fired many shots quite through the house, and proposed to set it on 
fire; which intimidated John Bhel, a wagoner, to such a degree that he leaped out of a 
window, thinking to make his escape, but was soon killed. The other five defended 
themselves with great intrepidity, having killed one Indian, until they were relieved 
by a party of Rangers who came to their assistance, and after exchanging a few shots 
the Indians fled, seeing our people had the advantage of a log fence. 

The Palatines received only about four hours' notice of this attack, 
which fact, in the opinion of Judge Benton, tends to substantiate his 




.ft- 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 45 

theory that the settlement was not properly warned of the attack in the 
previous year.^ 

The French and Indian war closed with the conquest of Canada in 
1760, and a period of peace succeeded, which was most grateful to the 
harassed Palatines. Those wha had been carried into captivity returned 
and again took up the cultivation of their farms and the improvement 
of their homes. There were at this time nearly five hundred houses in 
the Mohawk valley between East Canada Creek and Sir William John- 
son's residence, and there was rich promise of development of the lo- 
cality. Several important Indian councils were held in the valley, some 
of them upon the soil of Herkimer county, between the restoration of 
peace and the period immediately preceding the outbreak of the Revo- 
lution. 

In 1763 Nova Scotia, Canada, Cape Breton and other dependencies 
were ceded by France under the treaty of Paris, to the British crown, 
and the two Floridas by Spain, thus giving Great Britain control of the 
entire North American continent. During the preceding three-quar- 
ters of a century, and in spite of the four destructive wars, the colonies 
had greatly developed and improved the country as far as the settle- 
ments extended, and were pushing with rapid strides their commercial 
interests. This latter advancement led the mother country into the 
imposition of restrictions that threatened to disturb trade, to the great 
injury of the colonies; this, with burdensome taxation without repre- 
sentation, finally led to the revolt that culminated in the Revolution. 
It is not the purpose of this work, nor is there space in its pages, to 
follow in detail the historic events that resulted in the final declaration 
of independence; but merely to briefly note the conditions that were 
imposed upon this immediate locality by the great struggle and the part 
taken in it by the inhabitants of the Mohawk valley. 

' The old fort at German Flats was called Fort Herkimer ; and in 1758 was commanded by Colonel 
Charles Clinton, father of General James and Governor George Clinton, and grandfather of De 
Witt Clinton, who was a son of General James Clinton. This officer marched from this fort in the 
summer of 1758, under General Bradstreet. to Oswepo, and thence to the siege of Fort Frontenac 
[Kingston, Canada). This expedition was completely successful ; the French were not apprised at 
their approach until they saw them before the walls of their fortress. Among the persons who 
were afterward distinguished, who accompanied General Bradstreet, were Horatio Gates [to 
whom Burgoyne surrendered], then a captain, and Nathaniel Woodhull, then a major, afterward 
first president of the New York Provisional Congress, and who in the Revolution was a general 
and sealed his attachment to the caube of his country with his blood. 



46 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

In the Revolutionary VVar, as far as it pertained to this part of New 
York, Sir William Johnson exercised a greater influence than any other 
one person. His power over the Indians was almost unbounded, while 
his close adherence to the cause of England made him one to be feared 
ill the coming contest. But his influence was not felt among the Pala- 
tines as it was farther east in the valley and nearer his home. Sir 
William died on the i j th of July, 1 774, just at the outbreak of the Revo- 
lution, but his mantle of partisanship against the colonists fell upon his 
son. Sir John Johnson, and his nephew, Guy Johnson, and they ex- 
erted all their powerful influence to hold the allegianceof the Indians to 
the cause of England. At the same time, it was only a natural result 
of such a tremendous overthrow of government and its established 
usages and institutions, that there should be partisans. The epithet of 
"tory" has come down to us of to-day surrounded with an atmosphere 
of obloquy and opprobrium which, perhaps, it scarcely deserves. The 
very principle of free speech, thought and action, which underlies the 
government that was established by the patriots in the Revolution, 
would seem to have given the individual of that trying period a certain 
right to choose as to the direction which his allegiance should take. This 
would surely be true, were it not that the provocation meted out to the 
colonists was unbearable. The tory was the patriot in the eyes of the 
mother country, while the patriot colonist was the rebel of that govern- 
ment. This is not advanced in mitigation of many barbarous deeds by 
tories and Indians against the suffering settlers in America; but because 
it may be better to forget, under the softening influence of time, the 
animosities and differences that could not fail to be stirred into life during 
such a struggle as our Revolution. But whatever the opinion enter- 
tained on this point, it can be truthfully recorded that very few of the 
Palatines are known to have abandoned their homes and followed the 
fortunes of the Johnsons. If promises were held out to them as induce- 
ment toward such a course, they were generally futile. They had not 
forgotten the scenes of November, 1757, and April, 1758, when they 
were left on an unprotected frontier, by those who, possibly, might have 
given them succor, to the destruction and bloodshed that followed in 
the wake of a savage foe. And they also had loftier motives to guide 
their actions and control them in the course they should pursue in the 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 47 

contest. They well knew the miseries of serfdom, a concomitant of 
regal power and the rule of one man. They appreciated the sentiment 
that man ought not to be burdened unjustly without his consent; and 
exposed as they were, and suffer as they undoubtedly knew they must 
in the coming struggle, they still embraced with zeal the cause of the 
colonies against the mother country and held out firmly to the end. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 

THROUGH the influence of Sir William Johnson, Tryon county was 
formed in 1772, with Johnstown, Fulton county, as the county seat, 
where a court-house and jail were soon erected. At the formation of 
the new county there were probably about 10,000 inhabitants, most of 
whom were settled along the Mohawk. The county embraced all of 
the State west of a line running due north from the Delaware River 
through what is now Schoharie county, and along the eastern limits of 
the present counties of Montgomery, Fulton and Hamilton, to the Ca- 
nadian line. Instead of townships, this large territory was divided into 
five districts, the easternmost one being named Mohawk ; this embraced 
the territory between the eastern line of the county and a line running 
parallel thereto crossing the Mohawk at the " Noses." The Stone 
Arabia district extended indefinitely northward from the river between 
the Mohawk district on the east and on the west from a line running 
north and south through the State crossing the river at Little Falls. 
With the same breadth, the Canajoharie district reached southward to 
the Pennsylvania line. North of the Mohawk River and west of the 
Stone Arabia district, as far as settlements extended, was the Kingsland 
district; while south of the river, extending westward from the Canajo- 
harie district to the meridian of Fort Stanwix, and southerly to the Penn- 
sylvania line, was the German Flats district. One year after the for- 
mation of these districts, the name of Stone Arabia district was changed 
to Palatine. The inhabitants of the districts elected on the first Tues- 



48 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

day in the year, a supervisor, two assessors and one collector for each 
district. Courts and civil officers were provided, and the first court in 
the county was held at Johnstown on Tuesday, September 8, 1772. 

There was not, perhaps, in the whole country during the period just 
preceding the Revolution a section of the frontier where a deeper and 
more active interest was shown in'the affairs and prospects of the colonies, 
than in the Mohawk valley. This was necessarily the case, on account 
of the intense partisanship of the Johnsons combined with their great 
power over the Indians on the one hand, and on the other the patriotic 
loyalty to the colonists of the Dutch in the lower valley and the Pala- 
tines farther west. Sir William Johnson had not been dead two months 
when a public meeting was held in the Palatine district at which a series 
of resolutions was adopted warmly commendatory of the blessings to be 
derived from the British government and extolling the duty of every 
person in submitting to whatever restrictions and burdens the crown saw 
fit to impose. Then followed the Declaration of Rights by the Conti- 
nental Congress in September, 1774, and the battle of Lexington, as it is 
termed, in the spring of 1775. The news of this event was received in 
Johnstown during a session of the court. The loyalists thereupon under- 
took a demonstration against the Colonial Congress by circulating a 
declaration disapproving of the proceedings of that body in the preced- 
ing autumn. After much altercation the signatures of a majority of the 
county officials were obtained to the declaration, which proceeding 
threw the Whigs into a fever of excitement and indignation. They 
called public meetings and appointed committees, and adopted an article 
of association endorsing the action of Congress and pledging the signers 
to its support. 

It soon became apparent that the Johnsons and their allies were not 
only loyalists of the most determined character, but that they would 
attempt the suppression of all patriotic demonstration in the countJ^ 
In view of this condition of affairs the Palatine committee met on the 
19th of May, 1775, and addressed a letter to the committee at Albany, 
in which they represented their circumstances, stating that Johnson 
Hall was fortified and armed ; that Colonel Johnson had stopped two 
New England men passing up the valley and searched them ; recom- 
mending that no ammunition be sent up the valley except under the 





^. 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 4J> 

inspection of, and consigned to, the committee, to be given out to such 
shopkeepers as they should approve and concluding : " In a word, gentle- 
men, it is our fixed resolve to support and carry into execution every- 
thing recommended by the Continental Congress, and to be free or 
die." That expression bears the true ring of patriotism and shows 
clearly the attitude of the majority of the inhabitants of the valley. 

In Campbell's " Annals of Tryon County " the date of the first united 
meeting of the county committee is given as June 2, 1775, with the 
following as the names of the committee : 

From the Palatine district : Cliri.stopher P. Yates, John Frey, Andrew Fink, Andrew 
Reiber, Peter Waggoner, Daniel McDougal, Jacob Klock, George Ecker, Jun., Harma- 
nus Van Slyck, Christopher W. Fox, Anthony Van Veghten ; 11. 

From the Cana)oharie district : Nicholas Herkimer, Ebenezer Cox, William Seeber, 
John Moore, Samuel Campbell, Samuel Clyde, Thomas Henry, John Pickard ; 8. 

From the Kingsland and German Flats districts: Edward Wall, William Petry, John 
Petry, Augustine Hess, Frederick Orendorf, George Wentz, Michael Ittig, Frederick 
Fox, George He.-kimer, Duncan McDougal, Frederick Helmer, and John Frink; 12. 

From the Mohawk district: John iVlorlett, John Bliven, Abraham Van Home, Adam 
Fonda, Frederick Fisher, Sampson Simmons, William Schuyler, Volkert Veeder, James 
McMaster and Daniel Lane; 10. In all, 41. 

Previous to the above named meeting the Mohawk delegates had been 
influenced by the Johnsons against attending the committee gatherings. 
Such was the case on the 24th of May, when all the committees met, 
excepting Mohawk, and unanimously approved of the previous action 
of the Palatine committee, and voted that Daniel McDougall, for Pala- 
tine district, David Cox for Canajoharie, and Edward Wall and Duncan 
McDougall for German Flats and Kingsland, be sent to Sclienectady 
and Albany to confer with the committees of those places upon the sit- 
uation, and to procure ammunition, etc. Meanwhile Guy Johnson was 
secretly active in inciting the Indians to keep alive their memory of Sir 
William and to hold themselves ready to protect himself and his property. 
He undoubtedly early saw his impending doom. At the meeting of 
June 2, above mentioned, a long letter, written in a spirit of patriotic 
and dignified protest against his disloyal acts and maintaining the position 
of the committees, was prepared and forwarded to Johnson. This drew 
from him a reply in which he mildly deprecated the unconstitutional 
means taken by the colonists to redress their wrongs ; excusing the 



50 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

fortification of his house by his fears of actual danger to himself; deny- 
ing that he had stopped any travelers, and closing with the assurance 
that he should always be glad to promote their true interests. But his 
acts belied his words. He went first to Fort Stanwix and thence to 
Ontario and Oswego, where he held councils with the Indians and 
further secured their promised devotion to the king through gifts and 
rewards. He finally repaired to Montreal where he remained through 
the war, continuing the discharge of his duties as Indian agent and de- 
voting himself indirectly to the destruction of the people of whom lie 
had written that he " should always be glad to promote their true iii- 
erests." 

In their alarming situation, especially as regarded the attitude of the 
Six Nations, the colonists made earnest efforts to dissuade them from 
joining in the approaching struggle. These efforts were successful only 
with a large part of the Oneidas and the Tuscaroras. The last 
council held before the war was convened at Albany August 23-3 1, 
1775, and although some assurance was then obtained from the Indians 
that they would remain neutral, it was not many months before the 
great body of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas evinced 
their attachment to the royal cause. Following the flight of Guy John- 
son, the colonists found it necessary to keep a close watch upon the 
movements of Sir John. He was surrounded by a large body of tories 
and Indians and left no means untried to harass and annoy the settlers. 
As a last resort the Tryon county committee resolved to make him 
speak out his intentions and hold him responsible for his utterances. 
They accordingly addressed a letter to him, over the signature of 
Nicholas Herkimer, which contained the following paragraph : 

We want to know whether you will allow that the inhabitants of Johnstown and 
Kingsboi'oiigh may form themselves into companies according to the regulations of our 
Continental Congress, for the defense of our country's cause ; and whether your honor 
would be ready himself to give his personal assistance to the same purpose. 

Sir John's reply left no doubt resting upon his sentiments, at least. 
It was thus reported to the committee by the messengers who conveyed 
their inquiries : 

In regard of embodying his tenants into companies, he never did forbid them, neither 
should do it, as they may use their pleasure ; but we might save ourselves the trouble, 
he being sure they would not. 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 51 

Concerning himself, he said that before he would sign any association, or would lift 
his hand up against his king, he would rather suffer that his head shall be cut off. 

Sir John continued hi.s military preparations about Johnson Hall, and 
succeeded in keeping the inhabitants of the county in continual alarm. 
The activity and growing boldness of the tories led to the issuance of an 
order by Congress to General Sciiuyler in January, 1776, directing him 
to take steps to captur- the materials of war reported as stored at Johns- 
town and disarm the tories. With about 700 men General Schuyler 
proceeded toward Johnstown. At Guy Park, some miles east of Johns- 
town, Sir John and a party of his followers were encountered. The 
baronet was at first disposed to assume a belligerent attitude, but he 
was soon convinced of a better course and asked for twenty-four hours 
for consideration. This was granted and he returned to the Hall. From 
Caughnawaga, whither General Schuyler had marched, and where he 
had met General Herkimer and the militia, an ultimatum was sent to 
Sir John. He was permitted to retain some family arms and allowed 
certain liberty in prescribed limits in the eastern part of the State. To 
this he agreed, but his continued violation of the compact and renewed 
evidences of his hostility to the cause led General Schuyler to the con- 
clusion that the only proper and safe course was to place him under 
arrest. An expedition was sent out in May for this purpose and to quell 
all disaffection about Johnstown. Sir John received information of this 
movement and he fled with his retainers to Canada, where he accepted 
a commission as colonel in tlie British arm\' and formed two battalions 
of " Royal Greens" from the tories who had accompanied him. They 
became the bitterest enemies with whom the patriots had to contend. 

After the departure of Sir John and his band, who were subsequently 
followed by other parties of tories, this class of persons made no further 
hostile demonstrations in the county. 

Returning to the subject of military affairs in the county in 1775, the 
committee of safety organized the militia of the county into four battal- 
ions and on the 26th of August transmitted the return, through Nicho- 
las Herkimer, the chairman, to the general committee of safety, then in 
session in New York, by whom it was approved on the 6th of Septem- 
ber. Following is a list of field officers of the four battalions who were 
nominated in each district : 



52 HISTORY Q¥ HERKIMER COUNTY. 

First battalion Canajoharie district. — Nicholas Herkheimer, colonel; Ebenezer Cox, 
lieutenant-colonel ; Robert Wells, major ; Samuel Clyde, adjutant. 

Second battalion, Palatine district. — Jacob Clock, colonel; Peter Waggoner, lieuten- 
ant-colonel; Harmanus Van Slyck, major; V. Vechten, adjutant. 

Third battalion, Mohawk district. — Frederick Fisher, colonel; Adam Fonda, lieuten- 
ant-colonel ; John Bliven, major ; Robert Yates, adjutant. 

Fourth battalion, German Flats and Kingsland. — Hanyoost Herkheimer, colonel ; 
Peter Bellinger, lieutenant-colonel ; Hanyoost Shoemaker, major ; John Demooth, ad- 
jutant. 

The following are the names of the other officers of the fourth bat- 
talion : 

1st company. — John Eisenlord, captain; John Keyser, 1st lieutenant ; Adam Bellin- 
ger, 2d lieutenant; John Smith, er.sign. 

2d company.— John Petry, captain; Hanyoost Mx. Petry, 1st lieutenant; Hanyoo.«t 
H. Petry, 2d lieutenant ; William Empie, ensign. 

3d company. — Daniel Petry, captain ; Peter Volts, 1st lieutenant ; Marx Raspach, 
2d lieutenant ; George Helmer, ensign. 

4th company.— Frederick Bellinger, captain; Henry Herter, 1st lieutenant; John 
Demooth, 2d lieutenant; Peter Ja. Weaver, ensign. 

5th company. — Peter Bellinger, captain ; Jacob Baschawn, 1st lieutenant ; Nicholas 
Staring, 2d lieutenant; John P. Bellinger, ensign. 

6th company. — Hanyoost Herkheimer, captain ; Frederick Ahrendorf, 1st lieutenant; 
Tinus Clapsaddle, 2d lieutenant. 

7th company. — Rudolph Shoemaker, captain ; Deiterick Stale, 1st lieutenant ; Freder 
ick Shoemaker, 2d lieutenant. 

8th company. — George Herkheimer, captain; Frederick Fox, 1st lieutenant; Archi 
bald Armstrong, 2d lieutenant; Hanyoost Tygert, ensign. 

9th company. — William Tygert, captain; Jacob Volts, 1st lieutenant ; George Wenis, 
2d lieutenant; Frederick Frank, ensign. 

By a vote of the committee, Nicholas Herkimer was appointed "Chief 
Colonel, Commander for the County of Tryon." 

The year 1777 produced a series of events of remarkable historical 
importance to the people of the Mohawk valley. In the spring an in- 
vasion was threatened by a large force of Indians under the famous 
Brant. He was met at Unadilla by General Herkimer, with whom he 
had been on friendly terms. The interview was beset with danger and 
a conflict was narrowly escaped ; but it closed without practical results, 
and Brant returned down the Susquehanna. 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 53 

On the 3d of August ( 1777) Fort Schuyler was invested by Colonel 
St. Leger, with a force of 1,700 men. The approach of this attack was 
communicated to Colonel Gansevoort and the authorities of Tryon coun- 
ty by the friendly Oneida Indians. The American force at the fort was 
seven hundred and fifty men, and the supply of ammunition was deficient. 
The first news of the proposed siege of Fort Schuyler seems to have 
thrown the inhabitants of the valley into needless alarm which became 
almost a panic — a condition justified only by their unprotected situation 
and the probability that they could receive little assistance beyond their 
own efforts. On the 17th of July General Herkimer issued a proclama- 
tion announcing that 2,000 " Christians and savages " had assembled at 
Oswego for a descent upon the Mohawk valley, and warning the people 
to be ready at a moment's notice to take the field against the enemy, the 
men from sixteen to sixty for active service, and the aged and infirm to 
defend the women and children. Of the immediate subsequent opera- 
tions Judge Benton wrote as follows : " As soon as the approach of St. 
Leger to Fort Schuyler was known in Tryon county, General Herkimer 
ordered the militia of his brigade to rendezvous at Fort Dayton ( theh 
called German Flats ). This defense was erected in the western part of 
Herkimer village, and the general soon found himself at the head of 
about nine hundred men, composed of the three militia regiments conv 
manded by Colonels Klock, Cox, Vischer and some others, with volun- 
teers of officers and men from various parts of the country. The pub- 
lished accounts of the forces collected under General Herkimer on this 
occasion do not designate the localities from which the several regiments 
were drawn ; enough is known, however, to warrant the assertion that 
the militia of the German Flats and Kingsiand district were attached to 
the regiment commanded by Colonel Peter Bellinger, whose lieutenant- 
colonel was Frederick Bellinger ; major, Enos Klepsattle. The militia 
of these districts participated in the battle of Oriskany. The alacrity 
and zeal evinced on this occasion should have entirely eradicated all 
impressions unfavorable to the patriotic devotion of the inhabitants of 
the valley, growing out of the expression of despondency in the early 
part of the year. Surely after this no one could complain of German 
disloyalty to the cause of the colonists. General Herkimer left Fort 
Dayton on the 4th of August, and encamped near the Oriskany on the 



54 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

5th, crossing the Mohawk river at old Fort Schuyler ( now Utica ) on the 
march up. At this point the general expressed his doubts of the ex- 
pediency of a forward movement, until reinforcements should arrive, or 
the prearranged signal should be given by Colonel Gansevoort from the 
fort. An express, Adam Helmer and two other men, had been dis- 
patched to the fort, informing the commandant of the general's approach, 
and to arrange matters of co-operation. The messengers did not reach 
the fort until ten or eleven o'clock in the morning of the 6th. Three 
successive discharges of heavy ordnance was the signal agreed on, an- 
nouncing the arrival of the express ; the reports of which, it was assumed, 
could be heard at Herkimer's encampment, eight miles distant from the 
fort. Recriminatory and insubordinate language was used on the occa- 
sion, and the general was denounced to his face as a tory and coward ; 
who replied, that their safety was in his hands, and he desired to avoid 
all difficulties that could not be surmounted by bravery and good con- 
duct. On this occasion the general told some of his subordinates, who 
had been noisy and liberal in their accusations of his fidelity and cour- 
age, that they would be the first to run on the approacli of the enemy ; 
which was soon verified to the very letter. 

" All previous accounts had fixed St. Leger's forces at 2,ooo strong, 
nearly half of which were Indians led by Brant, a brave, active and 
artful Mohawk sachem. Herkimer knew this, and he no doubt believed, 
as well he might, that a force superior to his own could be sent against 
him, which would select its own battlefield, without in any way inter- 
fering with the investment of the fort. But noisy insubordination pre- 
vailed, and precipitated the little band of patriots into the jaws of death. 
Smarting under the repeated accusations heaped upon him, and irritated 
no doubt, the general gave orders to take up the line of march, which 
was received with cheers by the men, who proceeded rapidly on their 
way, two deep, having thrown out the usual advanced and flanking 
parties. 

"At lo o'clock on the 6th the main body of troops passed over a 
causeway on a marshy ravine, the advance having commenced an ascent 
of the westerly slope, when a well directed fire from the enemy, in front 
and on both flanks, accompanied with the dismal Indian war-whoop, 
unfolded to the .American fjeneral that his division had become involved 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. • 55 

in an almost inextricable ambuscade. Retreat was impossible, for the 
causeway over the marsh was already blocked up with teams; and the 
rear guard, just commencing the descent of the eastern declivity, com- 
manded by one of the officers who in the morning had taunted his gen- 
eral with cowardice, turned and fled on the first fire of the enemy. But 
flight did not save them from the fate that awaited their comrades on the 
west side of the ravine; the enemy, knowing well the ground, had gained 
the rear, and shot down the fugitives as they ran away from their com- 
panions. As might well be expected, the suddenness of the attack and 
the intensity of the enemy's fire, not only produced great disorder 
among the provincials, but annihilation seemed almost inevitable for a 
time. 

" In this disorder the conflict raged about half an hour, when the 
Americans formed themselves into circular squads, the more effectually 
to repel the attacks of the enemy, who were steadily approaching on 
all sides; and, from this moment, resistance became more effective. The 
enemy then charged with bayonet, but they were met by brave hearts 
and strong arms, and thus the battle raged, until the parties were com- 
pelled to desist by a heavy shower of rain, which raged with great fury 
more than an hour. The enemy sought the best shelter they could 
find, at a good distance from the provincials, when the latter, under the 
directions of their general, occupied a favorable piece of ground, and 
then so formed themselves as to be able to repel an attack from any 
quarter. The fight was renewed, but the Indians, suffering severely 
by the deadly fire of the militia, began to give ground, when a detach- 
ment of Johnson's Greens, composed chiefly of loyalists who had fled 
from Tryon county, were brought into action face to face with many of 
their former neighbors. Then mutual hate and revenge raged with un- 
speakable intensity between the combatants, and the conflict now be- 
came, if possible, more a death struggle than ever. 

" In the mean time, while the battle was the most fierce, a firing was 
heard in the direction of the fort; no unwelcome sound, as may well be 
supposed, to the handful of surviving provincials, nor very gratifying to 
the enemy. During the conflict at the Oriskany, a well conducted 
sortie from the fort, under the command of Colonel Willett, was made 
upon the forces under St. Leger, for the purpose of drawing the enemy's 



56 HISTORY OF HERKIMER CODNTT. 

attention to the preservation of their camp in that direction. This was 
well understood by the provincials, and in it they saw great hope of de- 
liverance. This was not a fight suited to the taste of savages, who found 
their numbers fast diminishing, nor could such a contest be long main- 
tained with much hope of survivorship by either party, ' Oouah,' the 
retreating cry of the Indians, was heard in the distance, and their flight 
commenced with a salute of shouts and bullets from the surviving pro- 
vincials. The Greens and Rangers soon followed the example of their 
illustrious allies by a precipitate retreat, abandoning their dead and 
wounded, and the deeply crimsoned battlefield in the undisputed pos- 
session of the Tryon county militia. Was this a victory, or a defeat of 
the provincials? By all the laws of war, they are victors who remain 
masters of the battle-ground. The American report gave the number 
of provincial militia killed, two hundred, besides the wounded and pris- 
oners. The British accounts state the killed at four hundred, and two 
hundred prisoners, making in all six hundred, besides the wounded. 
Now in modern warfare, and in the severest battles, the wounded are 
more than two to one of the killed, say nothing about prisoners. The 
British accounts do not claim there was over one thousand militia on 
the march at this time to raise the siege of Fort Schuyler. Surely four 
hundred killed, eight hundred wounded and two hundred prisoners, out 
of one thousand, is making sad havoc in the fighting line. But this is 
not so ; and St. Leger, when he gave this statement of killed and 
prisoners to General Burgoyne, was indulging not a little in the M. de 
Belletre vein. 

"The battle was a severe one. The severest, perhaps, for the num- 
ber engaged, that took place during the whole Revolutionary War. 
And from the character of the combatants, the surprise, and the disad- 
vantages under which the provincials labored during the whole six 
hours' conflict, the proportion of the killed to the wounded must have 
been greatly beyond what ordinarily occurs in the hardest actions, where 
firearms are used as the principal weapon of assault and defense. "^ 

In his account of the battle of Oriskany published in 1877, William 
L. Stone gives the following list of officers of the Tryon county militia 
who were killed or wounded in the engagement: 

1 For sketch of General Herkimer, see later pages. 



THE REVOLUTIONARy PERIOD. 57 

In Colonel Visscher's regiment, Captains John Davis and Samuel Pettingill, killed ; 
Major Blauvelt and Lieutenant Groat, taken prisoners and never afterwards heard of; 
Captain Jacob Gardinier and Lieutenant Samuel Gardinier, wounded. In Colonel Ja- 
cob Klock's regiment, Major John Eisenlord and Major Van Slyck (Palatine district) 
and Captain Andrew Dillenback (Palatine district), killed; Captain Christopher Fox 
and John Breadbeg ( Palatine district), wounded; Brigade Major John Frey (Palatine 
district), wounded and prisoner. In Colonel Peter Bellinger's regiment. Major Enos 
Klapsattle, Captain Frederick Helmer, and Lieutenant Petrie ( all of German Flats), 
killed; Lieutenant-colonel Frederick Bellinger and Henry Walradt (German Flats), 
prisoners. In Colonel Ebenezer Cox's regiment, Colonel Cox and Lieutenant-colonel 
Hunt (Canajoharie district), killed; Capl.nins Henry Dievendorff, Robert Grouse and 
Jacob Bowman ( all of Canajoharie district), killed ; Captain Jacob Seeber and Lieu- 
tenant William Seeber ( both of Canajoharie district), mortally wounded. The sur- 
geon, Moses Younglove, was taken prisoner. Among the volunteers not belonging to 
the militia, who were killed, were Isaac Paris (Palatine district), Samuel Billington 
(Palatine district ), John Dygert and Jacob Snell (Manheim). 

Colonel Gansevoort refused to surrender Fort Schuyler on any terms 
offered by St. Leger, and the latter undoubtedly feared the consequences 
of prolonged delay after the battle of Oriskany. An effort was there- 
fore made by Sir John Johnson and Colonels Claus and John Butler, 
who were among the besiegers, to detach the inhabitants of the valley 
from the patriot cause by sending emissaries among them with incen- 
diary proclamations. Knowledge of a secret meeting of tories to be held 
at the house of a Mr. Shoemaker reached Colonel Weston at Fort Day- 
ton, who immediately sent a party and surprised and captured Lieuten- 
ant Walter N. Butler, of St. Leger's army, with twenty eight soldiers 
and Indians, who had come to German Flats on a mission from Sir John 
Johnson. Butler was tried as a spy and sentenced to death, but was 
reprieved and sent to Albany as a prisoner. He finally made his escape 
and became one of the most dastardly and bloodthirsty tories of his 
time. His final fate is noticed a little further on. 

The American General Arnbld arrived at Fort Dayton about the mid- 
dle of August, at which point troops were gathering with the purpose 
of relieving Fort Schuyler. Arnold issued a proclamation to counter- 
act the efforts of Johnson and Claus on the 20th of August, and on the 
23d left Fort Dayton with his soldiers, determined to risk a battle with 
the superior numbers of the enemy at Fort Schuyler. After half a 
day's march he met a courier from Colonel Gansevoort with the news 
that the siege was raised. This happy result was accomplished through 



5S HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

a ruse devised by General Arnold, in which an ignorant and half-witted 
person named Han Yost Schuyler who leaned towards the tory element 
and was captured with the others at Shoemaker's house, was the active 
instrument. He had been sentenced to death, but upon intercession by 
his mother and brother, it was stipulated that liis life would be spared 
if he would proceed to St. Leger's headquarters in company with a 
friendly Oneida Indian, and find some way to so alarm the enemy that 
they would retreat. Han Yost gladly accepted the mission and left his 
brother Nicholas as a hostage. Schuyler's wits were sharpened by his 
danger, and he cunningly fired numerous holes in his garments to in- 
dicate that he had fled for his life, and started with the Indian for St. 
Leger's camp. He went by one road and the Indian by a different one, 
it being arranged that they should not recognize each other when they 
met. Being well known as a loyalist, the ignorant German found will- 
ing listeners in the British officers, and he soon impressed them with 
the danger of continuing the siege. The Indian corroborated the story, 
and the effect was all that could have been desired ; the army retreated, 
accompanied as far as Wood Creek by Han Yost, who then left them 
and returned to Fort Schuyler the same evening. The commander of 
the fort was then able for the first time to understand the sudden de- 
parture of the enemy. '^ 

The remainder of the year 1777 was not marked by any important 
occurrence that deserves notice here. Tiie inhabitants of the county 
proceeded with the spring work on their farms in 1778, in the liope of 
reaping a harvest in the autumn. They were doomed to disappoint- 
ment. 

On the 25th of June the following appointments were made by the 
governor and council to the regiment of militia in the German Flats 
and Kingsland districts : 

Field Ollioers and Regimental Stall'. — Peter Bellingfr, colonel; Frederick Bellinger, 
lieuten.int-colonel ; George Demoth, adjutant ; Rudolph Steel, quartei master. 

Michael Ittig, captain; Jacob Baulcom, first lieutenant ; Frederick Frank, second 
lieutenant ; Patrick Campbell, ensign. 

1 Although this stratagem is generally credited to [General Arnold, Judge Benton doubts the 
statement, and we are inclined to agree with him. The principal ground for the doubt lies in the 
extreme probability that nothing would better have pleased the rash American General Arnold at 
that time than an opportunity to flog the " banditti of robbers, murderers and traitors," as he had 
characterized the forces under St. Leger ; and that he would not, therefore, have adopted a plan to 
frighten them beyond his reach. 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 



59 



Henry Harter, captain ; John Demotb, first lieutenant; Peter .Ta. Weaver, second 
lieutenant; John F. Bellinger, ensign. 

Jacob Small, captain ; George F. Helmer, second lieutenant; Jacob D. Petrie, ensign. 

Henry Staring, captain ; Theobald Baker, first lieutenant ; George Weaver, second 
lieutenant. 

Soverenus Cassleman, captain; Henry Uuber, first lieutenant; Jacob G. Klock, sec- 
ond lieutenant. 

Frederick Getman, captain ; Jacob Meyer, second lieutenant; John Meyer, ensign. 

Henrv Eckler, captain ; Conrad Orendorff, first lieutenant; Timothy Frank, second 
lieutenant; Adam A. Staring, ensign. 

The nine companies formed in 1775 were thus reduced to seven by 
the casualties of the war. The names of Herkimer and Shoemaker 
had disappeared from the rohs, and only one of the Petries was left. 




Plan and Profile of Retrenched Work round Harkemeis house at y" German Flats, 1756 



The first hostility in the county in 1778 occurred in what is now the 
town of Warren, when Brant and a few of his followers attacked and 
burned a settlement called Andrustown, killed five persons and cap- 



60 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

tured the remainder of the seven famihes living there. This event 
occurred in July, and in the following month and the first days of Sep- 
tember, the Palatine settlements were destined to suffer at the hands of 
the enemy. At this time, as the reader has already learned, there 
were two fortifications for the protection of the upper valley : Fort 
Herkimer, near the south bank of the Mohawk river, containing the 
stone church and the stone mansion of the Herkimer family, with some 
other buildings, and surrounded by a ditch ; and Fort Dayton, on a 
slight elevation in the westerly part of Herkimer village, a few rods 
from the site of the present court-house. These forts, while they 
would appear as insignificant defenses from the standpoint of modern 
warfare, were then quite effective protection against the arms of that 
period. There were then about seventy dwellings on both sides of the 
river in the neighborhood of the two forts, besides barns, other out- 
buildings and mills, with a large population in proportion to the num- 
ber of houses. Brant had remained quiet at Unadilla for a long time, 
a fact that aroused the suspicions of the inhabitants of the valley, and 
they finally sent four men as scouts to learn the Indian's intentions. 
The scouts fell in with the moving enemy and three were killed, while 
the fourth, John Helmer, escaped by flight, returned to the fort and 
reported the approach of Brant and a large body of Indians and tories. 
The terror-stricken people fled into the forts, carrying with them their 
most valuable possessions. 

The Indian chief at the head of three hundred tories and about half 
as many savages approached the senlement just at nightfall, but as the 
weather was stormy they remained near the dwelling of Shoemaker, 
the tory sympathizer, until morning, when the torch was applied to 
every building in the settlement and to the stacks of hay and grain, 
while the stock of the farmers was jtfterward driven away. Only two 
persons lost their lives, thanks to the escape and return of John Hel- 
mer with the news of the intended attack. It is recorded that sixty- 
three dwellings, fifty-seven barns, three grist-mills and two saw- mills 
were burned ; and 235 horses, 229 cattle, 269 sheep and 93 oxen were 
driven away. About 400 militia followed in pursuit of the enemy as 
far as Unadilla, but the chase was fruitless. It seems sadly unfort- 
unate that there could not have been a force of soldiers from the 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 6l 

general army provided at one of these forts, sufficient to have left the 
defenses and attacked such a body of marauders at such a time ; but 
by the student of tlie records of the great struggle it is known that the 
numbers of the army were inadequate to the protection of an extended 
frontier, and at the same time prosecute the war at many vastly 
more important points. 

This destructive raid seems to have satisfied the tories and Indians 
that they had accomplished all the damage possible for a considerable 
period. The lower valley and other localities received the incursions of 
the enemy, while the German Flats and what is now the territory of 
Herkimer county was exempt from attack. On the 3d of April, 1780, 
about sixty tories and Indians descended upon the settlements of 
Rheimensynder's Bush, a few miles north of Little Falls, and burned 
a grist-mill. A tory named Cassleman was with the party. They 
took John Garter and his son John prisoners at the mill, and captured 
three men in the road, one of whom was Joseph Newman ; at the same 
time, John Windecker, Henry Shaver, George Adle, Cobus Van Slyke 
and one Youker (or Uker), with several others, were taken at Win- 
decker's father's house some distance north of the mill. All of these 
returned at the close of the war excepting John Garter, who died in 
Canada from punishment received for an attempt at escape, and George 
Adle, who escaped and returned earlier. Others of the inhabitants 
of Rheimensynder's Bush secured refuge in the block-house in the 
settlement. After this visit of the Indians, the people of that part of 
the county left their farms and retired to the lower part of the valley. 

In the month of May, 1781, Fort Schuyler was so far destroyed by 
flood and fire as to lead to its abandonment and the withdrawal of the 
garrison to the German Flats; but this was not a severe affliction, nor 
did it greatly weaken the situation of the settlers in Tryon county. On 
the 8th of May, of this year, Solomon Woodworth, a brave lieutenant 
in Colonel John Harper's New York regiment, was appointed first lieu- 
tenant in Colonel Fisher's regiment of Tryon county militia. With a 
company of forty rangers he was stationed at Fort Dayton, for the pur- 
pose of scouting the country north of the F'lats. Lieutenant Woodworth 
and his company left the fort to reconnoiter the Royal Grant. After a 
few hours' march they came upon an Indian, fired on him, and found 



62 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

themselves in an ambuscade and completely surrounded by savages. A 
bloody conflict followed, and the hand-to-hand fight left only fifteen of 
the Americans to return with the news of the fate of their comrades. 
Among the killed was Woodworth. This encounter " took place about 
three miles north of Herkimer village, on the east side of the West 
Canada Creek, in a deep ravine, where now may be seen the mound of 
earth, under which rest the remains of the gallant W'oodworth and iiis 
brave companions." ^ 

One of the most notable incidents in tiiis section, though partaking of 
a personal character, occurred on the 6th of August, 1781, when the 
small settlement of Shell's Bush, about three miles north of Fort Day- 
ton, was visited by a party of about sixty Indians and tories, under com- 
mand of Donald McDonald, a notorious Scotch refugee from Johns- 
town. A large portion of the inhabitants of the Bush probably received 
notice of the visit and sought siielter in Fort Dayton ; but John Chris- 
tian Shell was made of sterner stuff, and he, with his resolute wife and 
six sons, resolved to enter his block-house, which he had built upon his 
farm, and fight it out. Two of the boys, however, were twins only eight 
years old, and being out in the field were unable to reach the shelter, 
nor could the others reach them without sacrificing themselves, and the 
little fellows were carried away to Canada. Shell's block-house was 
built of logs and in the lower story were a heavy door and loop holes, 
while the second story projected over the first and the floor of the pro- 
jection vvas pierced with holes down through which the inmates could 
fire upon an attacking party, however close to the walls they might be 
Shell's wife made herself of the utmost usefulness in loading the guns 
for her husband and four sons to fire, and under the perpetual shower 
of well- aimed bullets the enemy was several times forced to retire. At- 
tempts were made to fire the block- house, but without success, and 
McDonald himself made an effort to force the door with a crow bar, 
but was wounded in the leg and dragged into the block-house by Shell. 
This capture protected Shell from being burned out by the enemy and 
also gave him a supply of ammunition. At one time in the assault, 
just after a short respite, the enemy came up for a vigorous attack and 
thrust the muzzles of their guns through the loop holes. This was Mrs. 

' Benton's Herkimer County, 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 63 

Shell's opportunity, and she disabled five of the guns with a blow from 
an axe. Just at dark Shell practiced ,a little stratagem which led the 
party to believe that relief was coming from the fort, and they fled to 
the woods. McDonald was taken to the fort the next day and hi.s leg 
amputated. Eleven of the enemy were killed and six wounded and 
left. Tlie little boys reported on their return after the war, that of 
twelve wounded which the party started away witii, nine died before 
reaching Canada. In the following year Shell was dangerously wounded 
by a bullet while at work in his field. Two of his sons were with him, 
and one was killed before relief came from the fort. John Christian 
Shell did not long survive his wounds, and died a good Christian. Judge 
Benton wrote as follows : 

"The Shellbush settlement is on what is usually called Gens Pur- 
chase, embracing perliaps some portion of the Royal Grant, and it will 
be observed that the name of Shell, Schel or Shaul does not occur 
among the patentees of Burnetsfield, nor is the name found in the list of 
Palatines remaining in New York, or taken to Livingston Manor, of the 
first two companies that emigrated. Enough is still known of him to 
authorize the conclusion that he was a German Lutheran, and he or his 
ancestors may have come over with the third body of immigrants in 
1/22, or at a later period." 

On the 24th of October of this year (1781) an expedition under Major 
Ross and Walter N. Butler made an incursion into the lower valley and 
repeated the bloody and barbarous deeds before enacted by these in- 
famous tories in other localities. After burning and destroying every- 
thing in their course, they retreated in a northerly direction through 
Jerseyfield. Colonel Wiliett learned of the raid, destroyed their ba- 
teaux left on Oneida Lake, and reached German Flats by forced marches 
to intercept their retreat on West Canada Creek. They encamped the 
first night in a thick forest on the Royal Grant, and there the colonel 
learned from his scouts the position and force of the enemy. The next 
morning he started in pursuit, but Ross was equally alert and began 
his retreat at break of day. Wiliett came up with the enemy in the 
afternoon, and a skirmish followed with the rear of the party, in which 
several of them were killed and some taken prisoners, among the latter 
being Lieutenant John Rykeman. The Americans overtook the main 



64 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

body of the enemy soon afterward, and a running fight was kept up 
until they crossed the creek late in the day. Butler rallied his men and 
made a stand on the west bank, and a brisk action took place, the par- 
ties being on opposite sides of the creek. About twenty of them were 
killed and among them Rutler himself.' With his death his men fled 
in confusion and were pursued by Willett until darkness fell. The enemy 
continued in retreat all night and marched thirty miles before a halt 
was made. The British had 670 men in this expedition, and it closed 
the active operations of the enemy in this vicinity for the year. 

At the close of Willett's pursuit of the British on the expedition 
above described, he returned to Fort Dayton, having lost only one 
man. 

The next event of importance to the people of Herkimer county took 
place in June, 1782, when a party of Indians and tories appeared at the 
Little Falls, apparently for the sole purpose of destrojing a grist-mill. 
This mill was of great usefulness to the settlers in the valley, especially 
after the destruction of those at the German Flats by Brant more than 
a year earlier. When the enemy reached the mill it was occupied by 
Peter Wolleaver, Christian Edick, Frederick Getman, Marks Rasbach,_ 
John Rasbach, Thomas Shoemaker, Lawrence Hatter, Jacob Petri, Dan- 
iel Petri (who was killed), Peter Orendorff; Gershom Skinner and F. 
Cox, millers; and a sergeant and six men from Captain McGregor's 
company. Hardly a shot was fired by the Americans. Two of the 
soldiers escaped and five were taken prisoners. Cox and Skinner hid 
themselves in the raceway under the water-wheel and escaped; two 
others, P2dick and Getman, jumped into the raceway and endeavored to 
conceal themselves, but the burning mill disclcsed their hiding place 
and they were taken prisoners. 

This was the last serious incursion into the Mohav\k valley during the 
Revolution. Towards the close of the j-ear the British commander iii- 
chief directed that no more Indian expeditions should be sent out at the 

' The manner of Butler's death has been differently related by participants in the battle, and 
others, some insistiniaj that he was killed outright ; others that he was wounded and afterwards 
murdered while supplicating for mercy, and still others that he reached the opposite bank of the 
creek where he stepped upon a fallen tree and deiied his pursuers, whereupon he was shot by two 
persons at the same time. There is no good reason for doubting Colonel Willett's official state- 
ment that Hutlerwas instantly killed in the course of the firing across the creek : in any event the 
question has been given much more importance than it ever deserved. 





iu^i 



'2'^if,lrr~ 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 65 . 

north, and those already out were recalled. The dawn of peace was at 
hand. In February, 1783, the forces under Colonel Willett were concen- 
trated at Fort Herkimer, with the purpose of surprising and capturing 
the fortress at Oswego ; but the expedition failed on account of the small 
number of troops engaged and lack of proper armament to besiege the 
works. Colonel Willett returned to Albany in time to share in thejoys 
caused by the declaration of peace. 

On the 7th of March, 1788, the boundaries of several counties in the 
State were more definitely described, among them being Montgomery. 
Two of the towns established at this time, German Flats and Herkimer, 
contained most of the territory of the present Herkimer county, with 
much besides. The western boundary of both of these towns was a 
north and south line which crossed the Mohawk, " near and on the east 
side of the house of William Cunningham." This house stood near the 
foot of Genesee street, Utica. The original town of Herkimer extended 
north to the St. Lawrence and was bounded on the east by a line run- 
ning north from Little Falls. German Flats was bounded on the north 
by the Mohawk ; on the east by the line now forming the eastern bounds 
of Little Falls and Warren, and included all of the present towns of 
Herkimer county west of the latter line, excepting a part of Winfield. 
The town of Palatine adjoined Herkimer on the east, and Canajoharie 
lay next to German Flats. A part of Palatine was annexed to Herki- 
mer town in 1791 ; Warren was taken from German Flats in 1796, and 
Litchfield from the same town at the same time ; and in 1797 Salisbury 
was set off from Palatine. In the following year Norway and Schuyler 
were taken ofT from Herkimer, Newport was taken off in 1806, and a 
few other territorial changes were made in the town. 

After the close of the Revolution a New England element was rapidly 
introduced into the Mohawk valley, bringing with it the characteristic 
thrift and enterprise and push of that people. It was mainly through 
their influence that the separation of Herkimer from Montgomery county 
was effected on the 1 6th of February, 1791. The petition in opposition 
to the measure was dated December 29, 1790, and was drawn by Dr. 
William Petry. Among the 400 signatures are found nearly all the old 
Palatine names. 

The first reduction of the originally vast territory of Herkimer county 
occurred in the formation of Onondaga from it, March 5, 1794. Ham- 



66 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ilton was taken off March 31, 1797. The formation of Chenango and 
Oneida, March 15, 1798 (the hitter including Lewis), conpiinicd most 
of the original territory of Herkimer county till then remaining outside 
of its present limits, and gave the county its present western boundary. 
Its north line was established by the creation of St. Lawrence, March 3, 
1802; and the present outline of Herkimer county was completed by 
moving the original eastern line eastward to its present position, April 
7, 18 1 7. The county is the longest in the State, the northernmost 
point of Wilmurt being a little over ninety miles from the southern- 
most point of Warren. 

The court-house and jail for Montgomery county were located at 
Whitesboro, now in Oneida county, and thus remained until the erec- 
tion of Herkimer county. 

Smarting under the inflictions ot the enemy in the Revolutionary war 
the colonists took prompt steps after the close of the war to organize 
their militia for protection against future aggression, which proved to 
be a wise course. In 1786 the local militia of the German Flats and 
Kingsland districts was reorganized and officered as follow s : 

Fielil ami Regimental Stafl" — Henry Staring, lieutenant-colonel; Peter Weaver, major 
1st battalion ; Patrick Campbell, major 2d battalion; John Frank, adjutant ; Mek-liert 
Foils, payma.ster; William Petry, surgeon. 

l.st company — Jacob Petrie, captain ; Dederick Petrie, lieutenant ; William Feeter,' 
ensign. 

2d company -John Meyer, captain ; William Clapsaddle, lieutenant ; Henrj' Frank, 
ensign. 

3d company — Adam Staring, captain; Lndwick Campbell, lieutenant; Lawrence 
Harter, ensign. 

4tli company — Peter P. Bellinger, cajitain ; Jost Herkimer, lieutenant; Peter Fox, 
ensign. 

5th company — Michael Meyer, captain; Peter F. Bellinger, lieutenant; George 
Weaver, ensign. 

6th company — William Colbreath, captain ; Daniel C. White, lieutenant ; George J. 
Weaver, ensign. 

Besides the above a company of cavalry was organized, under com- 
mand of Captain Hudson, of what is now the town of Danube, and after- 

' This William Ketler was aiterwaids, in Marcli. 1791. appointed captain in the militia, being 
commissioned in two companies, and in April. 17^6, was commissioned second major in Jacob Pe- 
trie's regiment. In; the following year he was commissioned first major, and in 1798 was commis- 
sioned lieutenant-colonel, all these offices being in the Herkimer county militia. He died at Little 
Falls in 1844. 



THE REVOLUTIONAKV PERIOD. 67 

wards under command of Peter Young, of Fort Plain, who was suc- 
ceeded by Captain Wemple, and he by Jacob Eacker, of Palatine. On 
the loth of April, 1812, Congress authorized the drafting of one hun- 
dred thousand men from the militia of the country, 13,500 being the 
New York quota. A few days later the State militia was formed into 
two divisions and eight brigades. The Fourth Brigade comprised the 
Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth Regiments in the Mohawk 
valley, and was under command of General Richard Dodge, of Johns- 
town. 

The causes that led to the outbreak of the war need not be cata- 
logued here. To abolish the repeated violations of the Embargo Act on 
the Canadian frontier, a regiment of the militia under Colonel Christo- 
pher Bellinger was stationed, in May, 1812, at Sackett's Harbor and 
other northern points. Upon the declaration of war in the following 
month, this body of troops was reinforced from the militia not yet called 
into service. During the war the militia and volunteers from the Mo- 
hawk valley were on duty along the frontier, the regiments and com- 
panies, when their terms of service expired, being replaced by others. 
Records are not accessible from which to obtain a list of those who 
served in this struggle from Herkimer county, but previous to 1859 
records in the adjutant-general's office at Albany show that about 230 
men from the county had presented claims to the State for various 
equipments furnished by themselves. 

With the close of the war the militia returned to their homes and the 
peaceful arts were taken up. The militia then comprised all able-bodied 
citizens between the ages of eighteen and forty- five years with certain 
exemptions. This organization, with minor changes, was substantial!}- 
continued down to near the outbreak of the Civil War, 186 1—5. 

With the development of the valley and especially of the rich territory 
farther west, the necessity of better and more rapid means of transpor- 
tation of freight and passengers became paramount, and soon led to the 
construction of the Erie Canal. This great undertaking had been dis- 
cussed since 1807, and in the following year a preliminary survey was 
made by James Geddes, of Onondaga. His report was favorable for a 
canal on substantially the line which it finally followed, and the Legisla- 
ture thereupon appropriated $3,000 for additional explorations and sur- 



68 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

veys, wliich were carried out in 1810. The war with Great Britain de- 
layed the beginning of the work, but it was revived as soon as peace 
was declared, and in 18 17 De Witt Clinton, who was a staunch friend 
to the enterprise, procured the passage of an act creating a commission 
to take up the work, and construction was actually begun in the spring 
of that year. It was more then two years before any part of the canal 
was ready for use. On the 22d of October, 1819, the first boat, called 
the Chief Engineer, was launched at Rome, to run between that place 
and Utica. On the 21st of July, 1820, tolls were first levied. In tlie 
previous autumn the canal was filled with water from the west to with- 
in two miles of Frankfort, where a dam was constructed to retain the 
water while the excavation was progressing eastward. The canal was 
used between Utica and Little Falls in the fall of 1821, the contractor 
at the latter point availing himself of the works of the Inland Lock 
Navigation Company, and that portion east to the Hudson was under 
contract. In the spring of 1S23 the canal was open throughout from 
Spraker's to the western part of the State, and on the 26th of October, 
1825, the great waterway was open from Black Rock at Lake Erie to 
the Hudson River. On the morning of that day a flotilla of boats 
started from Lake Erie for New York, in celebration of the event, car- 
rying the governor, commissioners and others. Cannon had been sta- 
tioned at intervals along the canal, to be fired when the boats passed, 
thus notifying the next station that all was going well. One of the guns 
was planted at Little Falls, one at Herkimer lock, and one on the hill 
in the present Frankfort cemetery. The flotilla proceeded to Albany, 
after a passage marked with public demonstrations of cntlnisiasni along 
the whole line. 

The completion of the canal revolutionized travel and traffic through 
the Mohawk valley, as it did throughout the State. The Mohawk 
River and the Navigation Company's canals were abandoned, and an 
active competition between the old-time stages and the new thor- 
oughfare sprang up. Travel greatly increased and the eastern mar- 
kets were made easily and cheaply accessible for the agricultural 
products of the State, thus aiding in the development of the country. 
As an evidence of the rapidity with which the canal was brought 
into use, particularly as regards freight, it may be stated that the num- 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 69 

ber of canal boats which arrived in Albany during the season of 1823, 
was 1,329; during that of 1824, 2,687; during that of 1825 it was 
3,336, and in 1826 it was about 7,000. The rate of transportation 
on the turnpike in 1826 was one and one-half cents per mile ; the rate 
by the canal was five mills. But it must not, therefore, be inferred 
that all passengers deserted the stage coaches for the packet boats. 
The canal passage was still tedious compared with that by land and 
was chosen by those who desired to lessen the fatigue of a journey ; 
it was avoided where time was of special account. Merchants, bank- 
ers and tradesmen, bound to and from the metropolis, lawyers in 
their journeys to courts, and all who were fulfilling engagements or 
intent only on business, made use of the stages until after railroads 
were built. 

But a spirit of enterprise was abroad. If the canal had proved itself 
of such immense importance, still more rapid and extensive transpor- 
tation facilities would, the progressive people argued, give the rich fields 
of the Mohawk valley precedence over any other part of the State. 
When tlie canal was opened to the public there was not a railroad in 
America. That was only sixty-five years ago. But the steam locomo- 
tive was already attracting attention on both sides of the Atlantic. In 
April, 1826, when the canal was just coming into full operation, a char- 
ter was granted to the "Mohawk and Hudson River Railroad Compa- 
ny," to construct a railroad between Albany and Schenectady. It was 
more than four years before the work was begun under this charter, and 
in the mean time railroads in other States had been completed, and the 
Auburn and Syracuse Railroad, chartered in May, 1834, was opened 
and first operated by steam in 1839. In August, 1830, work was begun 
on the Albany and Schenectady road, and it was so energetically ad- 
vanced that in October, 1 83 1, it was finished and carrying about four 
hundred passengers daily on the average. The road, although crude in 
its construction, and running so slow that the packet canal boats were 
strong rivals, was successful, and in 1833 a charter was granted for the 
Utica and Schenectady Railroad. The line was to run on the north 
bank of the Mohawk River and the road to be finished within ten years 
from the date of the charter. Work was begun in the fall of 1834, and 
in the summer of 1836 the road was completed, and regular traffic was 



70 II1ST0R7 OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

begun on the 2d of August of that year. The event was celebrated by 
public demonstrations all along the line These railroad lines, with 
tiiose running west from Utica, were consolidated into the New York 
Central in 1853. 

While all these added transportation facilities were of great benefit 
to the State antl country at large, it cannot be said that the Mohawk 
valley shared in it for a number of years aftei their construction. The 
lumber interest, perhaps, was extended directly by the canal and rail- 
roads until a large portion of the county was cleared of valuable timber ; 
even in recent years the northern parts of the county have found in this 
industry their greatest source of wealth. But the opening to eastern 
markets of the rich fields of the so-called " Genesee country " in com- 
petition with the products of Herkimer and adjoining counties, worked 
seriously to the disadvantage of the latter, imposing conditions that con- 
tinued to be felt until the later wonderful growth of the dairy industry. 

Meanwhile the county rapidly advanced in all the various institu- 
tions that constitute the progressive American community. Further 
town divisions were made, as necessity seemed to demand, Manheim be- 
ing formed from Palatine in 1817 ; Winfield from Litchfield, Richfield 
(Otsego county) and Plainfield (Otsego county) in 1816; Ohio from 
Norway in 1823 ; Stark from Danube in 1828; Little Falls from Fair- 
field, Herkimer and German Flats in 1829; and Wilmurt from Russia 
and Ohio in 1836. Schools were established, newspapers published 
(the first in 1802, followed by three or four others by 1810), churches 
multiplied, all of which will receive proper treatment in the later town 
histories. 

A reorganization of the Herkimer County Agricultural Society was 
effected under the act of May 6, 1841. The original society dated 
back to 1819, and was established under the act of that year which pro- 
vided among other things the distribution of an appropriation among 
the counties of the State for the promotion of agriculture through county 
societies. As far as Herkimer county was concerned, the society was 
short-lived. Under the reorganization, however, new life was infused 
into the society; annual fairs were held, and have continued to the 
present time, and the interest felt is general and the benefits freely 
acknowledged. During the early years of the society the grounds used 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 71 

were situated on the north side of the road between Mohawk and Her- 
kimer, on the premises of A. M. Gray ; but in 1874 grounds that were 
more commodious and convenient were leased from Philip Harter, 
on the south side of the road and nearer to Herkimer. 

In estimating the services of the settlers in the Mohawk valley in 
the War of the Revolution, it is no more than just to give them, as a 
whole, a high degree of commendation. Beset on the one hand by 
emissaries to induce them to give their allegiance to the king, and on 
the other knowing that almost certainly their homes would be ravaged 
and their lives endangered if they were true to their adopted country, 
it is not a marvel that some of their numbers were found among the 
tories ; it is even a wonder that so few embraced the royal cause It 
is believed by the best authority that not more than one in twenty 
deserted the colonists in the struggle. 

After the close of the war a large portion of the territory of the pres- 
ent Herkimer county was forfeited and confiscated, as before related, 
largely on account of the fact that the Royal Grant and other lands 
were in possession of the Johnson family. Most of this grant was thus 
forfeited and vested in the State. The tract of 2,000 acres, also, 
granted to Guy Johnson in 1765, situated in the present towns of Ger- 
man Flats and Little Falls, was forfeited. The Herkimer estates for- 
feited lay in the present limits of German Flats and Herkimer. These 
various confiscations of lands have been characterized and complained 
of as wanton, unnecessary and cruel ; but the general concensus of 
opinion upholds the proceeding as fully justified by the extreme prov- 
ocation given by those against whom the act was operative. 

PERSONAL NOTES OF PALATINE FAMILIES.^ 

Descendants of a considerable number of the Palatine families are still 
resident in Herkimer county, as will be seen in these notes. Among 
such may be mentioned the following : Bowman, Dacksteder (now 
Dockstader), Felmore (now P''ulnier), Herter, Lant (now Landt), 
Mayor (now Moyer), Orendros and Orendorf (now Ohrendorff), 
Pears (now Barse), Pell (now Bell), Reckert and Spohn. The families 

'These brief notes are condensed from sketches prepared by the late Judge Benton, and are 
given space in these pages that they may be preserved to future generations. 



72 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

who became extinct before the Revolution, their lands passing into 
other hands, were the Beermans, Fellers, Hosses, Korsings, Pouradts, 
Spies and Veldelents. 

Frederick and Anna .\fary Pell {Bell) each took one hundred acres 
of land on the north side of the river in the Burnetsfield grant, near 
the site of Herkimer village. The family was never very numerous 
in the county. One member with his son was killed by Brant and his 
Indians in July, 1778. George Henry Bell married General Herkimer's 
sister Catherine, and was a man of considerable note during the Revo- 
lution, commanded a company in the battle ofOriskany and was placed 
on the pension roll. He had two sons, Joseph and Nicholas, in that 
battle, the former of whom was killed. Nicholas escaped and was 
subsequently killed and scalped about a mile from his father's house on 
the road over Fall Hill. Captain Bell had charge of the escort which 
carried the wounded General Herkimer from the battlefield and more 
than thirty miles on a litter. Captain Bell lived on Fall Hill within 
the limits of the patent granted to his wife's father. He was commis- 
sioned justice of the peace of Tryon county February 2, 1778, and 
again in Montgomery county July 8, 1784, and reappointed March 27, 
1790. He had two sons and two daughters. One of the daughters 
married Henry I. Walrad and the other Peter Waggoner. The late Col. 
Joost Bell was a son of Nicholas. 

77/1? Bellinger {or Pellinger) Family. — There were five persons of 
this name who were grantees under the Burnetsfield patent, two of 
whom were married women. The name is found among those who 
volunteered under Colonel Nicholson in the expedition against Montreal 
in 171 1, and down to the close of the first quarter of the present cent- 
ury the name was a conspicuous one for numbers in the county, as well 
as the high regard in which some of them were held. In the Revolu- 
tion they were unyielding in their adherence to the patriot cause. Col. 
Peter Bellinger, whose regiment was composed of the militia of Ger- 
man Flats and Kingsland districts, and Lieut.-Col. Frederick Bellinger, 
of the same regiment, participated in the bloody battle of Oriskany, 
and the latter was taken prisoner and carried to Canada. Col. John 
Bellinger was also in the battle as a private. Gen. Christopher P. 
Rellinsrer was horn in the town of German Flats, and became an exten- 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 73 

sive farmer. His homestead was set off into the town of Little Falls 
when it was erected in 1828. He was many times chosen for the office 
of supervisor and justice of the peace; was four times elected member 
of Assembly within fourteen years. In 1821 he was again a candidate 
for the Assembly and received the certificate of election, but was un- 
seated soon after the organization of the house upon a technical con- 
struction of the returns. In the fall of 1823 he was elected to tlie 
Assembly, and it devolved upon that body to choose the electors of 
president and vice-president of the United States, or provide by law 
for some other method of appointment. General Bellinger was 
appointed on the committee of nine to which was referred the subject 
of altering the law prescribing the mode of choosing electors. The 
resulting bill to that end was, as is well known, defeated in the Senate. 
This was the last time General Bellinger represented the county in the 
Legislature. When the war of iSi2-i5was inaugurated the general 
had attained the rank of colonel in one of the county militia regiments, 
and he was detached by Governor Tomokins to take command of one 
of the regiments for the defense of the northern frontier and repaired 
with his command to Sackett's Harbor in May, 18 12, where he 
rendered efficient service. The term of service was three months 
and at its expiration the regiment was discharged. In the campaign 
of 1 8 14, Colonel Bellinger made a military tour on the frontier with 
the patriotic militia of the county. While he had no opportunity of 
especially distinguishing himself, he was noted as a diligent and prudent 
officer. Some years after the close of the war he was promoted to the 
rank of brigadier- general. He died at Little Falls, without male 
descendants, and leaving four daughters. 

Major Frederick Bellinger was a native of the county. He repre- 
sented the county in the Assembly in 1836, and was otherwise shown 
the confidence of the community. He died at Mohawk, leaving de- 
scendants. The Bellinger family suffered severely during the raids in 
the valley in the Revolution. 

The Keslaer or Casler Family. — This family was, and perhaps now 
is, one of the most numerous of the Palatine families in the town 
of Little Falls. The name is derived from the two original patentees, 
Johannes and Nicholas Keslaer, who each drew one hundred acres ; no 



74 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

other lands were drawn by persons of that name. Richard Casler, 
who died at a venerable age, was with Colonel Willett's party when 
Walter N. Butler was killed. Before his death he told Judge Benton 
that he remembered his grandfather, Johannes, the patentee. His father, 
Jacob, and his uncle, John, were both in the Oriskany battle. A small 
grist-mill was built on the Casler Creek before the war, which, being 
stockaded, protected it from being destroyed by the enemy. The Petri 
and Casler families were connected by marriage. Johan Marks Petri 
owned lot No, 12, at Little Falls, before the Revolution, and built a small 
grist-mill in the first place on Furnace Creek. The mill that was burned 
by the enemy, a relation of which has been given in another place, was 
on the river, and supplied with water from it. 

Frederick Casler, a descendant of one of the patentees, died in Octo- 
ber, 1849, ^fid his father, Jacob, died in 1822 ; John Jacob, the grand- 
father of Frederick, died in January, 181 1. Jacob and George Keslaer 
were two of the seventeen patentees of Staley's first and second tracts, 
granted in 1755. Richard Casler, before mentioned, died on the i8th 
of September, 1855, at the great age of ninety-five years. 

The Editch Family. — This name is variously written and printed 
as Edigh, Edich, Itigh, Ittigh and Ittich. Michael Ittich was one of the 
volunteers in Colonel Nicholson's expedition in 171 1. There were 
four persons of the name among the patentees, but it is not known 
which one was the head of the family or how they were related. 
Michael Itigh was one of the patentees of Cornradt Frank's patent, 
granted in 1765, and Hans Michael Ittig, jr., and Jacob Ittigh were 
patentees of Staley's first and second tracts, granted in 1755. The 
name is still extant in the county. 

The Fols (or Folts) Family. — Jacob Fols, a patentee, took lot 3 on 
the south side of the river and a short distance east of Frankfort village, 
and Melgert (now Melchert) took lots 2, high and low land, on the 
north side. Their descendants still live near the original seat. Two of 
this name (spelled Volts) were first lieutenants in the fourth battalion 
of the county militia in 1775. Mich. Folts's name is on the roll of vol- 
unteers with Colonel Nicholson. Warner F"olts was a descendant of 
Jacob F'ols, the patentee ; was a member of Assembly in 1824, and a 
worthy citizen and farmer. Melchert Folts, a son of one of the patent- 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 75 

ees, was paymaster of the militia regiment commanded by Col. Henri 
Staring, 1786; was elected the first town clerk of Herkimer in March, 
1789; was also a justice of the peace. He was born May 5, 1746, and 
died May 2, 1829 

The Fox FiDuily. — Christopher I'^ox was a patentee who took a lot 
in the vicinity of the stone church, German Flats, and his descendants 
still live in the county. Frederick was a son of Christopher ; wasafijst 
lieutenant in Captain George Herkheimer's company, Fourth battalion 
of county militia. In 1786 Peter Fox was commissioned ensign in Cap- 
tain Peter P. Belhnger's company of Colonel Staring's regiment. 

The Hclmcr Family. — The name of Helmer is still found in Herki- 
mer and adjoining counties. Of the six patentees of the name in the 
grant of 1725, two were married women whose husbands were then liv- 
ing. Philip and Frederick were probably children of the other grantees. 
Lendert Helmer, one of the original patentees of Burnetsfield, was also 
grantee of lots 13, 21 and 38, in the grant of 1739, called Glen's pur- 
chase. John Adam Helmer, with two others, was sent to Fort Schuy- 
ler on the day before the Oriskany battle to warn Colonel Gansevoort 
of General Herkimer's approach. Captain Frederick Helmer, of Col- 
onel Peter Bellinger's regiment, was killed at Oriskany. John Helmer 
has already been mentioned as one of the four men sent out to' watch 
Brant's movements at Unadilla, and was the only one of the four tore- 
turn, the others having been killed. The family of Burnetsfield patent- 
ees were Palatine immigrants, but whether of the party of 17 10 or of 
171 1, is not known. 

The Erghemar (or Herkimer) Family. — This family early exhibited 
evidence of wealth and thrift far ahead of any other of the Palatine set- 
tlers in the erection of fine stone dwellings and the possession of broad 
domains purchased after the Burnet grant. Jurgh, Johan Jost, Mada- 
lana and Catharine Erghemar were each patentees under the Burnets- 
field grant. One hundred acres on the south side of the Mohawk was 
allotted to each of them. Judge Benton could obtain no reliable in- 
formation as to Jurgh, or George, Herkimer, and moreover asks the 
question : " Was the Catharina named in the patent and who drew lot 
No. 5, on or near which the former county poor-house was erected, the 
wife of Johan Jost?" adding, " If Jurgh and Johan Jost were not 



?6 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

brothers, the conclusion seems to be that Johan Jost, subsequently 
known as Hanyost Herkimer, the eider, was the son of Jurgh. If Johan 
Jost was married in 1725, the date of the patent, he probably had no 
children to whom lands could be granted according to its terms. The 
fact is well known that lands were granted to children whose fathers and 
mothers are named as patentees. Madalana and Catharina are not 
described as married women, and may have been sisters of Hanyost the 
elder ; if this be the true solution of this matter, they probably died 
unmarried, or sold their interest in the lands allotted to them, for we find 
some of the same lands in the possession of Hanyost the elder, in April, 
1 77 I. This Hanyost left a grandson, born in October, 175 i, who was 
the issue of his second son, Henry." 

This name, like many others of the Palatines, has undergone numer- 
ous changes in spelling. In 1775 the family was numerous and influ- 
ential and generally friendly to the popular cause ; all, excepting the 
general, were residents of the German Flats district. The patentee, 
Jurgh (or George), left no descendants, unless Johan Jost and one or 
both of the females named were his children, or they left this part of the 
country before the Revolution. There is no information left of any 
persons of that name except those who trace their descent from Hanyost 
Herkimer, the elder. 

General Nicholas Herkimer was the eldest son of Johan Jost Herkimer, 
who was one of the Burnetsfield patentees and drew lot No. 36, and also 
one of the patentees of the Fall Hill tract granted in 1752 to Johan Jost 
llerchkeimer and Hendrick Herchkeirher. Nicholas Herkimer was 
commissioned lieutenant in Capt. William Wormwood's company of the 
Schenectady battalion on the 5th of January, 1758. He commanded 
at Fort Herkimer in 1758, when the French and Indians attacked the 
settlement on the south side of the river. On the 5th of September, 
1776, he was commissioned a brigadier- general. At the commence- 
ment of the Revolution he lived in the Canajoharie district and repre- 
sented that district in the county committee of safety. He acted as 
chairman pro tern, of the Tryon county committee of safety in July and 
August, 1775. In 1760, while he resided in the Canajoharie district, 
his father convej'ed to him 500 acres of land, portions of the Lindsay, Liv- 
ingston and Fall Hill patents, with a small island in the river. There 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. W 

the family mansion was erected, substantially as it stands to-day. He 
was an early advocate of the rights of the colonists, with the others of 
his family, excepting his brother Hanyost, who was attainted under the 
act of 1779. General Herkimer's part in the military operations of the 
Revolution have already been described in a general way, and it only 
remains for us to allude to the charges of cowardice or inefficiency that 
were made against him on account of the battle of Oriskany. When 
General Herkimer was hastening by forced marches and with a small 
body of undisciplined militia, to the relief of Fort Schuyler, he sent a 
messenger to Colonel Gansevoort in the fort to arrange for co-opera- 
tion in the expected battle, a sally from the fort to be made upon a pre- 
concerted signal. The messenger failed to reach the fort in time. Gen- 
eral Herkimer's force was not sufficient to warrant him in bringing on a 
battle without support and aid ; but on the morning of August 6, while 
awaiting the signal of the sortie from the fort, several of the general's 
officers and some of the committee of safety urged an immediate advance. 
In deference to their continued entreaties he finally held a council of his 
principal officers, whom he warned of the folly of bringing on a battle 
with the force at their command. The officers would not listen and 
some of them went so far as to charge him with cowardice or toryism. 
Insulted beyond forbearance, General Herkimer told them that he was 
entrusted with the care of his soldiers as well as with their leadership, 
and that he could not place them in a position in which his judgment 
told him they would be uselessly slaughtered ; he also intimated that 
those who were now taunting him, would be the first to fly in action — a 
prophecy which was fulfilled. To end the clamor he at last gave the 
order to march. The consequences are well known and have been re- 
corded on the pages of every history of Revolutionary battles. The 
general was grievously wounded early in the engagement, but continued 
to command his men until the end, when he was carried from the field. 
His conduct after he received his wound was such as should, and it does, 
surround his name with a halo of honor and renown. General Herkimer 
died from hemorrhage following the amputation of his leg in his own 
home. When he became convinced that his hours on earth were 
numbered he called for his Bible and read to those around him the 38th 
Psalm. His loss was deeply deplored by the inhabitants of Tryon county. 
In October following his death the Continental Congress passed a reso- 



78 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



lution appropriating $500 for the erection of a monument to his mem- 
ory, and in conniuinicaling this action to the governor of New York 
the Congress said : " Every mark of distinction shown to the memory 
of such illustrious men as offer up their hves for the liberty and happi- 
ness of this country, reflects real honor on those who pay the grateful 
tribute ; and by holding up to others the prospect of fame and immor- 
tality, will animate them to tread in the same path." The resolution 
passed by Congress has never been carried into effect. The Oneida 
Historical Society, of Utica, however, is making an effort to secure the 
passage of a bill by the Stale Legislature for an appropriation to im- 
prove the ground and erect a monument to mark the place where the 
body of General Merkimer is buried This is a matter which concerns 
every patriotic person, for General Herkimer won the pivotal battle of 
the Revolution. His body now lies in a pasture in the town of Danube, 
midway between Little Falls and Indian Castle. The surroundings are 
unfit, and the stone which marks the grave is not such as should grace 
the resting place of the hero of Oriskany. 



On yonder well-remembered hill, 

Scarred and neglected, old and grey. 
Rises the house, recalling still 

The story of that bloody day. 
Deep, clear and beautifully bright. 

Through fields of waving grass and grain. 
Like silver flashing in the light. 

The Mohawk flows across the plain. 

Hail, Mohawk winding through the dale ! 

Hail, fairest stream in lovely York ! 
The farms and homes in thy sweet vale 

Ring with the harvest song ! hush I mark 
Yon close of hallowed ground ! there lies 

The hero Herkimer who gave 
His blood for liberty ; there rise 

The mound, the stone above his grave. 

Into a deep and dark ravine, 

By the Oriskany, he led 
His band. Sudden from out the green 

Wood all about uprose the dread, 
Painted, red-Indian, ^-ell on yell. 

And in the deadly ambuscade. 
Like the mown grass, his cohorts fell 

Bleeding beneath the reeking blade. 



Lo ! lowering in the sullen sky. 

Black storm-clouds gathered, thick and fast. 
And Hghtning flashes from on high 

Foretold the fury of the blast. 
It broke ; the thunder, peal on peal, 

Roared high above the horrid din 
Of cannon and the clash of steel. 

Loud echoing through the blood-stained glen 

Then thrice from out the dark morass, 

Above that fearful roar, the cheer 
Uprose; but Herkimer, alas! 

Fell foremost fighting. He did hear 
That shout of victory where he lay 

Stretched death-white on the gory ground. 
His life's blood ebbing fast away. 

And, dying, knew what meant that sound. 

On many another blood-red field, 

For truth and liberty, our brave 
Fathers did fight and never yield : 

They struck for freedom or the grave. 
And freedom gained: Columbia 's free ; 

Her flag floats o'er her mountain heights. 
And on the land, and on the sea. 

Guards well a nation's dear-bought rights. 

Frank H. Willarp 



' During the battle of Oriskany, when the utter annihilation of General Herkimer's troops 
seemed almost inevitable, a furious storm arose. The enemy fled for shelter, while the Americans, 
occupying a strong position, formed themselves so as to be able to hold victorious possession of 

the field. 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 79 

General Herkimer was twice married.' Hi.s will was proved Octo- 
ber 4, 1783, with George Herkimer as administrator. The "home 
place " was devised to his younger brother George, and he was consti- 
tuted his residuary legatee. The latter lived until 17S6, and left seven 
children. Various members of the families descended from the Herki- 
mers live in different parts of the country, but not one of the name is 
now resident in Herkimer county. 

John Herkimer, son of George, inherited, with his brothers and 
sisters, the estate devised by General Herkimer and occupied the 
family mansion until about 1814. He was an active politician; repre- 
sented Montgomery county in the State Assembly and after the town 
of Danube was annexed to Herkimer county, was appointed one of the 
county judges. He was major in a regiment of volunteers in the last 
war with England and served at Sackett's Harbor. He was elected to 
Congress in 1822 and was an efficient member of that body. He died at 
his residence in Danube at the age of seventy-three years, leaving no 
male descendants. 

The Her ter Family. — The lands allotted to Apolone and Lawrence 
Herter were on the south side of the river, but some of the family re- 
moved to the north side in early years Some of the family were at the 
Great Flats at the time of the French expedition in 1757, where one of 
the Herters was taken prisoner with his wife and children and carried 
to Canada, where they were kept about a year. A daughter born to 
Mrs. Herter while crossing the St. Lawrence river in a birch-bark 
canoe, afterwards became the wife of Michael Myers. Henry Herter 
was appointed first lieutenant in Capt. Frederick Bellinger's company 
of militia in 1775. Nicholas and Philip Herter settled in Deerfield, 
Oneida county, after the Revolution. Numerous descendants of this 
family are still residents of Herkimer county. 

The Hess Family. — Augustine Hess was the patentee of lot No. 10 at 
Little Falls. Previous to and during the Revolutionary period the 
name was quite numerous in the Mohawk valley. Augustine Hess, a 
son of the patentee, was a member of the Tryon county committee of 
safety from the Kingsland and German Flats districts. The elder Au- 

' The late Samuel Earl wrote of the general as follows ; "The general was a kind hearted and 
benevolent man and a good Christian neighbor. He was iust such a character as would make him 
beloved by those who knew him. He was without guile or deceit, generous, brave and honest." 



80 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

gustine was a patentee, also, of Staley's first and second tracts ; he was 
killed in July, 1782, by the Indians near Fort Herkimer, while on his 
way to the fort with his family. 

The Kast Family — Johan Jurgh Kast and his son of the same name 
were patentees and each drew a small lot on the Great Flats and seventy 
acre lots on the uplands, in the Burnetsfield tract. In 1724 a grant of 
r,ioo acres was made to the wife and children of the elder Kast, situ- 
ated in Schuyler and surrounded by Cosby's manor ; descendants of 
the family lived there many years. Besides Johan Jurgh, the elder Kast 
had a son Lodovvick. Johan Jurgh, the younger, had two sons, Conrad 
and Frederick. The former was taken prisoner in 1757, carried to 
England, and after his exchange and return to New York, enlisted in 
the British army and never returned to the Mohawk vallej'. Descend- 
ants of Frederick still live in Herkimer county. 

The Petrie Family. — Johan Jost Petrie was one of the Burnetsfield 
patentees and lands were allotted to him, to his wife, Gertrude, and to 
his son Mark (or Marks). The name occurs among those who volun- 
teered for Colonel Nicholson's expedition. The patentee came over 
with the second company of Palatines in 1710 and came to German 
Flats from Livingston's manor. He and Coenradt Rickert were the 
prominent and leading men of the little colony which first settled here. 
He was named first in the license given by Governor Burnet to purchase 
the Indian title to the lands afterwards granted, and also the first named 
in the patent. The eighty-six acre lot, long known as the Stone Ridge, 
was allotted to his wife. The present village of Herkimer is large- 
ly situated on this lot. Surrounded by rich flat lands subject to in- 
undations, settlers expressed their dissatisfaction when they learned 
that safe building lots could be had only on this ridge, and Mr. 
Petrie therefore generously divided the large lot into smaller parcels 
and gave them to the owners of the adjoining low lands. When the 
French and Indians destroyed the settlements on the north side of 
the river, November 11, 1757, all his property save the land was taken 
and destroyed and he and his family carried into captivity. He was the 
person named in the French account of that raid as "the mayor of the 
villatje of the Palatines." Mr. Petrie remained some time in captivity. 
He was one of the co-patentees with Philip Livingston and John De 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 81 

Peysterof a grant of 6,ooo acres of land made in 1740, comprising six 
lots in a tract called Henderson's or Petrie's purchase, lying in the pres- 
ent towns of Columbia and Warren. He died before the beginning of 
the Revolutionary War, leaving a large number of descendants, and 
nearly all of the people of this name in the county trace their lineage 
to him. John Petrie, a son of the patentee, was a member of the Tryon 
county committee from the German Flats and Kingsland districts 
which met in June, 1775. He was also appointed by the Tryon 
county committee August 16, 1779, one of the delegates from the 
county to a State convention called to consider measures " for appre- 
ciating the currency, restraining e.Ktortion, regulating prices, and other 
similar purposes." A commission is in existence issued to Ded'k 
Marcus Petrie, gentleman, dated October 13, 1768, by which Mr. Petrie 
was appointed " to be Ensign of a company of Militia Foot in a regi- 
ment in Albany county, of which company George Henry Bell esq. is 
captain." Mr. Petrie held this commission until the country changed 
rulers, when he was appointed a lieutenant in the Tryon county militia. 
He was killed in the battle of Oriskany while serving in Col. Peter Bell- 
inger's regiment. John M. Petrie, assemblyman in 1808-9, was a 
nephew of Lieutenant Petrie, the son of the patentee, Mark Petrie, and 
consequently grandson of the original settler, Johan Jost. John M. 
occupied for some time the Burnetsfield lot No. 46, and afterwards 
changed his residence to a farm on Glen's purchase a few miles 
north of Little Falls, where he died respected by the community. 
There were two brothers, sons of Ded'k Marcus Petrie, named Jost D. 
and John D., who were prosperous farmers and land owners and left 
their estates to their children. Daniel Petrie, a member of this family, 
was killed at the destruction of the Little Falls mill, in 1782, as before 
described. Many descendants of the Petrie family still reside in this 
county. (See history of the town of Herkimer.) 

The Reek (or Reall) Family. — Lot No. 15, lowland (thirty acres), 
and lot No, 15, woodland (seventy acres) at the German Flats were 
granted to Godfrey Reele, jr. Christian Reall settled near Deerfield 
Corners, Oneida county, with several other Germans, before the Revolu- 
tion. In the second year of the war the settlement was destroyed, but 
the inhabitants escaped to a stockade near by. After the war Mr. Reall 



82 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COT'NTY. 

returned to Deerfield. Not long afterward most or all of the survivors 
of the family removed to what is now Onondaga county. One member 
of the family afterward returned and lived in Little Falls. The name 
was never numerous in the county. 

The Shoemakers — Ludolph (afterwards called Rudolph) and Thomas 
Shoemaker were patentees, and both of them were young and unmar- 
ried when they came to German Fiats. Rudolph had several sons, one 
of whom, Johan Jost, married the daughter of an Englishman n;imed 
Smith, the fame of whose eccentricities and devotion to the British 
crown still occupies considerable space in the unwritten history of the 
valley. Johan Jost had been one of his majesty's justices of the peace 
in Tryon county and was not friendly to the colonists ; but he was not 
molested in person or property, leading to the conclusion that he was a 
passive, rather than an active adherent to royalty. Judge Benton said : 
" With the exception of one member of the Herkimer family, I do not 
find any other name of note belonging to the Palatine emigrants or their 
descendants who faltered in their duty to their country and the cause of 
humanity." Rudolph L. Shoemaker, member of Assembly from this 
county in 1812-13, was a son of Johan Jost. He was a farmer and 
lived and died in the present town of German Flats, not far from the 
site of the village of Mohawk. He was a warm supporter of the War of 
1812. Robert Shoemaker, a younger brother of Rudolph L., was ap- 
pointed sheriff of the county in 18 17 and held the office several years; 
he was a prompt and efficient officer. He also represented the county in 
the Assembly in 1822. Late in life he removed with his family to 
Illinois and died there. Thomas Shoemaker, the patentee, had a nu- 
merous family, among whom was a son of the same name, who partici- 
pated in the battle of Oriskany, and afterwards his wife and one of his 
children (Christopher) and a son of John Shoemaker, then quite young, 
were taken prisoners and carried to Canada. There are now many 
descendants of the Shoemaker families in Herkimer county. 

The Smith Family. — The Schmidts were among the cmigiants of 
i/ioandfora time remained at the camps on Livingston's manor. 
Four of the name came to the Great t'lats, two of wiioin settled on the 
north side and two on the south side of the river. Adam Michael 
Schmidt was one of the volunteers with Colonel Nicholson in 1711. 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 83 

Descendants of the patentees were for many years quite numerous in 
the county, but many removed to otht^ localities. Colonel Nicholas 
Smith, a prominent resident of Utica in recent years, lost his parents at 
the hands of Indians and tories during the Revolution. In common with 
the other patentees of Burnetsfield, the family felt its share of suffering 
during that struggle. 

The Starings. — There were six males and one married female of this 
name among the Burnetsfield patentees. The name was once numer- 
ous in the county. Hendrick Staring (who often wrote his name 
Henri) was a man of some note in the Revolution and substquently. A 
native of the county, he lived and died within the limits of the present 
town of Schuyler. He was one of the few survivors of the Oriskany 
battle and from that time held prominent office in the militia of the dis- 
trict, soon attainingthe rank of colonel. Late in the fall of 1781 he was 
so unfortunate as to be surrounded and captured near Fort Herkimer, 
with Abraham Wollever, by a party of Indians. Believing it was the 
intention of his captors to put him to death by torture, the colonel 
managed to effect his escape during the first night after he was taken 
and returned to the fort after an absence of two days and nights. He 
lived near the small stream known as Staring's Creek, in Schuyler, on 
which there was a grist-mill which, it will be remembered, was burned by 
the French and Indians in 1757, was rebuilt and again destroyed dur- 
ing the Revolution. Though of limited education. Colonel Staring was 
a man of thrift, became owner of large landed estates, and was conspic- 
uous for his general intelligence and good judgment. After the estab- 
lishment of peace, he was a member of the convention from Montgom- 
ery county, called in 1788, to consider the United States constitution, 
which had been submitted to the several States for ratification. He was 
an ardent friend of Governor Clinton, who, with a large majority of the 
convention when elected, were opposed to the ratification of the con- 
stitution, and it is supposed that he voted that way. Upon the organ- 
ization of Herkimer county in 179 1 Colonel Staring was appointed first 
judge of the court of Common Pleas, and held the office many years. 
Many curious and amusing stories have been told of the methods of 
administering justice followed by Judge Staring ; but he was an honest, 
straightforward man and filled his position for the good of the com- 



S4 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

munity, if not always according to the acknowledged proprieties of the 
bench. The judge died in the town of Schuyler, leaving male and 
female descendants. His wife was a daughter of Johan Jurgh Kast, and 
through her he obtained title to about 600 acres of the Kast patent, 
which he left to his children. 

The Temojttli Family. — This name appears in the Palatine records 
as Demot and Demouth, and others not accustomed to the German 
method of spelling often wrote the name Damewood. John Jost parted 
with the lot of land granted him at Little Falls before the Revolution, 
and probably before 1757, as no trace of the family is found near 
that place. During the Revolution, the Demouths were in the vicinity 
of Herkimer. Captain Demouth was with John Adam Helmer in the 
dangerous service of carrying a message to Colonel Gansevoort during 
t!ie siege of Fort Schuyler, as before related. After the close of the 
war some of the Demouths migrated to Onondaga county with the 
Realls. There are very few of the name now resident in this county. 

The Welleven {or Wol/eaver) Family. — This name is written VVoll- 
eben and Wohleben in the list of heads of Palatine families on the west 
side of the Hudson in 1710. Nicholas W. was a patentee in Burnets- 
field and also in Staley's first and second tracts, and died in 1773, 
leaving six sons, Henry, Peter, Richard, John, Abraham and Jacob ; 
and six daughters, Catharine, wife of Frederick Shoemaker ; Mary 
Sophia, wife of Peter Flagg ; Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Schute ; 
Lany, wife of Frederick Bellinger; and Hannah, wife of John Emgie, 
or Empie, who was a tory and went witli his family to Canada. Richard, 
John, Peter, and Abraham were in the battle at Oriskany ; the two 
former were killed, the others returning, Peter with a .slight wound. 
Peter was one of the party in the Little Falls mill when it was burned, 
and made his escape. Peter Wolleaver lived on the farm in Manheim 
afterward known as the Christy place, which he hired of Joseph 
Brant, the Mohawk chief When the chief sent word to him in 1777 
that he would come and tomahawk him if he did not immediately 
leave the farm, Wolleaver removed to Fort Herkimer with his family 
in the fall of that year, and remained there until the close of the war. 
He had three sons who reached manhood, Nicholas, John and Henry. 
His daughters were Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Shoemaker ; Cath- 



THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 85 

arine, wife of Garret Van Slyke ; Susan, wife of Jacob Edick ; Han- 
nah, who married a Mr. Furman ; Mary, wife of Mr. White, and Eva 
who married Stanton Fox. Abraham Wolleaver, one of the patentee's 
sons, was taken prisoner in October, 178 1, with Henry Staring near 
Fort Herkimer ; was knocked down soon afterward, tomahawked and 
scalped by his captors and left, while they went on with their other 
prisoner towards Oneida. Abraham survived his terrible injuries; was 
out two nights, his feet being frozen, and near sunset of the third day 
was brought to the fort. He lived a number of years afterward. 

The Wever {or Weaver) Family. — This name appears on the Living- 
ston's manor lists as Weber and Webber. Jacob and Nicholas were 
among the volunteers in the Montreal expedition of 171 1. Peter J. 
Weaver was an ensign in 1775 in the Fourth battalion of militia of the 
county. Some of the family settled in Deerfield, Oneida county, in 
1773. George L. Weaver was taken prisoner during the Revolution 
and held in captivity about two years, suffering much inhuman treat- 
ment. Four hundred acres of land were assigned to this family, two 
hundred on the north and two hundred on the south side of the river. 
Descendants of the family still reside in the county. 

This chapter may be fittingly concluded with the words of the late 
Chancellor Haven in speaking of the men who fought the battle of 
Oriskany: " Tlie men who fought this battle were good specimens of 
a peculiar people. They had been sifted out of Europe by a process 
of natural and gracious selection. They came across the ocean — or 
their fathers and mothers did — not for money, but for liberty and 
religion. They lived in log houses, but they went to log churches 
and their children to log school-houses. They ate from wooden 
dishes and were clad in homespun, but they read the Bible and gov- 
erned themselves. They had wooden plows and used sickles instead 
of reaping machines, and their only sewing machines were their 
mothers and wives and sweethearts ; but these could put a music into 
their rural life far better than the noise of the modern machine. There 
was not a pauper nor an ignoramus among them. They were the hap- 
piest and the best people on earth. Such a people fought the battle 
of Oriskany — nay, the battle of freedom for all mankind." 



86 niSTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

CHAPTER V. 

GROWTH AND PROGRESS. 

WITH the dawn of peace and the return of prisoners and refugees, 
industry and resultant prosperity and contentment settled down 
upon the Mohawk valley. The same spirit of patriotic determination 
which had impelled the settlers to risk their lives and endure suffering 
and loss for the permanent establishment of homes in a free country, 
now enabled them to take up with renewed energy the tilling of their 
farms, the building of mills, the construction of roads and other labors 
for the development of their chosen valley. 

In early times, before the Revolution, the road through the valley 
came into what is now Herkimer county from the west, on the south side 
of the Mohawk, and continued on to Canajoharie. At a distance of 
fifteen miles from Fort Herkimer a road crossed the river and continued 
on eastward on the north bank. The river served for many years as a 
waterway for the transportation of freight and passengers in large fiat 
boats, called bateaux. But this mode of travel was greatly interfered 
with by the rapids at Little Falls, a fact that led in 1792 to the incor- 
poration of the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company. After the 
full organization of this company, about thirty directors pushed ahead 
the contemplated work, and four years later the canal around the falls 
was finished, another across the portage at Rome, with various improve- 
ments in Wood Creek and the Oneida, Seneca and Oswego Rivers. 
The engraving, " Little Falls in 1892" printed in the history of that 
town in later pages, shows the course of the canal and the location of 
the locks at Little Falls. Much of the masonry built at that point 
a hundred years ago is still in good preservation. This improvement 
was of immense benefit in opening up the country and it was esti- 
mated about the year 1812 that three hundred boats with 1,500 tons 
of meicliandiSc pa scil through the canal at the Rome portage in a 
single year. After the enlargement of the locks the boats carried 



88 niSTORT OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

twenty tons or more in high water, and half as much at other times. 
Tliese craft were known as Durham boats, were low and open, with 
a walking board along the gunwale. They were propelled by means 
of long poles thrust into the river bottom and pushed with the shoul- 
ders of men who walked from end to end of the boat. A Schenec- 
tady paper of 1803 in describing one of the boats said: "She is 
sixty-three feet keel, eleven feet wide, and two feet three inches deep. 
When loaded she draws two feet of water and will carry twenty - 
four tons. She now brought down 250 bushels of wheat and will next 
trip bring 800." 

Previous to the Revolution, and perhaps after that event, many roads 
were not fenced and had gates across them at the crossing of farm lines. 
The late Samuel Earl said that there was such a road in earlj' times on 
the south side of the river where the public road now is, and one across 
the flats between l""orts Herkimer and Dayton, called the King's road ; 
this extended west over " Oak Hill " and thence to Oswego. 

Regarding this road an interesting letter has been found among the 
papers of the late Mr Earl, from which it appears that Sir William 
Johnson wrote John Jost Herkimer, John Jost Petrie, and John Conrad 
Frank, on the 22d of July, 1756, in regard to their aiding in opening 
the road. A reply fiom Herkimer and Frank is as follows : 

Hon. Sir. 

We have the honour of yours of the 22d ulli'o about laying out a road from here 
to Oswego, throu' the Si.v Nations, and as for my part, Han Yost Petri, I am old, and 
lame in one of my hips, jmd it is not in my power to undertake any such fatigue, and 
tor me, Jost Herkimer, I dare not leave my house upon account of the military for 
they terrorize over me as they think proper, wether the commander or tlie common sol- 
diers, in short they take a prerogative power in their own hands — not only in infesting 
mv hou.se and taking up niy rooms at pleasure, but take what they think necessary of 
my effects for their own use without asking. And if such doings is allowed to go on, 
not only I and my family must suffer, but also all my neighbors. 

And as for my part, Coniad I'Vank, it is not possible for me to undertake it upon ac- 
count of soldiers * * for my house is full either of one sort or another, and within 
this short lime have suffered considerable by the soldiers of Capt. Harris command, 
for they not only use my house as they thought proper, but likewise tocik whatever of my 
live cattle they thought proper fir their use, without either asking liherly or paying me 
for tlieir value, and .supposing I .should undertake such a thing and U^ave my house, I must 
I imagine never see eitiier my wife or children again ; and notwithstanding all the en- 
deavors we and all of us have made we could not find anyone that would undertake 



GROAVTH AND PROGRESS. 89 

such a piece of work. Aud although we and all of us would be ready and willing to 
do anything that would tend to his majesties honor or the good of our country, yet as 
matters stand we must be excused. We remain with due regard Hon. Sir, 

Your Hum. and obedient serv'ts, 

John Jost Herkimer. 

John Conrad Frank. 

In April, 1790, the State appropriated ;^iOO "for the ptirpose of 
erecting a bridge across the East Canada Creek, not exceeding tliree 
miles from the mouth thereof, upon the road from the Mohawk River to 
the Royal Grant." Three years later the Legislature provided for the 
erection of a bridge over East Canada Creek, " nearly opposite the 
Canajoharie Castle, on the public road leading from Tribes Hill to the 
Little Falls ; " and another over the West Canada Creek " on the public 
road or highway leading from the Little Falls to Fort Stanwix." A still 
more important improvement was made through the charter of a com- 
pany in April, 1800, for the construction of the Mohawk turnpike along 
the north bank of the river from Schenectadj' to Utica. The work was 
done within the next few years, under the direction of Seth Wetmore, 
a surveyor, who died in Canajoharie in 1836. This road became a part 
of the great east and west highway from Albany to Buffalo. These 
means of transportation sufficed for the inhabitants until the construc- 
tion of the Erie canal in 1825. 

Other highways that passed through parts of this county and were of 
considerable importance to the inhabitants, were the State road, so 
called because it was constructed by the State through the medium of 
a lottery, authorized in 1803, to raise $41,500. This road ran from 
Johnstown through the Black River country to Sackett's Harbor, pass- 
ing through parts of Manheim, Salisbury, and the towns of Norway and 
Russia. The road was much used in the early years of the present 
century. 

In 1804 the Fall Hill Turnpike and Bridge Company was incorpo- 
rated and authorized to build a toll bridge over the Mohawk River 
at Little Falls, and construct a road from the house of Ira Crane in 
Minden, Montgomery county, to the Mohawk River, thence along the 
river 'o Henry A. Vrooman's in German Flats, and thence to Samuel 
Abbott's house and Kassler's Mills. The principal object of this road 
12 



90 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

was to avoid climbing the steeps at Fall Hill. The bridge was erected 
and used many years, but the road was not constructed. 

In the year iSo6 coinmissioncrs were appointed to lay out and 
straighten the road on the south side of the Mohawk River from Sche- 
nectady to Utica, wherever it seemed expedient. The towns through 
which this highway passed were required to work it and keep it in 
order. 

The Great Western Turnpike passed through the southeast corner of 
the town of Warren, a distance of a few miles, but did not touch the 
Mohawk valley. 

The Minden and Utica Turnpike Company was incorporated in 
1809, the line designated to pass through the present towns of Stark, 
Warren, Columbia, Litchfield and the southwest corner of Frankfort. 
Parts of this turnpike were finished and one or more gates erected for 
collection of tolls, but it was abandoned many years ago. 

In 1834 Colonel Jeremiah Drake projected a railroad to connect with 
the Utica and Schenectady line about two miles east of Little Falls, and 
running northerly a distance of about fifteen miles in this county. The 
incorporation act was passed, surveys made, etc., the route to pass 
through Manheim Center, Wintonville and Salisbury Center to Dever- 
eaux. Failing to interest capitalists in the project, Colonel Drake was 
forced to abandon it. (See account of Little Falls and Dolgeville Rail- 
road.) 

It was over these early higliways that the great stage business of that 
period was conducted ; and even after the later construction of the 
canal and railroad, it was several years before those more modern and 
rapid methods of travel could displace the four horse coaches to which 
the people had become accustomed. One of the earliest as well as most 
successful of the old stage managers was Jason Parker, of Utica, with 
his later partners. He began running a stage between Albany and old 
Fort Schuyler in August, 1795, and thus announced his undertaking: 
"The mail leaves Whitestown every Monday and Thursday at 2 o'clock 
p. m., and proceeds to Old Fort Schuyler the same evening; next 
morning starts at 4 o'clock and arrives in Canajoharie in the evening, 
exchanges passengers with the Albany and Cooperstown stages, and 
the next day returns to Old Fort Schuyler. Fare for passengers, $2.00; 



GROWTH AND PROGRESS. Ol 

way passengers, four cents a mile, fourteen pounds of baggage gratis. 
Seats may be had by applying at the post-office, Whitestown, at the 
house of the subscriber, Old Fort Schuylei, or at Captain Root's, Cana- 
joharie " Parker's early experience was not profitable and he had to 
apply to the Legislature in 1797 for aid. By September, 1810, greater 
expedition was attained on this route and a daily line of stages passed 
over the road. In 1810-11 Joshua Ostroni and his partners, also of 
Utica, came into competition with Parker and announced that a new 
line of steamboat stages would leave Albany Monday and Friday, and 
Utica Monday and Thursday. These trips were made more often a 
little later and the competition between the lines became exceedingly 
active. Parker & Powell announced in 1811 : " Eight changes of horses. 
The mail stage now leaves Bagg's, Utica, every morning at 4 o'clock. 
Passengers will breakfast at Maynard's, Herkimer, dine at Josiah Shep- 
ard's. Palatine, and sup (on oysters) at Thomas Powell's Tontine Coffee 
House, Schenectady. The ladies and gentlemen who will favor this 
line with their patronage may be assured of having good horses, attent- 
ive drivers, warm carriages, and that there shall not be any running 
or racing of horses on the line." 

Then the rivals, unencumbered by mails, announced themselves 
ready to " go through in one day, unless the extreme badness of 
the traveling rendered it utterly impossible." Moreover passengers 
were to "have the liberty of breakfasting, dining and supping where, 
when and on what they please. No more than eight passengers unless 
by unanimous consent." 

The year 1825 saw the establishment of the county poor-house in 
Herkimer. The board of supervisors met on the 5th of May at Her- 
kimer and appointed Abijah Beckwith, of Columbia, Robert Shoe- 
maker, of German Flats, and William Griswold, of Fairfield, a com- 
mittee to examine into the subject. This committee reported before 
the end of that month, and the supervisors thereupon resolved to 
purchase for the sum of $2,000 a house and land in the German Flats, 
near the line of the canal. Samuel Etheridge and Gideon Johnson 
were appointed to negotiate the purchase, and Rudolph J. Shoemaker, 
Alfred Putnam, Lauren P'ord, John B. Dygert, and Caleb Budlong, 
superintendents. The clerk was notified that as soon as the proper 



92 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTV. 

officers had taken possession of the house, to publish the fact in the 
Herkimer paper. On the i6th of November, 1827, the supervisors 
resolved to aboh'sh the distinction between the town and the county 
poor Up to that time each town had supported its own poor at the 
county house; but tlie plan was not a successful one. On the i6th of 
December, 1827, tlie supervisors resolved to ask the Legislature for 
authority to sell the poor-house property and purchase a more suitable 
piece of land and erect buildings thereon for the future reception of 
paupers. The required law was passed, but no immediate action was 
taken under it. Although a little out of its chronological order, the 
later history of the poor-house may as well be given here. In 1837 
the matter of disposing of the poor-house was again agitated, although 
at the annual meeting of that year the superintendents were author- 
ized to purchase a part of the Steele farm for the use of the 
county, which was subsequently effected. The discussion of sale and 
change of location continued through 1839 and 1840, and further laws 
on the subject were passed by the Legislature. In 1842 the superin- 
tendents authorized the supervisors to sell the house and land adjoining 
for $500, and in 1844 the Legislature vested in the board of supervisors 
full power to Fell out the old establishment, purchase a new site and 
erect suitable buildings. It is clear that it was high time such action 
was taken. Yet for nearly three years the subject was actively dis- 
cussed before a majority of the supervisors made a final disposition of 
it. The difficulty was to reconcile the different factions in the board 
to a new location, some wanting it on the south side of the river, 
while others wished it taken from the vicinity of the canal. In January, 
1846, the board fixed upon a new site (the present one) by a vote of 
10 to 9; on the 17th of March 1846, the board sanctioned the con- 
tract for the new buildings made by the commissioners and George W. 
Alton, George Rurch and Cornelius E. T. Van Home superintended 
the erection of the new buildings. They are located in the town of 
Herkimer, about two miles south of Middleville, on the west side of the 
West Canada Creek, and arc commodious and convenient for their 
purpose. 

The Asiatic cholera visited this country in 1832-34 and in many 
localities was the cause of great fatality, anxiety and actual panic. 



(JROWTH AND PROGRESS. 93 

Although the disease found its way westward from New York and 
Albany, following to some extent the line of the Erie canal, Herkimer 
county almost entirely escaped its ravages. This fortunate circumstance 
is doubtless due to there being no large city in the county, the general 
healthfulness of the locality and the favorable sanitary conditions then 
existing. The disease gained a foothold in Utica and Syracuse, as well 
as at other prominent centers ; but the smaller places and country 
districts almost wholly escaped. 

During the period between 1830 and i860, the development of the 
dairy industry in this country was especially marked. Farmers learned 
the value of choice stock and the importance of giving their herds the 
best possible care Shippers opened the English market about 1832, 
and extended the distribution of the product to many of the largest 
cities of this country, laying the foundation of the later important in- 
dustry. The progress of dairying in the county is further treated in 
another chapter. 

The Herkimer County Education Society and Teachers' Association 
was organized at Little Falls March 15, 1837, with David Chassell as 
president ; N. S. Benton, John B. Dygert, Thomas Hawks, John Del- 
amater and Henry Ellison, vice-presidents ; James Henry, correspond- 
ing secretary ; E. A. Munson, recording secretary. The organization 
was effected at a meeting of the county convention of the friends of 
education. It was arranged that annual meetings should be held, at 
which addresses should be made and plans laid for the general advance- 
ment of education in the county. The organization was not very 
long-lived. 

The State of New York, with many others, had its period of what 
may be termed the plank road mania, beginning in 1847 and continu- 
ing several years. These roads, built at a time when most country 
highways were even much worse than the}' are at the present time, and 
extending into localities where railroads were not likely to go, were of 
considerable benefit, especially to farmers A few of them paid reas- 
onable profits, but more were losing projects and soon were abandoned. 
The first plank road in Herkimer county extended from Mohawk vil- 
lage through Herkimer and Middleville to Newport, along the valley 
of the West Canada Creek. Others were the Little Falls and Middle- 



94 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ville road, connecting those two places; the Manheim and Salisbury, 
connecting Little Falls with Salisbury Four Corners, and afterwards ex- 
tended to Graysville in the northern part of Norway; the Little Falls 
and Salisbury, connecting the former place with Devereaux ; the road 
from Utica passing through Frankfort, Litchfield and West Winfield to 
Unadilla ; the Mohawk and Ilion, connecting those villages ; the Frank- 
fort and Utica, extending from Frankfort village to the west line of the 
county along the line of the canal ; the Ilion and Cedarville, connect- 
ing those two points. And the plank road trom Fort Plain to Coopers- 
town passed through Starkville and Van Hornesville, in the town of 
Stark; the North Gage and Russia road connected Russia with North 
Gage in Oneida county. These once useful highways were, however, 
short-lived, and have now all disappeared. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 

THE long reign of prosperous peace in America was rudely closed 
when citizens of Southern States fired the first hostile gun upon 
Fort Sumter in 1861. Almost before the sound of that cannonade had 
died away a tide of patriotic enthusiasm and indignation swept over 
the entire North, and the call to arms found an echo in every loyal 
heart, while thousands sprang forward to offer their services and their 
lives at the altar of their country. 

The history of the civil war has been written and rewritten, and al- 
most every intelligent citizen, young and old, is familiar with the details 
of the great contest. ' Were this not a fact it would still be manifestly 
impossible in a work of this character to follow the course of the various 
campaigns in which Herkimer county soldiers took part, or to trace the 
careers of those brave officers and privates who fell on the field of bat- 
tle. Such historical work must be left to the general historian who has 
unlimited space at his command for the one topic ; and already, as we 
have said, the pages of history are eloquent with records of the battles 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 95 

in which Herkimer county men honorably shared, which all may read ; 
while the thousands of volumes that have been published by the State 
and placed in every county clerk's office and elsewhere, contain the ros- 
ters of all New York State organizations that went out to battle for the 
right. It therefore remains for us to give such statistics and informa- 
tion in this connection as bear a local interest, as far as the space at 
command will permit. 

Before the actual outbreak of the rebellion the president issued a 
proclamation calling forth " the militia of the several States of the Union, 
to the aggregate number of 75,000, in order to suppress combinations, 
and to cause the laws to be duly executed." The principal villages of 
Herkimer county became at once centers of military activity. One of 
the first steps taken was to place a guard upon the great armory of the 
Remingtons at llion, which was soon filled with a large force of work- 
men employed day and night. 

On Monday, April 15, 1861, the State Legislature passed a bill ap- 
propriating $3,000,000 and providing for the enrollment of 30,000 men 
to aid the government. The volunteers were to enlist into the State 
service for two years, and to be subject at any time to transfer into the 
Federal service. This measure caused intense excitement and the various 
villages of the county were soon ablaze with military enthusiasm. 

On the 20th of April a great union meeting was held at Little Falls, 
over which Major Z. C. Priest presided. Patriotic speeches were made 
by Hon. A. Loomis, Rev. B. F. McLoughlin, Rev. J. D. Adams, Hon. 
A. H. Laflin, Hon. George A. Hardin, and Arnold Petrie. Resolutions 
were adopted expressive of the patriotism of the people and the deter- 
mination to maintain the government against its enemies, and denounc- 
ing rebellion. Provision was made to raise $5,000 for the relief of 
families of those who might enlist This meeting was followed by a 
similar one at Mohawk, at which large delegations were present from 
Herkimer, llion and elsewhere. Dean Burgess, of Herkimer, presided 
and stirring speeches were made by Hon. J. H. Wooster, of Newport, 
Judge Ezra Graves, of Herkimer, General Prescott, of Mohawk, and 
others. An overflow meeting was held outside of the church, for the 
benefit of those who could not gain admittance, which was addressed 
by Hon. George A. Hardin, and Hon. A. H. Laflin, of Herkimer. 



96 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Resolutions similar to those mentioned were adopted and $1,500 were 
subscribed at once for the relief fund. Military enthusiasm and action 
extended, also, into other parts of the county, and while the last named 
meeting was being held, about fifty persons had already enlisted in the 
towns of Ohio, Norway and Russia; and by the 24th of April seventy 
men had enlisted in Herkimer and more than thirty in Mohawk. 

On the evening of IMay 24 a meeting was held in the court-house to 
formulate a plan for the relief of the families of those who had enlisted. 
It was decided to raise $2,000 on a note payable in one year, to receive 
the signatures of those who were disposed to secure it. A large num- 
ber signed the note and the money was advanced by the Mohawk Val- 
ley Bank. Dean Burgess was made treasurer of the fund, and Ezra 
Graves and H. G. Crouch, with the treasurer, were made an executive 
committee to distribute the money. Similar action was taken at other 
points and together afforded the necessary relief 

By the 8th day of May, 1861, there were six companies of Herkimer 
county men in rendezvous at Albany. These, with one company from 
Essex county, two from Steuben, one from Clinton, and one from 
Albany county, were organized into the Thirty-fourth Regiment of in- 
fantry, afterwards familiarly known as the " Herkimer County Regi- 
ment." Of these companies. Company B was raised in Little Falls, 
Company C at Graysville, Companies F and Gat Herkimer, and Company 
K at Brockett's Bridge (now Dolgeville). The regimental officers 
were : Colonel, William Ladue ; lieutenant-colonel, James Suiter ; 
major, Byron Laflin ; quartermaster, Natlian Easterbrook, jr. ; chaplain, 
J. B. Van Petten ; paymaster, W. H. Wombaugh. The Herkimer 
county companies were officered as follows : 

Company B. — Captain, Wells Sponable ; Ist lieutenant, John Fralick; ensign, Irving 
Delos Clark ; 1st sergeant, Lewis M. Clark ; sergeants, William Orrin Beach, Chauncey 
Petrie and Wallace Zaper ; corporals, Warren Van Allen, Atielbert Perry, Dennis 
Canaan and Edward Redner; musicians, John Apple and John Scheraierhorn. 

Company C. — Captain, Thomas Corcoran; lieutenant, Samuel P. Butler; ensign, 
William S. Burt; 1st sergeant, William Wallace; sergeants, Jacob Ashley, S. S. Walter 
and Charles B. Barton ; corporals, Simon Loyd, Richard Manning, Hanison L. Banks 
and Joshua Sherwood ; musicians, William H. Corp and John H. Guy. 

Company F. — Captain, Charles Riley ; lieutenant, Joseph R. Shoemaker; sergeant.<, 
William R. Van Valkenbuig, Christian Way man and James B. Crist; corporals, 
Charles B. Taylor, John T. Booth, Thomas White anrf Charles Pierce; musicians, David 
M. Heath and Edward White. 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 97 

Company G. — Captain, Charles L. Brown ; 1st lieutenant, Warren Mack, jr. ; ensign, 
Michael ShafFner ; 1st sergeant, Joy E. Johnson; 2d sergeant, Albert Arnold; 3d ser- 
geant, James H. Cory ; 4th sergeant, Richard D. Mosher ; 1st corporal, Jeremiah Far- 
rell ; corporals, A. S. Rounds, William Manning and John H. Raynor ; musicians, 
Ezra Dockstater and Nelson Meacham. 

Company K. — Captain, John Beverly ; lieutenant, Henry B. Chamberlin ; ensign, 
Emerson S. Northrup; 1st sergeant, William S. Walton; sergeants, Charles Lasure, 
Benjamin J. Loucks and Romeyn Roof; corporals, William Burns, Henry Traver, John 
Johnson and John Williams ; musicians, Hiram Burk and Eugene Kibbie. 

On account of ill health, Colonel Ladue resigned March 20, 1862, 
and Lieutenant- Colonel Suiter was promoted to the office. He resigned 
January 26, 1863, and was honorably discharged. Lieutenant- Colonel 
Byron Laflin was his successor. The last three companies of Herkimer 
county men left for Albany on the 6th of May. A large gathering of 
people assembled at Herkimer and listened to the patriotic and affect- 
ing words of Judge Graves to the departing soldiers. In the final organ- 
ization at Albany the six Herkimer companies were reduced to five, 
which, with the others named, made ten. On the 25th of May the reg- 
iment was accepted, and June 15 it was mustered into service. On the 
25th of that month a stand of colors was presented to the regiment by 
the ladies of Little Falls, through Horace Burch. On the 2d of July 
the regiment left Albany for Washington on the steamboat Western 
World and two barges ; they arrived at Washington on the 5th, and 
went into camp on Kalorama Heights. On the 28th of July the regiment 
was assigned to picket duty at Seneca Mills, Md., on the Chesapeake 
and Ohio Canal. After doing duty at various stations for short periods, 
among them being Poolesville, Harper's Ferry, Bolivar Heights, Charles- 
town, Berryville and Winchester (arriving just after the close of the bat- 
tle), the regiment reached Yorktown on the 5th of April, 1862. On the 
4th of May they embarked for West Point and on the 6th were engaged 
in the battle at that place, with slight loss. Continuing up the penin- 
sula they went into camp on the Tyler farm and were detailed to bridge 
the Chickahominy. In the succeeding battle of Fair Oaks the regiment 
acted nobly and lost thirty- four killed and sixty-four wounded. On 
the 30th of June they were engaged at Glendale in a part of the "Seven 
Days Fight" and lost thirteen killed and wounded. On the 1st of 
July the regiment reached Malvern Hill and in the battle fought there 
lost thirty-four in killed, wounded and missing, among the killed being 

13 



98 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Major Charles L. Brown. After other operations in that vicinity the 
regiment found itself in its old camp at Harrison's Landing, where tliey 
remained until August 15, removing thence to Newport News, where 
they arrived on the 21st. The movements of the regiment from that 
time until the battle at Antietam were to Alexandria; thence to a point 
near Fort Ethan Allen ; thence to Frederick City, South Mountain and 
Antietam. In that memorable battle the regiment was forced to the 
front, where it narrowly escaped destruction, and lost thirty- two killed, 
109 wounded, and nine missing. From Antietam the regiment went 
to Harper's Ferry, and on the I ith of November was reviewed by Gen- 
eral McClellan for the last time. Next they marched to Falmouth, 
and on December 1 1 reached a point opposite Fredericksburg. Here 
in the engagement that followed they lost thirty- three killed and 
wounded. The regiment went into winter quarters near Falmouth 
January 26, 1863. Its term of service expired on the 8th of June and 
on that day they left for home. They were tendered a reception at 
Herkimer before being mustered out and were given a royal welcome 
on the 27th of June. The men were mustered out on the 30th of June, 
numbering only 400, as against 786 when the organization left for the 
front. 

Passing by several organizations in which Herkimer county men en- 
listed, as noted further on, we come to the Ninty-seventh Regiment of 
infantry, in which a large part of five companies were from this county, 
the remainder being largely Oneida county men. The formation of 
this regiment was begun on the i6th of October, 1861, and was of- 
ficered as follows: Colonel, Charles Wheelock ; lieutenant-colonel, J. 
P. Spofiford, of Brockett's Bridge, Herkimer county, promoted to colonel 
in February, 1865; major, Charles Northrup ; adjutant, Charles Buck; 
quartermaster, Joel T. Comstock ; surgeon, N. D. Ferguson; assistant 
surgeon, Aaron Cornish; chaplain, James V. Ferguson. Colonel Whee- 
lock was one of the bravest and most efficient officers that left the State. 
He was captured by the enemy in one of the early engagements of the 
regiment, but made a daring escape. The hardships of army life were 
too severe for his physical frame, and he died at Washington January 
2 1 . 1 865. His remains were brought home to his native town of Boon- 
villc where they received burial with military honors. 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 99 

The Ninety-seventh was mustered into service at Boonville on the 
19th of P'ebruary, 1862, and on the I 2th day of March left for Wash- 
ington with a strength of 928 men. Companies C, D, E, F, and I were 
each about half made up of Herkimer county men, and officered as fol- 
lows by Herkimer county : 

Company C — First lieutenant, Francis Murphy ; second lieutenant, John T. Norton ; 
first sergeant, John G. C. Sproule ; sergeants, James McGurren, Henry P. Fitzpatrick; 
corporal, Charles McGurren, all of Herkimer village ; musician, Dennis T. Hall, Graves- 
ville; wagoner, Horace Rice, Herkimer. 

Company D.— Captain, Rouse P. Egleston. Brockett's Bridge ; first lieutenant, Dwight 
S. Faville, Brockett's Bridge ; first sergeant, James H. Stiles, Salisbury ; second sergeant, 
Frank Reed, Brockett's Bridge; fourth sergeant, William Dresher, Salisbury ; fifth ser- 
geant, David Beverly, jr., Brockett's Bridge ; corporals, H. Alonzo Cool and Charles 
Doxtater, Brockett's Bridge ; Abner K. Huntly, Frederick Munson, and Conrad Metz, 
Salisbury Center, and Morgan Hughs, Manheim ; fifer, Ezra M. Huntly, Salisbury; 
wagoner, John Kirchen, Salisbury Center. 

Campany E. — Corporal, John Williams, Russia; musician, Jolin F. Moreliouse, Graves- 
ville. 

Company F. — Captain, Stephen G. Hutchinson; first lieutenant, E. Gary Spencer, 
Brockett's Bridge; first sergeant, William Ransom; second sergeant, DelosD. Hall; third 
sergeant, Hiram Hildreth, and fourth sergeant, John Darling, Salisbury ; corporals, 
Augustus Johnson, William B. Judd, Brockett's Bridge, and George Terry, Salisbury. 

Company H, commanded by Captain Anton Brendle, included musicians Addy and 
William Thompson, and three privates, from Herkimer village. 

Company I. — Captain, James P. Leslie; first lieutenant, Romeyn Roof; second lieu- 
tenant, Lewis H. Carpenter ; first sergeant, George Chase, and sergeant, Henry A. Way, 
all of Little Falls; sergeant, Joseph W. Harrison, Tan Hornesville ; sergeant, Hartley 
Youker, Little Falls ; corporals, John Campbell, George J. Keller, Ansel L. Snow, Will- 
iam H. Gray, and Michael Tighe, Little Falls; Clinton Ackerman, Newville ; James 
Kenna, and Roswell Clark, jr.. Little Falls ; musicians, Charles A. Barrett and Fred- 
erick V. Laurent, Little Falls. 

Following is a list of the battles in which this regiment bore a con- 
spicuous part: Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare 
Gap, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Freder- 
icksburg (two engagements), Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, 
Raccoon Ford, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania Court House, 
North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, White Oak Swamp, 
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hicks Ford, Hatcher's Run, Quaker 
Road, White Oak Road, Five Forks, Appomattox. It is no more than 
L.oFC. 



100 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

justice to this splendid organization to give it credit for being one of the 
bravest and hardest fought regiments in the army, as the following sta- 
tistics will show : 

Of the color bearers two were killed and three wounded, as follows: Sergeant James 
Brown, killed July 1, 1863, at Gettysburg; Sergeant Sylvester Riley, killed May 5, 
18G4, at the battle of the Wilderness. Sergeant John King, wounded severely May 
18, near Spottsylvania Court-house; John D. Conlon, wounded May 5, 18G4, near 
Spottsylvania Court-house; Joseph Curtis, wounded February G, 1862. 

Of the original officers only three returned with the regiment, viz., Colonel J. P. 
SpofTord, Lieutenant-Colonel Rouse P. Egleston, and Captain Isaac Hall. 

The commissioned officers who were killed, or died of wounds received in action, 
were: Captain Richard Jones, August 30, 1862 ; First Lieutenant Dwight S. Faville, 
August 30, 1862; Second Lieutenant Louis Dallarini, September" 17, 1862; First Lieu- 
tenant Rush P. Cady, July 1, 1863 ; Second Lieutenant James H. Stiles, July 1, 1863 ; 
Second Lieutenant William J. Morrin, July 1. 1863; Fu'st Lieutenant Frank T. Bren- 
iian. May 6, 18G-1 ; Second Lieutenant William (i. Dresher, May 6, 1864; Second Lieu- 
tenant John Kocli, June 3, 1863 ; Second Lieutenant Henry P. Fitzpatnck, August 4, 
1864; Captain WilHam B. Judd, February 6, 1864. Thiity-two commissioned officers 
and 836 enlisted men were wounded. The total number of commis.sioned officers ever 
belonging to the regiment was ninety-four. 

Of the enlisted men in the regiment there were killed or mortally wounded, 203; died 
of disease, 122; discharged, 690; transferred, 534; mustered out — present — 322; mus- 
tered out — absent — 205; total, 2,081. There were twenly-two hundred names on the 
muster roll of the regiment during its service; when mustered out there were just 25 
officers and 322 men left. Company D mustered out but twenty-six men. 

The regiment wasm Duryea's Brigade and Rickett's Division of the First Corps at 
the battle of Antietam, where it sufiered more severely than in any other battle. Here 
more than one-half of the regiment was killed and woundod in less than an hour after 
the engagement commenced ; yet it is said men never displayed more coolness and de- 
termination. Not a man was captured, and when relieved, though under a galling fire, 
they retired in good order. 

At Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and all sulisequent battles — more than twenty in 
number — the Ninety- seventh sustained the reputation it had gloriously acquired at 
liard-fought Antietara. At Gettysburg the loss of the regiment was great, particularly 
in officers — eleven of whom (out of twenty-four) were killed or wounded. The regi- 
ment went into this battle with only 236 rifles ; and after being engaged several hours 
and losing heavily it made a successful charge upon the Twentieth North Carolina 
regiment, capturing 382 men and their colors. Colonel Spoffbrd (then lieutenant- 
coloneH led this charge, and in it nearly one-half of his hat was carried away by apiece 
of shell. His horse was shot in the head, and Colonel Spofford subsequentlj taken 
prisoner, and he was afterwards nearly a year and a half in Southern prisons. 

On the 7th of June, 1864, the Eiglity-third New York volunteers (Ninth militia) 
were consolidated with the Ninety-seventh. Prior to this consolidation the Twenty- 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 101 

sixth New York had been joined to tlie Eighty-third, and the Ninety-seventh there- 
fore received the remnants of two regiments when the consohdation took place. 

The One Hundred and Tzuenty -first Regiment. — This was the next 
organization which contained a large proportion of Herkimtr county 
men, most of the remainder being from Otsego county, and was raised 
in response to the president's call for 300,000 volunteers in August, 
1862. The camp of the regiment was situated on the grounds of H. J, 
Schuyler, in the town of German Flats, about a mile and a half from 
Herkimer, and was called Camp Schuyler. A list of the Herkimer 
county men in the regiment was published in the Herkimer Democrat 
of August 27, 1862, and shows that coinpanies A, B, C, D, and H 
were almost wholly from this county, the figures being respectively in 
the order named, 98, 102, 10 1, 102, and 66. These companies were 
officered as follows : 

Company A. — Captain, H. M. Galpin, Little Falls; hrst lieutenant, J. Biirrill, Salis- 
bury; second lieutenant, George W. Davis, Little Falls; sergeants — Joseph H. Heath, 
Little Falls; Lester Baum, Danube; David T. King, Salisbury; George Hewittson, 
Danube ; and Frank Burt, Little Falls; corporals — George H. Snell, Little Falls; John 
Wormouth, Danube ; Albert H. Clark, Little Falls; Henry Timmerman, Little Falls; 
Isaac Darling, Salisbury; Hallet Mattison, Salisbury; James Hendrix, Danube; and 
Peter Fletcher, Little Falls; musician, Murton Timmerman, Little Falls. 

Company B. — Captain, Irving Holcomb, Litchfield ; first lieutenant, H. C. Keith, 
German Flats ; second lieutenant, George A.May, German Flats; sergeants — ^Levi S. 
Jones, Winfield; Dennis A. Dewey, Plainfield; Samuel Miller, Litchfield; Gilbert T. 
Broadway, German Flats ; Reuben C. Holmes, Little Falls; corporals— F. McCarron, 
Litchfield ; A. C. Potter, Winfield ; G. W. Warren, Litchfield ; William H. Widrick, 
German Flats; Joseph B. Rounds, Winfield ; Dewitt Beckwith, Geiman Flats; Asahel 
Davis, Winfield ; William Thornton, Columbia ; musicians, J. M. Underwood, Litch- 
field ; Resell Jackson, Columbia. 

Company C. — Captain, Clinton A. Moon, Herkimer; first lieutenant, Thomas S. 
Arnold, Herkimer; second lieutenant, Angus Cameron, Fairfield; sergeants — E. P. 
Joiinson, Russia; D. W. Greene, A. Clark Rice and F. B. Ford, Fairfield ; G. W. Col- 
lins, Russia; corporals — W. Ward Rice, Fairfield; Joshua W. Storr, Russia; Calvin 
G. Carpenter, Fairfield; Crosby J. Graves, I. N. Bassett and Julius A. Jones, Russia; 
Wilbur F. Lamberson and Leander Swartout, Fairfield. 

Company D. — Captain, John D. Fish, Frankfort ; first lieutenant. Deles M. Kenyon, 
Frankfort; second lieutenant, Charles E. Staring, Schuyler; sergeants— James W. 
Bascom, Willard H. Howard, James Johnson, MellviUe D. Merry, Frankfort; Roselle 
Warren, Warren; corporals — Darius Brown, James H. Smith, Frankfort; Nathan B. 
Faville, Manheim; Nathaniel Warren, Amos Lepper, Frankfort; Aaron D. Miller, 
Schuyler ; Francis N. Piper, Ralph T. Pierson, Frankfort. 



102 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Company H.— Captain, John Ramsay, Little Falls; first lieutenant, Double- 
day, Otsego county ; second lieutenant. M. R. Casler, Little Falls; sergeants — W. D. 
Turner, Little Falls; S. Wolverton, Thomas M. Kenna, Little Falls; R. C. Firman, 
Otsego county ; Levi Sherry, Little Falls; corporals, M. I. Gage, Little Falls; James 
Reddy, Little Falls; J. A. Burgess, Otsego county ; William H. Hayes, Little Falls; H. 
C. Winslow, Little Falls. 

The regimental officers were as follows: Colonel, Richaid Franchot ; litutenant-col- 
onel, C. H. Clark; Major, Egbert Olcott; adjutant, Alonzo Ferguson; surgeon, D. W. 
Bassett; assistant surgeons, S. B Valentine, D. M.Holt; quartermaster, Albert Story ; 
chaplain, J. R. Sage. 

This regiment left its camp on the 31st of August, marciied to the 
Herkimer station, where a large crowd witnessed the aflecting depait- 
ure. After a short stay in camp at Wasliington, the regiment went on 
picl<et duty beyond Georgetown, Sickness and death became prevalent 
in the various companies and by October 26, 1862, more than one 
hundred were sick and six had died, one of them a commissioned 
officer. After various minor movements, the regiment participated 
honorably in the battle of Fredericksburg, though its loss was small — 
four killed and twelve wounded. The winter was spent in camp, and 
the regiment suffered much from desertions. At the second battle 
of Fredericksburg, on the 3d of May, 1S63, the organization lost forty- 
one killed, and 235 wounded and missing. In the three days of 
fighting at Gettysburg the regiment participated, but its duty was such 
that it did not suffer material loss. November 7, 1863, the regiment 
participated in the engagement at Rappahannock Station, where it won 
brilliant laurels, aiding in capturing many prisoners and battle flags, 
and receiving honorable mention from General Meade. The loss was 
four killed and twenty-one wounded. 

During the winter of 1863-4 the regiment was in camp at Brandy 
Station. In the spring campaign of 1864 the One Hundred Twenty- 
First performed the most arduous service. A member writing home 
said : " We have been fighting like fury for fourteen days, watching 
nights and fighting daytitnes, and are now nearly worn out, as you 
may well imagine. We have captured many prisoners and stands 
of colors and many pieces of artillery. Out of fifteen officers only 
four are left. We have 144 men fit for duty. We started out with 
four hundred men and twenty officers. Six officers were killed, nine 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 103 

wounded and one missing. Twenty-five enlisted men were killed, 144 
wounded, and sixty-six missing." This letter was dated May 20. 

In the battle of Cold Harbor the regiment did its share of fighting 
and had a number of men wounded. The other engagements. in which 
it shared were Opequan, Fisher's Hill, and Peteisburg, and finally Cedar 
Creek. In the last battle it lost nine killed and forty wounded. The 
regiment was mustered out on June 25, 1865, and on the succeeding 
4tli of July was given a hearty reception at Little Falls, when 
twelve thousand people were present. Of 1,076 men who left Herki- 
mer in the One Hundred Twenty- First, only 445 returned. The loss 
in the field was 250 and in wounded between 600 and 700. 

The One Hundred and Fifty Second Regiment. — This regiment was 
formed in Herkimer and Otsego counties, about 360 men being drawn 
from Herkimer besides the following company officers : 

Company A. — Captain, Timothy O'Brien, Mohawk ; first lieutenant, Peleg G. Thomas ; 
second lieutenant, John M. Smith, Mohawk ; fir.st sergeant, Frederick A. Gray, Herki- 
mer; sergeant.s — Alonzo C. Holmes, Litte Falls ; Thomas MeGlone, Manheim ; Welford 
E. Casler, Little Falls ; and Simon Lepper, Herkimer ; corporals — William H. Cornell, 
Little Falls; Charles H. Dygert and Moses C. Holden, Herkimer; James P. Burns, 
Manheim; Thomas Ellis, Little Falls; Frederick Harter, Herkimer ; Moses C. Roof, 
Little Falls ; and William W. Wilson, Herkimer; musicians, Jeremiah Carroll, jr.. Lit- 
tle Falls, and John Smart, Herkimer; wagoner, William P. Casler, Little Falls. 

Company B. — Captain, William S. Burt; first lieutenant, Silas T. Bebee, and second 
lieutenant, H. Dwight Smith, Mohawk; first sergeant, Henry A. Hydorn, Little Falls- 
sergeants — John Mcintosh, Wilmurt ; Dennis T. Hurtly, Warren; Albert Hall and 
Truman F. Phelps, Ohio ; corporals— Francis Bennett, Ohio; D. Mcintosh, Russia- 
William B. CoflBn, Ohio ; Herman Delong, Stark; John Paul, Wilmurt; Hurlburt 
Norton, Newport ; musicians, Granville Palmer, Newport, and Paul Crego, Norway ; 
wagoner, George Bennett, Ohio. 

Company C. — Captain, James E. Curtiss; first lieutenant, Francis E. Leonard, and 
second lieutenant, Lansing Swift, Mohawk; sergeants — John Thrall and Daniel Steele, 
Mohawk; corporals — John Freeman, Hiatt Coe, Elijah Colbnrn, Jonathan Joyce, 
George W. Manchester and Edward F. Passen, Mohawk; musician, Frank Doxtater 
Mohawk; wagoner, Peter Doxtater, Mohawk. 

Company D. — Captain, William R. Wall, first lieutenant, Elias Young, and second 
lieutenant, John Land jr., Mohawk. 

Company E. — Captain, Simeon L. Coe, first lieutenant, Washington W. Hul.ser, and 
second lieutenant, Delancy Stafford, Mohawk; sergeants — Horatio Nichols, Litchfield - 
William Porter, Winfield ; Daniel Van Allen, Danube, and James McGowan, Litchfield ; 
corporals — William Luckey, jr., Bridgewater ; Jacob Nell, Litchfield; William Z. Ball 



104 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Alonzo P. Miller and Isaac McLoughlin, Winfield ; James Barnes, Litchfield; John A. 
Carrier, Winfield, an<l Charles Brown, Schuyler ; musicians, Tliomas Fox, Danube, and 
William S. Babcock, Litchfield ; Wagoner, Peter W. Tallman, Schuyler. 

Company F. — Captain, Daniel A. West, Mohawk : first lieutenant, David Hill, Mo- 
hawk ; second lieutenant, James B. Eysaman, Mohawk; first sergeant, John W. Quim- 
by, Fairfield ; second, O. M. Cronkhite, Little Falls; third, Seymour A. Smith, Fair- 
field; fourth, William II. Lewis, Little Falls; fifth, Edward C. Townsend, Fairfield; 
first corporal, Alfred R. Quaiffe, Little Falls; second, Matthew McCann, Fairfield; 
third, Julius L. Townsend, Newport; fourth, Delevan Hewitt, Manheim ; fifth, Thomas 
R. Petrie, Fairfield; sixth, John W. Allen, Manheim ; musicians, Lyman Snell, Man- 
heim, and James D. Wiswell, Little Falls; wagoner, David Flint, Little Falls. 

Company K. — Captain, Lambert Hensler, Mohawk ; first lieutenant, Lewis A. Camp- 
bell, Mohawk; second lieutenant, Jacob G. Bellinger, Mohawk; first sergeant, Peter 
B. Dykenian, Little Falls; sergeants, Englehart Diefenbocker, Adrian Lee, Sanford A. 
Hager and David Small. Frankfort ; first corporal, Andrew Bridenbecker, second, Ed- 
ward Haver, third, Michael Conlon, fourth, Lewis H. Gray, and fifth, Winfield S. Forel- 
man, Frankfort ; sixth, Cornelius W. Hardendorf, Cherry Valley ; seventh, William 
J. Gray, Warren; eighth, Seth B. Holdridge, Schuyler; musicians, Eugene Casey, 
German Flats, and Garrett Vischer, Frankfort; wagoner, George Sterling, Frankfort. 

Company G. — Captain, Edmund C. Gilbert, Mohawk; first lieutenant, Josiah Hinds, 
Mohawk. 

Company H. — Captain, Uriah B. Kendall; first lieutenant, William R. Patrick; sec- 
ond lieutenant, William L. Hopkins, all of Mohawk. 

Company I. — Captain, Alonzo A. Bingham; first lieutenant, Charles Hamilton; sec- 
ond lieutenant, Edward W. Butler, all of Mohawk. 

Following are the field and staff ofiicers : Colonel, Leonard Boyer ; lieutenant 
colonel. Alonzo Ferguson; major, George R Spalding; adjutant, Cleveland J. Camp- 
bell ; quartermaster, George W. Ernst, jr. ; surgeon, Silas A. Ingham ; assistant sur- 
geons, Eli Small, Harmon M. Blood. 

The One Hundred Fifty- second Regiment was formed in the fall of 
1862, and reached Washington on the 23d of October, where it re- 
mained in Camp Marcy until February, 1863, when it was stationed in 
the city for guard and provost duty. After three weeks at Suffolk, in 
Eastern Virginia, the regiment again returned to Washington, and on the 
14th of July was ordered to New York. This movement was occasioned 
b}' the fear of riots caused by the draft. After about a month in New 
York the regiment proceeded to Schenectady, for guard duty during the 
draft; their services were not needed. Returning to New York the 
regiment remained there until the middle of October, 1863, when it re- 
joined the Army of the Potomac, and was assigned to the First Brigade, 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 105 

Second Division, Second Corps, reporting at headquarters near Center- 
villa. After sharing in Meade's eight days' campaign across the Rapi- 
dan, the regiment went into winter quarters near Brandy Station. 

In the terrible battles of the Wilderness in the spring of 1864, the 
One Hundred Fitty- Second performed an honorable part and suffered 
severely. A letter written on May 13 thus speaks of that battle: 

I am still sound after eight days' hard fighting. We have lost heavily. Our gallant 
old leader, General John Sedgwick, of the " bloody Sixth Corps," is killed, and our noble 
Colonel Olcott is also no more. Major Galpin is wounded in the eye, and is at Freder- 
icksburg hospital. We went into the fight with 446 men and fifteen officers, and came 
out to-day with four olEcers and not a hundred men. I have just taken the " census," 
and find we have just ninety-four men to-day, May 13. Out of fifty-six men in Com- 
pany A there are just seven left. When we charged we took 3,000 prisoners, and the 
next day the Second Corps took Johnson's whole division, 9,000 strong, seventeen 
pieces of artillery, and some twenty stands of colors. The report has just come in that 
the rebels have left the front. The loss to our army in killed, wounded and missing 
must be at the least calculation from 18,000 to 25,000. This has been the greatest bat- 
tle ever fought on this continent. Captain Fish is killed. 

It was in the Wilderness battle that the famous charge was made in 
which this regiment participated, and which has gone upon the records 
of history. It was just before daybreak, and in its front were three 
lines of rifle pits, and in the rear of them two formidable lines of log 
ramparts ; these were about five feet thick at the base and six feet high, 
each at the rear commanding the one in front. As soon as it was light 
enough to see, the signal was given and the entire corps pressed forward. 
As the attacking force dashed over the first and second lines of rifle 
pits and captured the swarms of soldiers in them, a wild yell burst forth 
from the Union lines, which was responded to by a withering fire of 
cannon and musketry. Still undaunted they pushed on, Sergeant Hul- 
burt Norton a little in advance with the colors. His right hand was 
shot away at the staff, but he quickly raised the colors with his left 
hand and pushed on. The next instant a bullet pierced his brain. 
The color guard being now wholly wiped out and the staff of the State 
flag cut in two, the men hesitated at the third line. Captain David 
Hill caught up the flag and with a shout jumped into a section of the 
pit in front and alone sent thirty bewildered rebels to the rear. Another 
moment and we were pouring over the works, the colors still carried by 
Captain Hill, but he was soon forced to drop them, as he received a 

14 



lOG HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

painful wound. The State flag was then caught up by Sergeant Fitch 
and turned over to another who carried it through the remainder of tlie 
engagement. The works were carried and about 6,000 prisoners cap- 
tured, with forty-two guns, and many horses, etc. The One Hundred 
Fifty-Second alone took three stands of colors, and covered itself with 
glory. Nor did it suffer its well earned honors to decline during the 
remainder of its term. In the battles of North Anna, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Reams Station and on the Boydton 
Road, it bore an honorable part, and was mustered out at the close of 
the war July 13, 1865. 

Other organizations in which Herkimer county soldiers served were, 
first, the Fourteenth Regiment of infantry, commonly known as the 
First Oneida Regiment, which was organized at Utica in April, 1861, 
with James McQuade as colonel. It was mustered into the service at 
Albany on the 17th of May and left for Washington on the 14th of 
June, where it arrived and went into camp on Meridian Hill. The regi- 
ment bore an honorable part in a minor engagement at Ball's Cross 
Roads on the 14th of September; was in the siege of Yorktown, the 
battle of Hanover Court House, at Gaines Mill (June 27, 1862), at Mal- 
vern Hill July I, losing 9 killed, 79 wounded, and 29 missing; entered 
the Seven Days fight with 500 men and lost 34 killed, 177 wounded 
and 15 missing; took part in the succeeding Maryland campaign, and 
left the field at Falmoth November 12, 1863. It was mustered out at 
Utica on the 20th of that month. 

Second, the Twenty-sixth Regiment of infantry, commonly known as 
the Third Oneida, which was mustered in at Elmira May 21, 1861, for 
three months; but most of its number re-enlisted at the expiration of 
the term, under special order. The regiment participated in the battle 
of Cedar Mountain, in the four days' skirmishing at Rappahannock Sta- 
tion; in the second battle of Bull Run, where Captains Casselmen and 
G. S. Jennings were killed; at Chantilly September 1, 1861 ; at South 
Mountain, and at Antietam. It went into the battle of Fredericksburg 
with about 300 officers and men, and suffered severely, losing some 15 
officers killed and wounded, with a total loss of 30 killed, and 120 
wounded. It also participated in the action at Chancellorsville. The 
organization was mustered out May, 1863. 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 107 

Battery A of the First Light Artillery was raised in Herkimer county, 
and was accepted for the service October 9, 1861. It went into camp 
for artillery instruction at Camp Barry, Washington. On the 22d of 
March, 1862, the battery was attached to General Casey's Division, 
Fourth Corps, which embarked at Alexandria April i, 1862, and landed 
at Newport News. The battery was engaged in the siege of Yorktown, 
and on the 31st of May took part in the battle of Fair Oaks, in which 
it had 100 horses killed and the entire battery was captured by the 
enemy. The company was greatly reduced, and in June, 1862, Captain 
Bates was authorized to recruit a new company under the old organiza- 
tion, while the remaining members of the old company were attached 
to Battery H, Fifth New York Artillery, and to the Seventh and Eighth 
New York batteries. The new battery was stationed at Camp Barry 
until July, 1863, after which until it was mustered out it was employed 
in Pennsylvania and on the border to prevent raids into that State. 

Company K of the Second New York Artillery was chiefly raised in 
Herkimer county, mostly in and near Frankfort. Pliny L. Joslin, of 
Frankfort, was the first captain ; Charles Howell, first lieutenant, and 
Joseph C. Tillinghast, second lieutenant; James Hares, first sergeant; 
Theodore S. Crosby, second sergeant ; Charles Horton, Eliakim F. 
Howell, Loren True and James H. Parks, sergeants ; Peter W. Gloo, 
Vernam W. Harvey, James Dodge, Harvey Rogers, Charles Rathbun, 
Andrew M. Lee, Francis A. Lewis, and Myron K. Ellsworth, cor- 
porals; David Smalts, bugler ; Benjamin J. Ford, and Jacob J. Wright, 
blacksmiths ; John S. Lewis, wagoner, all of Frankfort. While forming 
this battery was stationed at Staten Island and^ in the winter of 1861 
went to Forth Worth, Va., where it remained until the summer of 1862. 
It then joined General Pope's command and participated in the second 
fight at Bull Run. After that it remained stationed at Fort Corcoran, 
Va., until May, 1864. The battery participated in the entire campaign 
of 1864, suffering loss at Spottsylvania, and sharing in many later en- 
gagements Its loss at Strawberry Plain was very severe and included 
seven commissioned officers in killed and wounded. On the Weldon 
Road and at Hatcher's Run the regiment was honorably engaged and 
duringthe winter of 1864-5 was in camp in front of Petersburg. During 
the campaign which closed the war the regiment saw the most active 



108 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

service, after which it returned to Washington and in the fall was mus- 
tered out. 

The Sixteenth Artillery was raised in this State and mustered into 
the service between September 28, 1863, and January 28, 1864. Her- 
kimer county contributed over one hundred men to its ranks, more 
than one half of whom were in Company F. The most severe work of 
this organization was in the trenches in front of Petersburg after Au- 
gust, 1864. It remained in the service until the close of the war and 
was mustered out August 21, 1865. 

In Capt. John H. Fralick's company (M) of the Second Regiment of 
Rifles, were between thirty and forty Herkimer county men, with the 
following officers: 

Captain, John H. Fralick, Little Falls; first lieutenant, Eli Morse, Little Falls; ser- 
geant, John A. Fralick, Danube; sergeant, Thomas Manion, Manheim ; corporals, Paul 
J. Perry, William Hamilton, Edward A. Tryon, Patrick Marion, James Costello and 
Andrew Bang, Little Falls ; musician, William Fleming, Little Falls ; teamsters, Jesse 
Cx. Clute and William A. Wheeler, Little Falls; farriers, Phillip Perry, Danube, and 
George F. Adams, Little Falls. 

The regiment was organized at Buffalo for three years' service and 
was recruited between July, 1863, and February, 1864. The regiment 
left Fort Porter in March, 1864, for a camp near Washington. It par- 
ticipated in the battles of Spottsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, 
Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Road, Hatcher's Run, and shared in 
the pursuit of Lee to Appomattox. At Five Forks and Jetersville the 
regiment was engaged, but without severe loss. After the surrender 
the regiment returned to Petersburg and pending the negotiations be- 
tween Jolinston and Sherman was ordered to North Carolina to rein- 
force Sherman. With Johnston's surrender the regiment returned to 
Petersburg and from there to Buckingham, Va., where it performed 
provost duty until August, 1865. It was mustered out at Buffalo on 
the loth of that month. The regiment left home with 1,500 men and 
during its term was recruited with more than 300. It returned with 
between 700 and 800 men. In the service a little more than a year, 
the regiment took part in nineteen engagements. 

The Eighteenth New York Cavalry, mustered into the service Feb- 
ruary 3, 1864, contained about twenty-five men from Herkimer county. 
Its term of service was comparatively short and hence it did not suffer 



The civil war period. io9 

very heavy losses. The Fourteenth Cavalry was consolidated with this 
regiment in June, 1864, and the force as thus constituted was in the 
service until May 31, 1865. 

In this very brief sketch of the uprising in Herkimer county and its 
generous and noble support of the government in the great Civil War, 
we have not space for mention of the hundreds of heroic deeds done by 
her volunteers. Tn the great total of sacrifice in that struggle a single 
death, a single deed of heroism, the suffering of any individual, count 
for but little ; together they constitute the history of the greatest of 
modern wars. 

The records show that this county was in the fore front of those com- 
prising the Empire State in its sacrifices for the good of the country. 

A draft was anticipated in this county in the fall of 1862, but the offer 
of liberal bounties and the energy displayed in promoting enlistments 
avoided that alternative. Again in the spring and summer of 1863, it 
seemed as though no effort could raise the troops called for by the pres- 
ident ; and although the country was electrified by the splendid victories 
of the Union armies at Gettysburg, Vicksburg and elsewhere, it finally 
became apparent that a draft could not be avoided. The Twentieth 
district was composed of Jefferson, Lewis and Herkimer counties and 
the draft began in Jefferson county on the 25th of August, the proceed- 
ings taking place in VVatertown. Drafting Herkimer county men began 
on the 27th, and the following table shows the enrollment and the num- 
ber drawn in each town : 

Columbia Enrollment, 225 Drawn, 64 

Danube 

Fairfield 

Frankfort ' 

German Flats ' 

Herkimer 

Litchfield ' 

Little Falls 

Manheim ' 

Newport ' 

Norway ' 

Ohio 

Russia ' 

Salisbury ' 

Schuyler ' 

Stark 

Warren 

Wilmurt ' 

WinBeld 



165 


46 


201 


56 


356 


103 


647 


190 


295 


85 


136 


36 


617 


17G 


213 


60 


206 


67 


81 


21 


65 


16 


231 


43 


196 


55 


174 


49 


174 


51 


188 


" 20 


19 


3 


163 


44 



110 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

In the fall elections the State went Republican and the county also 
by about i,000 majority. 

A new enrollment was ordered late in 1863, and with the repeated 
calls for troops, bounties were increased and recruiting was pushed with 
energy. Under the call for 500,000 men a draft was ordered for March 
10, leaving thirty-five days after the call in which to fill the various 
quotas. At that time the county had a credit of 363 enlistments. On 
the 14th of March another call for 200,000 men was issued and a draft 
for all deficiencies ordered for April 15, 1864. The draft did not take 
place until June 8, by which date the enlistments had progressed to such 
an extent that the deficiency throughout the county was very lis^ht. 
The following table gives the details of this, the last draft made in the 
county : 

Quota under Two Calls. Credits. Deficiency. Excess. 

Columbia G5 69 4 

Danube 47 47 

Fairfield 54 55 . . 1 

Frankfort 100 100 

German Flats 188 132 56 

Herkimer 90 92 2 

Litchfield 41 38 3 

Little Falls 176 176 

Manheim 61 44 17 

Newport 60 53 7 

Norway 25 18 7 

Obio 24 16 8 

Russia 88 44 24 

Salisbury 59 48 11 

Schuyler .11 52 . . 1 

Stark 62 48 4 

Warren 58 57 1 

Wilmurt 6 6 

Winfield 46 53 . . 7 

Another call for 500,000 volunteers was made July 18, 1864, to be 
followed by a draft September 5. Russia was the first town in this 
county to fill her quota under this call, and through the payment of 
enormous bounties and the utmost activity and perseverance of the loyal 
people, the quota was filled. In spite of these repeated calls and the 
opposition of those who had already declared the war unnecessary and 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. Ill 

a failure, the fall elections went strongly for the Union, while troops 
came forward with alacrity to the succeeding calls of the president, and 
in the spring of 1865 the people of the county had the extreme satis- 
faction of joining in the grand demonstrations that were made all over 
the North upon the surrender of the Southern armies. 

There is little further to add to the general history of the county that 
is not given in detail in following chapters and in the histories of the 
various towns. It is nearly thirty years since the close of the war and 
almost the whole of that period has witnessed a steady growth in Herki- 
mer county, in population and general prosperity. This is particularly 
true of the increase of manufactures, which are fully described in the 
histories of the towns. At the same time agricultural interests, depend- 
ing largely upon dairying interests, have been far more prosperous than 
in many other localities. The opening of the West Shore Railroad in 
1883, though holding out considerable promise of benefit, can scarcely 
be said to have fulfilled public expectations; but the same statement 
applies to its entire line. The building of the Adirondack and St Law- 
rence road and the one extending from Little Falls to Dolgeville, both 
of which have been put in operation in 1892, cannot fail to be of im- 
portance to all of the towns north of the river. In short, it may be said 
that there are few of the interior counties of the State, especially among 
those that do not depend upon the progress of some large city, that 
has a brighter outlook than Herkimer. 

In the year 1800 the population of Herkimer county was 16,332. 
The increase since that time as shown by the census reports is as follows : 
1810, 24,742; 1820, 31,017; 1825, 33,040; 1830, 35,870; 1835, 
36,201; 1840,37,477; 1845,37,424; 1850; 38,244; 1855, 38,566; 
i860, 40,561; 1865,39,154; 1870,39,929; 1875,41,586; 1880,42,- 
66-] ; 1890, 45,608. 

The fluctuations of population in the various towns of the county 
since the census are shown in the following table : 

1855 1S60 1865 1870 T87S 1880 iSgo 

Columbia 1,831 1,893 1,732 1,637 1,589 1,616 1,380 

Danube 1,791 1,711 1,343 1,324 1,238 1,235 1,116 

Fairfield 1,493 1,712 1,649 1,653 1,567 1,656 1,553 

Frankfort 3,217 3,247 3,087 3,065 3,402 3,025 3,988 

German Flats 3,855 3,940 5,074 5,718 7,371 6.746 7,255 

Herkimer .2,866 2,804 2,922 2,949 3,322 3,593 4,666 



112 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

1S55 i860 1865 1870 1875 1880 jSgo 

Litchfield l,r)82 1,520 1,397 1.384 1,248 1,218 1,055 

Little Falls 4,930 5,989 5,588 5,612 5,846 6,913 7,512 

Manheim 1,672 1,868 1,831 2,000 2,173 2,421 3,809 

Newport 2,015 2,113 1.983 1,954 1,790 1,953 1,835 

Norway 1,059 1,105 1,080 1,117 1,0.54 1,045 818 

Ohio 1,087 1,135 928 1,009 980 901 832 

Russia 2,288 2,389 2,030 2,220 2,048 2.177 2,145 

Sahsbury 2,306 2,325 2,123 1,933 1,875 1,884 1,800 

Schuyler 1,690 1,715 1,.589 1,5.58 1,497 1,452 1,259 

.Stark 1.478 1,543 1.522 1,541 1,395 1,476 1,248 

Warren 1,741 1,812 1,611 1,.503 1,461 1,430 1,339 

Wilmurt 2,268 260 148 191 185 271 375 

Winfield 1,397 1,480 1,517 1,501 1,539 1,597 1,665 

State Senators. — The first constitution divided the State into four senate districts — 
"Southern," " Middle," " Eastern," and " Western." Herkimer county, on its forma- 
tion, became a part of the last named, but was changed to the Eastern in 1815. An- 
drew Finck, jr., of Manheim, went from the Western district in 1784, and the next 
three years; Michael Myers, of Herkimer, from 1796 to 1801, inclusive; John Meyer, 
of Herkimer, in 1802; Matthias B. Tallmadge, of Herkimer, in 1803, 1804 and 1805; 
Nathan Smith, of Fairfield, from 1800 to 1814; John I. Prendergast, of Winfield. in 
1815. The gentleman last named was a senator from the Eastern district in 1816, 1817 
and 1818, and George Rosecrantz, of German Flats, in the next four years. The 
second constitution divided the State into eight senate district.*, entitled to four sen- 
ators apiece. Herkimer county belonged to the fifth until May 23, 1836, when it was 
transferred to the fourth. Under the present constitution this county, with Mont- 
gomery, Fulton and Hamilton, at first formed the sixteenth district. In 1857 Herki- 
mer and Otsego were made the twentieth, to which, in 1879, Madison was added ; 
and in 1892 changed to Herkimer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Montgomery. The repre- 
sentatives of the district from Herkimer county under the second and third 
constitutions have been as follows: Sherman Wooster, of Newport, 1823-27 ; Nathaniel 
S. Benton. 1828-31; Edmund Varney, of Russia, 1842-45; Thomas Burch, Little 
Fall-s 1848, 1849; George H. Fox. Mohawk, 1850, 1851; Frederick P. Bellinger, 
Herkimer. 1856, 18.57; Addison H. Laflin, Herkimer, 1858, 1859; George A. Hardin, 
Little Falls, 1862, 1863; John B. Van Petten, Fairfield, 1868, 1SG9 ; Archibald C. 
McGowan, Frankfort. 1872-75; David P. Looniis, 1876, 1877; Samuel S. Edick, 
1878, 1879. Albert M. Mills received majority of votes in 1879; Titus Sheard, 
received majority of votes in 1889. 

Members of Congress. — Herkimer county, when formed, became part of a congres- 
sional district containing, besides, Montgomery, Otsego, Tioga, Ontario, and part 
of Albany. In 1792 the part of Albany was taken ofl" and Onondaga was added upon 
its formation. In 1797 Herkimer was put into the ninth district, with Montgomery, 
Oneida and Chenango. In 1802 it vras joined with Oneida and St. Lawrence to form 
the fifteenth, to which, in 1804. Jefferson and Lewis were added. Oneida was taken 
off in 1808, and in 1812 the seventeenth district was formed from Herkimer and 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. 113 

Madison. Ten years later, Herkimer alone became the fifteenth district. In 1832 
Herkimer and Lewis became the sixteenth, and in 1842 Herkimer and Montgomery 
were made the seventeenth. In 1851 St. Lawrence took the place of Montgomery in 
this district. In J8G2 Herkimer county, Jefferson and Lewis were constituted the 
twentieth district. In 1873 the same district was numbered the twenty-second, in 
1883 changed to Herkimer, Otsego and Schoharie ; and in 1892 changed to Herkimer 
and Oneida, and now called the twenty-fifth. The members of the House of Repre- 
sentatives from Herkimer county in the several Congresses have been as follows: 

Vlllth Congress (1803-5), Gaylord Griswold, Herkimer; Xlth (1809-11), John 
Nicholson, Herkimer; XlVth (1815-17), Westel Willoughby, jr., Newport; XVth 
and XVIth (1817-21), Aaron Hackley, jr., Herkimer; XVIIIth (1823-25), John Her- 
kimer ; XlXth-XXIId (1825-33), Michael Hoffman, Herkimer ; XXIIId and XXIVth 
(1833-37), Abijah Mann, jr., Fairfield; XXVth (1837-39), Arphaxed Loomis, Little 
Falls; XXVIIIth and XXIXth (1843-47), Charles S. Benton, Mohawk; XXXth 
(1847-49), George Petrie. Little Falls; XXXIst (1848-51), Henry P. Alexander, 
Little Falls; XXXIId (1851-53), Alexander H. Buel, Fairfield; XXXIVth- 
XXXVIth (1855-61), Francis E. Spinner, Mohawk; XXXIXth-XLIst (1865-71), 
Addison H. Laflin, Herkimer: Warner Miller, of Herkimer, received majority of 
votes in 1878, 1880. 

Comity Clerks. — Jonas Piatt, February 17th, 1791 ; Joab Griswold, March 19th 
1798; Blihu Griswold. April 6th, 1804, and March 4th, 1811 ; Peter M. Myers, Februl 
ary 28th, 1810, and February 23d, 1813; Aaron Hackley, jr., February 12th, 1812 
and February 16th, 1815; Walter Fish, April 16th, 1817; John Mahon, February' 
13th, 1821; Jabez Fox, 1823; Abijah BecKwith, 1826; Julius C. Nelson, 1832; 
John Dygert, 1835; Edwin A. Munson, 1841; Standish Barry, 1847; Elkenah T. 
Cleland, 1853 ; Cornelius T. B. Van Home, 1856 ; Zenas Green, 1861 ; Douglass Ben- 
net, 1867; Edward Simm.s, 1878; Palmer M. Wood, 1880; Arthur T. Smith, 1886; 
Levi C. Smith, 1889 ; Nelson E. Ransom, 1892. 

County Treasurers. — Robert Ethridge, 1848 and 1866 ; Horatio W. Johnson, 1851 ' 
C. C. Witherstine, 1854; Allen W.Eaton, 1857; Floyd 0. Shepard, 1863 ; Alphonzo 
D.Marshall, 1872; Albert Story, 1878; Caleb P. Miller, 1885; Sylvanus J. Waters, 
jr., 1888 ; Thomas Bailey, 1891. 

Assemhlym'en. — The members of the Assembly from the territory of Herkimer county 
while it was part of Tryon were Michael Edic and Abraham Van Home, elected in 
1777 and 1778; George Henry Bell and Abraham Van Home, elected in 1776-79; 
William Retry elected in 1781, and 1782; and Andrew Frinck, elected in 1782. 
From Montgomery county Van Home was a member in 1786 ; Henry Staring 
was elected in 1788, and Michael Myers in 1789-91. Since its organization Her- 
kimer county has been represented as follows: In 1792, 1793, Michael Myers; 1794, 
1795, Jedediah Sanger; 1796, Jonas Piatt; 1797, Isaac Brayton, Arthur Breese, 
Matthew Brown, jr., Lodowick Campbell, Gaylord Griswold, Joshua Leeland, Henry 
McNeil; 1798, Benjamin Bowen, Matthew Brown, jr., Lodowick Campbell, Isaac 
Foot, Gaylord Griswold, Henry McNeil, Nathan Smith; 1799, Lodowick Campbell, 
John Cummins, jr., Phineas Gates; 1800, Thomas Manly, John Mills, John Meyer; 
15 



114 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

1801, Nathan Smith, Evans Wharry, George Widrig; 1802, Nathan Smith, Samuel 
Merry, jr., George Widrig; 1803, Stephen Miller, George Widrig, Samuel Wright. 
1804 and 1805, Evans Wharry, George Widrig, Samuel Wright; 180C, Eldad Corbet' 
George Widrig, Samuel Wright; 1807, John Kennedy, George Widrig, Samuel 
Wright; 1808 and 1809, Aaron Budlong, John M. Petrie, Westel Willoughby, jr. ; 
1810, Christopher P. Bellinger, Rudolph Devendorff, Thomas Manly; 1811, Christo- 
pher P. Bellinger, Robert Burch, Hosea Nelson; 1812, Robert Burch. Rudolph I. 
Shoemaker, Samuel Woodworth; 1813, John Graves, Hosea Nelson, Rudolph I. 
Shoemaker; 1814, Christopher P. Bellinger, Jonas Cleland, Aaron Eackley, jr.; 
1815. Jonas Cleland, Aaron Hackley, jr., John. McCombs ; 181G, William D. Ford, 
Henry Hopkin.'!, John McCombs; 1817, Abijah Beckwith, William D. Ford, George 
Rosecrantz; 1818, Nichol Fosdick, Aaron Hackley, jr., George Rosecrantz; 1819, Jonas 
Cleland, Nichol Fosdick, Henry Gros; 1820, Phdo M. Hackley, Jacob Markell, James 
Orton ; 1821, Simeon Ford, Thomas Manly, Daniel Van Home; 1822, Stephen 
Todd, Simeon Ford, Robert Shoemaker; 1823, Abijah Beckwith, John Dygert, 
Henry Tillinghast; 1824, Christopher P. Bellinger, Caleb Budlong, John Graves; 1825, 
Samael Dexter, jr., Warner Folts, Jacob Wire; 182G, Jonas Cleland, Nicholas Schuyler, 
Edmund Varney ; 1S27, Frederick P. Bellinger, Daniel C. Henderson, Richard Smith, 
2d; 1828, David R. Currier, Abijah Mann, jr., John P. Snell ; 1829, John B. Dygert, 
Abijah Mann, jr., Cornelius Sloughter ; 1830, Frederick P. Bellinger, Russell Hopkins, 
Abijah Mann, jr.; 1831, Atwater Cooke, jr., Olmstead Hough, Nicholas Lawyer; 1832, 
William C. Grain, Daniel Dygert, David Thorp; 1833, Dudley Burwell, Joseph M. 
Prendergast, Sherman Wooster ; 1834, Augustus Beardslee, Timothy J. Campbell, 
Charles Dyer ; 1835, Charles Gray, Peter P. Murphy, Henry Tillinghast ; 1836, Stephen 
Ayers, Frederick Bellinger, Thomas Hawks; 1837, Henry L. Easton, Aaron Hackley; 
1838, Abijah Mann, jr., Volney Owen ; 1839, Benjamin Carver, Atwater Cook, jr. ; 
1840. Daniel Bellinger, George Burch; 1841 and 1842, Michael Hoffman, Arphaxed 
Loomis; 1843, Walter Booth, John T. Hall ; 1844, Michael Hoffman, Peter H. Warren ; 
1845, Alexander H. Buell, William C. Grain; 1846, William C. Grain, Henry Eysaman ; 
1847, Abijah Beckwith, Jefferson Tillinghast. (Herkimer county had now become two' 
districts, the first embracing all the towns wholly or partly north of the river, except 
Schuyler. The members from the first district will be mentioned first.) 1848, James 
Feeter, Little Falls ; Lawrence L. Merry, Mohawk ; 1849, Frederick P. Bellinger, 
Herkimer; Asa Wilcox, Newville; 1850, Asa Vickery, Ohio; Humphrey G. Root, 
Mohawk; 1851, John H. Wooster, Newport; Daniel Shall, Starkville ; 1852, John 
Hoover, Clermont; Charles Delong. Richfield Springs; 1853, Arphaxed Loomis, Little 
Falls; John W. Beckwith, Cedarville; 1854, Gardner Hiiikley, Wilmurt ; Dean Burgess, 
Winfield; 1855, Edmund G. Chapin, Little Falls; William Bridenbecker, Frankfort; 
1856, Samuel Greene, Fairfield ; Amos H. Prescott, Mohawk ; 1857, John H. Wooster, 
Newport; Harris Lewis, Frankfort; 1858, William Coppernoll, Ohio; Harris Lewis, 
Frankfort; 1859, Solomon Graves, Gravesville ; Lester Green, Danube ; 1860, Stephen 
R. Millington, Norway; Irving Holcomb, Cedarville; 1861, John Markell, Manheim 
Center; Josiah Shull. Mohawk; 18G2, Orson Moore, Russia; George Springer, Stark- 
ville; 1863, Grillin Sweet, Fairfield; Archibald C. McGowan, Frankfort; 1864, John 



THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD. llo 

H. Wooster, Newport; Ezra D. Beckwith, Cedarville; 1865, Henry Tillinghast, Nor- 
way; E. Bradley Lee, West Winfield ; 1866, Steplien Turtelot, Herkimer; Archibald 
C. MoGowan, Frankfort; 18G7 (the county having been made one district in 1866), 
Seth M. Richmond, Little Falls; 1868. Eli.sha W. Stannard, Springfiehi Center; 1869. 
Erasmus W. Day, West Schuyler; 1870 and 1871, Daniel A. Northrup, Salisbury Cen- 
ter ; 1872 and 1873, Eleazer C. Rice, Fairfield ; 1874 and 1875, Warner Miller, Herki'- 
mer; 1876 and 1877, Myron A. McKee ; 1878 and 1879, Titus Sheard ; 1880 and 1881. 
William D. Gorsline; 1882, Albert M. Ross; 1883, George W. Smith; 1885 and 1886, 
John M. Budlong; 1887 and 1888, P. H. MoEvoy ; 1889, Dewitt J. Mesiok; 1890, 
John D. Henderson; 1891 and 1892, Henry H. Green. 

Herkimer county was represented in the State convention of i8oi, 
which fixed the number of senators and members of the Assembly, by 
George Rosecrantz, Matthias P. TaUmadge and Evans Wharry. The 
delegates to the constitutional convention of 182 1 were Sanders Lansing, 
Richard Van Home and Sherman Wooster. Michael Hoffman and 
Arphaxed Loomis represented the county in the constitutional conven- 
tion of 1846. 

Lorenzo Caryl, of Little Falls, was appointed State assessor January 
28, 1870. X. A Willard, of Little Falls, was canal collector at that 
place from i860 to 1862. Michael Hoffman was appointed canal com- 
misioner April 4, 1833, and William L Skinner, of Little Falls, was 
elected to the same office November 8, 1859. 

Ezra Graves, of Herkimer, was elected inspector of State prisons 
November 5, 1872. 

■ Nathan Smith, of Fairfield, was elected one of the regents of the uni- 
versity January 31, 1809. 

Presidental electors have been chosen from this county as follows: 
In 1796, Peter Smith ; 18 12, George Rosecrantz ; 1816, Nichol Fosdick ; 
1828, Rufus Grain; 1836, Henry Ellison ; 184O, Thomas Burch ; 1848, 
Asa Chatfield; 1852, William C. Grain ; i860, Abijah Beckwith; 1878, 
H. H. Morgan. 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VII. 
HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING IN HERKIMER COUNTY.l 

BY referring to the map of Herkimer county, it will be seen that at 
about halfway between its northern and southern boundaries a part 
of Hamilton county breaks the regularity of the dividing line, advancing 
into Herkimer, forming an angle. From this angle, nearly all north (about 
one-half of the county) is a wilderness, covered for the most part with a 
dense forest. The soil here is light and poor, the climate cold, and 
when the land becomes divested of its timber, the snow, which here 
falls to a great depth and remains long on the ground, together with 
the early and late frosts, must render the land of little value compara- 
tively for agricultural purposes. This part of the county is the great 
lumber region, where parties are slowly making their way northward, 
felling the hemlock for its bark, and the spruce and cedar for flooring- 
plank, timber, boards and shingles. It is the southern part of Herkimer 
county with which we have to do ; for here lie her dairy lands, dotted 
with herds, the produce of which has rendered the county noted 
throughout the continent and in the markets of Europe. 

The Mohawk River divides the southern portion of the county, and 
as we approach that stream from the angle made by Hamilton county 
the general character of the climate and soil improves, the latter increas- 
ing more and more in its fertility. 

The limited space allowed for this chapter will not permit us to treat 
of the various soils in the several towns, and we can only speak of that 
which is supposed to be a characteristic feature in rendering the lands 
of the county superior for dairy purposes. 

The rock which underlies a large share of the lands in the towns 
north of the Mohawk is the Utica slate. It is of a dark color, of a soft 
or flaky nature, is found cropping out in numerous places, and when 
exposed to the atmosphere and frosts readily falls in pieces and is 
mingled with the soil. This rock contains considerable organic matter 

' Knim a paper written by the late X. A. Willard, in 1878. 



HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING. lit 

(according to Emmons, more than ten parts in one hundred), is charged 
with sulphur and contains lime, and when near the surface forms a soil 
rich in fertilizing elements, and not easily exhaustible Instances can 
be pointed out where fields of this black slate land have been plowed 
and cultivated tor more than twenty years in succession without the 
application of manures, and yielding good returns each year ; and 
there are pastures and meadows that iiave lain in grass for thirty or 
forty years, and which are still yielding abundant crops. 

In the towns south of the Mohawk River the Utica slate is found 
only to a limited extent, the Frankfort slate, hmestone and Marcellus 
shales being the characteristic underlying rocks. 

It is the modifying influence which these rocks are supposed to exert 
on the grasses, and the comparatively large surface over which they ex- 
tend, together with the abundant supply of never- failing streams and 
springs of pure water, that render Herkimer county peculiarly adapted 
to grazing, giving a richness and flavor to her cheese product not easily 
obtained in less favored locahties. 

The fall of rain and snow during the year is considerably more here 
than in many other parts of the State, and this is supposed to act favor- 
ably on the grasses and in the preservation of meadows. The grasses 
usually grown and considered most productive are timothy, June or 
Kentucky blue-grass, red top and orchard grass, with the clovers, red 
and white. These grow on the same sward and are well adapted to the 
soil and climate. White clover and June grass are indigenous, and 
are deemed of great value for pasturage. Gypsum has for a long time 
been in general use throughout the county. It is sown in early spring 
on pastures and meadows, and adds greatly to the productiveness of 
grasses and clovers. No other mineral or foreign fertilizer is in general 
use. 

Stock. — Reliance lias been placed for the most part on the native or 
common cow for supplying the dairies of the county. At first, and for 
many years after dairying had become established, farmers raised their 
own stock by selecting calves from their best cows, and in this way the 
milking stock was greatly improved. The early settlers along the Mo • 
hawk came mostly from Germany and Holland, and they brought with 
them and reared here what was known as the " Dutch cow." She was 



118 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

medium in size, black and white, often red and white, very hardy, a 
good feeder and of deep millving habit. The early dairymen got their 
best cows from this breed, specimens of which are now rarely seen, 
for as the price of cheese advanced, the practice of filling up the herds 
with stock driven from otlier counties, often from remote localities, ob- 
tained ; and although this means of keeping good the herd was more 
or less deprecated by farmers as unsatisfactory, still the practice grew 
and became pretty general. 

About the year 1830 Christian Sharer, of the town of Little Falls, 
introduced the pure-blooded Short-Horn Durhams, and subsequently 
Mr. Wakeman, of Herkimer, and others brought into the county the 
same breed. Mr. Sharer, we believe, made a voyage to England, bring- 
ing back with him some of this breed. This st;ck had the reputation 
of being good milkers, and they were crossed to some extent through 
the county on the native or common cow, the offspring proving to be 
superior milkers Mr. Sharer, it is believed, was the first to introduce 
thoroughbred milk stock into the county. He owned at the time a large 
and excellent dairy farm about two and a half miles north of the village 
of Little Falls, where he kept a herd of forty cows or more, and was 
considered a thrifty and prosperous farmer. 

As years went on other pure-blooded animals of different breeds were 
introduced, namely, the Devon, the Ayrshire, and more recently the 
Jersey and Dutch or Holstein breeds. Mr. A. L. Fish, of Winfield, 
was among the first to try Ayrshires ; General P. F. Bellinger, of Her- 
kimer, Jerseys ; and Hon. W. I. Skinner, of Little Falls, Ayrshires and 
Holsteins. 

Within the last ten or a dozen years the attention of farmers has been 
turned to the improvement of dairy stock, and many dairymen are now 
crossing the thoroughbred Ayrshire, the Jersey or the Holstein on the 
common cows of the country ; and the result has been quite satisfactory 
in obtaining deep milking stock. 

Cheese-dairying — Herkimer county may justly claim the honor of 
giving birth to cheese-dairying as a specialty in America. It was from 
Herkimer county that the business began to spread to the adjoining 
counties, and from thence to the different States and to Canada. In 
many instances Herkimer county dairymen, removing to distant lo- 



HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING. 119 

calities, were the first to plant the business in their new homes ; while 
in many sections cheese- dairying was commenced by drawing upon 
Herlvimer for cheese makers to manage the dairies. Often, too, par- 
ties were sent into the county to obtain a knowledge of cheese- making, 
and returning home carried the art into new districts. Thus for many 
years Herkimer was the great center from which the new districts 
drew the necessary information and skill for prosecuting the business of 
cheese dairying with profit and success. 

Cheese was made in small quantities in the county as early as 1800. 
In 1785 a number of persons emigrating from New England settled in 
the town of Fairfield ; among them may be named Cornelius Chatfield, 
Benjamin Bowen, Nathan Arnold, John Bucklin, Daniel Fenner, Nathan 
Smith, the Eatons and Neelys, Peter and Bela Ward, Nathaniel and 
William Brown and others. Some of these families, coming from 
Cheshire, Mass., brought with them a practical knowledge of the 
method by which cheese was made in a small way in Cheshire. 
But notable among these families were Nathan Arnold, Daniel Fen- 
ner and the Browns, who settled in the southern part of the town of 
Fairfield and near each other. Arnold's wife was a cheese- maker, and 
he is the first, it is believed, who began cheese dairying in the county. 
He came into the county poor, but he was rich in- health and strength. 

Except along the Mohawk nearly the whole county was then a dense 
forest. Brant, the famous Mohawk chief, and his bloody warriors had 
been gone several years, but traces of their pillage and murders were 
fresh among the early settlers in the valley and along the river. The 
old Dutch heroine, Mrs. Shell, whose part in the defense of the family 
fort has been related, was then living a few miles east of Fort Dayton. 
The house stood on the black slate hills rising near the Mohawk to the 
north, overlooking a long line of charming scenery. Beyond was a 
valley and a still higher elevation. Here the sturdy young New 
Englander picked his land. His strong arms felled the timber over 
many acres. He built his log house and established his herd upon the 
soil. 

From such a beginning sprung the mighty giant that is now stalking 
over the continent, dotting the land with countless herds. 

From 1800 to 1826 cheese-dairying had become pretty general in 
Herkimer county, but the herds were mostly small. As early as 181 2— 



120 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

i6, the largest herds, numbering about forty cows each, were those be- 
longing to William Ferris, Samuel Carpenter, Nathan Salisbury and Isaac 
Smith, in the northern part of the county, and they were regarded as 
extraordinary for their size. 

About 1826 the business began to be established in the adjoining 
counties, in single dairies, here and there, and generally by persons 
emigrating from Herkimer county. The implements and appurtenances 
of the dairy were then very rude. The milking was done in open yards, 
and milking barns were unknown. The milk was curded in wooden 
tubs, the curd cut with a long wooden knife and broken with the hands ; 
the cheeses were pressed in log presses standing exposed to the weather. 
The cheeses were generally thin and small. They were held through 
the season, and in the fall, when ready for market, they were packed in 
rough casks made for the purpose and shipped to dififerent localities for 
home consumption Prices in these days were low, ranging from 4 cents 
to 6 cents per pound. The leading buyers previous to 1826 were W. 
Ferris & Robert Nesbith, from Massachusetts. Nesbith was a Quaker 
and is remembered as having a sober, sedate countenance. Ferris, his 
partner, was of a more gay and festive turn. 

Their manner of conducting operations was often shrewd. Nesbith, 
it is said, generally went his rounds first, visiting every dairy, and we 
are told that he knew how to impress dairymen in regard to the inferior- 
ity of their goods, and to raise serious doubts in the minds of many as 
to whether cheese could be marketed at anything like living rates. He 
spoke of the difficulties of trade and the pressure of the money market, 
and was not exactly prepared to purchase, though sometimes in excep- 
tional cases he was prevailed upon to buy certain small lots at low fig- 
ures. By the time he got through his visitation the dairymen were feel- 
ing somewhat discouraged, and were ready to make easy terms with any 
buyer. Then Ferris made his appearance, and his off hand, generous 
way of doing business somehow carried the conviction that he was an 
operator willing to pay to the last cent the value of the goods. His 
prices were considerably better than those offered by his partner Nes- 
bith, and as this partnership was not known to the dairymen, the latter 
eagerly closed their sales, with the impression that good bargains had 
been made. 



HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING. 121 

In 1826 Harry Burrell, of Salisbury, Herkimer county, then a young 
man full of enterprise and courage, having learned something of the 
markets and the sly methods of Ferris & Nesbith, resolved to enter the 
field as their competitor. He pushed his operations with great vigor, 
and bought a large share of the cheese at a price above that figured by 
the Massachusetts firm. He afterwards became the chief dealer in dairy 
goods in Central New York, often purchasing the entire product of cheese 
made in the United States. 

Mr. Burrell was the first to open a cheese trade with England, com- 
mencing shipping as a venture about the year 1830 or 1832 at the sug- 
gestion of the late Erastus Corning, of Albany. The first shipment was 
about 10,000 pounds. He was the first, also, to send cheese to Phila- 
delphia, shipping to B. & B. Cooper in 1828 and to Jonathan Palmer in 
1830 and 1832. Mr. Burrell is still in the trade, 1 though over eighty 
years of age, and has shipped cheese abroad every year during the past 
fifty years, his shipments in the summer of 1878 being about a thousand 
boxes a week. He is among the few American dealers who have 
amassed a large fortune in the trade, and by his strict integrity and hon- 
est dealing has ever retained the confidence of dairymen. He has in- 
vested his means largely in real estate from time to time, and has many 
excellent dairy farms in Herkimer and in other counties of the State. 
He has for the past twenty years or more resided at Little Falls. 

From 1836 to i860 several Herkimer county merchants had entered 
the field as cheese buyers, the most notable of whom were Samuel Perry, 
of Newport, V. S. Kenyon, of Middleville, A. H. Buel, of Fairfield, Perry 
& Sweezy, of Newport, Benjamin Silliman, of Salisbury, Lorenzo Carryl, 
then of Salisbury, Frederick and James H. Ives, Roger Bamber, of Stark, 
Simeon Osborne, of Herkimer, and several others. Cheese, during this 
time, was usually bought on long credits, the dealers going through the 
country and purchasing the entire lot of cheese made or to be made 
during the season, advancing a small part of the money, and agreeing 
to pay the balance on the first of January following. Failures would 
occur from time to time, and the farmers selling to these unfortunate 
speculators not unfrequently lost the bulk of their labor for the season. 

' Mr. Burrell died several years since, and his business is still carried on by his sons, D.H. and E. 
S. Burrell. 



122 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Up to 1840 the dairymen of Herkimer bad made but little improve- 
ment in farm buildings or in tlie appliances for the dairy. Lands were 
comparatively cheap, and it was no unusual thing for men with little or 
no means to buy farms and pay for them by dairying. About this time 
or a little earlier the smaller farms of the county began to be absorbed 
by well-to-do dairymen, and the plan of renting farms, on what is known 
as the " two- fifths system," began to be adopted. We think Mr. Burrell 
was the first to regulate this system of leasing in all its details, and, having 
quite a number of farms to rent, he established a uniform rate which 
soon became a standard all over the county where dairy farms were to 
be rented. 

By 1840 farmers had become so prosperous from dairying that they 
began to pay more attention to the care and management of stock. 
They not only looked more closely to the comfort of the herds, but 
" milking barns " for their own convenience and comfort began to be 
pretty generally substituted for the open yard in milking. About this 
time, also, the first dairy steamer for making cheese was brought out by 
Mr. G. Farmer, of Herkimer. It consisted of a boiler for the genera- 
tion of steam, attached to a stove or furnace, with a pipe for conveying 
steam from the boiler to the milk- vat, which was of tin, surrounded by 
a wooden vat, on the same principle as the " milk- vats" now in use. A 
branch of the steam pipe was connected with a tub for heating water, 
for washing utensils, etc., used in the dairy. This apparatus, of course, 
was a crude affair compared with the modern, highly-improved cheese 
vat and steam boiler, but it was the first invention of the kind, and led 
to grand results in labor-saving appliances in the dairy In about ten 
years after Farmer's invention, which was extensively introduced in 
Herkimer and other counties, William G. Young, of Cedarville, brought 
out the steel curd-knife, which was a great improvement over the wire 
and tin cutters that Mr. Truman Cole, of Fairfield, had invented, and 
had got into general use. The log presses were also fast going out of 
use — their places being supplied by the Kendal press. The Taylor and 
Oysten presses, both invented by Herkimer county men, were further 
improvements brought out between 1850 and i860. 

From 1850 to i860 dairying began to assume formidable proportions. 
Prices had gradually risen from 5 cents to 7 cents, ftom 7 cents to 9 



HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING. 123 

cents, and the business was considered more prosperous than any other 
farm industry. During this period the farmers of Herkimer county had 
generally acquired wealth or a substantial competence, and tliis was 
shown in their improved buildings and premises. 

In 1857 Mr. Jesse Williams, of Rome, Oneida county (a dairyman 
who had learned cheese- making in Herkimer), conceived the idea of the 
factory sy.stem, but it did not begin to attract much attention until i860, 
when plans were inaugurated for testing the system in Herkimer. The 
first factories were erected by Avery & Ives, of Salisbury, and by Mr. 
Shell, of Russia, and were located in the respective towns of the builders, 
who were also the proprietors of these establishments. The system did 
not spread so rapidly at first in Herkimer as it has in some new sections, 
because cheese-making was better understood by the mass of farmers 
here than elsewhere; and the cheese of Herkimer having a high repu- 
tation in many of the large dairies, the dairymen were at first a little 
doubtful as to the success of the factories. They, however, soon wheeled 
into line, and now the last State census gives the number of factories in 
the county in 1874 at eighty-eight, aggregating a capital of $235,070, 
and paying out annually in wages the sum of $48,181. 

The number of cows in the county whose milk was sent to the facto- 
ries that year was 32,372, and in 1875 34.070- The number of patrons 
was 1,303. 

In i860 Samuel Perry, of New York, formerly of Herkimer county, 
attempted to control the entire export product of American dairies. He 
sent his agents early in the season throughout the whole dairy sections 
of New York and Ohio, then the only two States from which cheese 
was exported, and they contracted for him the bulk of the farm-dairies 
at an average price of from 8 cents to 10 cents per pound. 

The cheese was bought in the usual way, on credit, a small sum being 
paid during the summer, while the final settlement and payment were to 
be made in January. 

Mr. Perry, by offering a penny or so per pound more than other deal- 
ers believed the market would warrant, was enabled to secure almost 
the entire make of the season. A great disaster, as is well known, fol- 
lowed this purchase. Much of the cheese was badly made and badly 
cured, and it became worthless in his hands. Sales could not be made 



124 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtlNTt. 

in England to cover cost. The approaching war caused troublous times, 
and cut off our Southern trade. Financial difficulties at the opening of 
i86l were frequent and pressing, and the great merchant in a large 
number of cases could not meet his engagements, and many dairymen 
remained unpaid. The lesson was a severe one to all concerned, but it 
was useful in this — that ever afterwards dairymen in Herkimer have been 
cautious in selling on long credits, while no one dealer, single handed, 
has since that time attempted to control a product which from its mag- 
nitude is beyond the grasp of one man's means and resources. 

It is perhaps justice to Mr. Perry to say that he battled manfidly 
against the adverse turn in trade, and had it not been for the breaking 
out of the war would doubtless have met all his liabilities, though of 
course at a fearful loss. 

The Cheese Market at Little Falls. — The following year, i86l, dairy- 
men and dealers began to meet at Little Falls on certain days of the 
week for the purpose of making transactions in cheese. There was a 
large number of home dealers, some of them acting as agents for New 
York, Philadelphia and Baltimore houses, while others were seeking 
transactions on their own account. The fact, I think, that so many 
dairymen had lost money the previous year, and the desire on their 
part to sell for cash or on short credits, helped to start " sales day," or 
a public market at Little Falls. Dairymen commenced in the spring 
to bring small parcels of cheese into town on Mondays, offering it for 
sale to resident dealers, and transactions were readily made. The buy- 
ers soon learned that it was easier to test samples from the different 
dairies as they were brought to market than to make a special journey 
over bad country roads to look at cheese which they were not certain 
could be bought at market rates. It is quite different, they argued, 
whether the cheese is brought to town or lies on the shelf. When a 
dairyman brings his goods to market he is ready to sell. If the cheese 
is on the shelf in his curing room he may not be ready until he has in- 
quired as to the market, or seen some particular buyer. The seller, on 
the other hand, found an advantage in bringing his goods to town, be- 
cause he could show them to different buyers, and thus get a greater 
number of bids than he would be likely to obtain if his product remained 
in his dairy house. So, by mutual consent, each party, seeing an ad- 



HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING. 125 

vantage in it, embraced the plan, and " market days" for the sale of 
dairy products at Little Falls were inaugurated. At first two days in 
the week, Mondays and Wednesdays, were agreed upon, and the plan 
worked well and was satisfactory to all concerned. Soon dealers from 
New York and other cities began to visit the market, making such se- 
lections as desired, while the dairymen, selling for cash and meeting 
with buyers who were ready to compete for their goods, were so pleased 
with the arrangement that they did not care to dispose of their cheese 
in any other way. 

On some market days previous to 1864 hundreds of farmers have 
been in the streets near the railway depot, each with his wagon loaded 
with cheese boxed and marked with his name ; while some twenty or 
more buyers were scattered among them and passsing from wagon to 
wagon. Some from New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and 
other cities, with an occasional shipper from England, could be seen ex- 
amining, boring, tasting, smelling and making bids for the loads. 

In 1864 the first weekly reports of the Little Falls market, then and 
now the largest interior dairy market in the world, began to be made 
by the writer in the Utica Morning Herald. Previous to 1864 farmers 
relied on cit)' quotations, which were sometimes thought to be in the 
merchants' favor. Indeed so sharp was tne competition at Little Falls 
that the prices paid at this market every week were not unfrequently 
above New York quotations, and dairymen from other sections sought 
eagerly for these reports before selling. The factories also were sending 
their salesmen on the market not only from Herkimer, but from the 
adjoining counties, the " sales day" now being on Monday only of each 
week. From 1864 to 1870 the Little Falls cheese market had acquired 
so high a reputation that it was considered the center of the trade in 
America, and its weekly transactions had a controlling influence in 
establishing prices at the seaboard. Reports of the market at its close 
were telegraphed not only to parties engaged in the trade in our lead- 
ing cities, but to the great cheese centers of Liverpool and London. 
During this time, besides a great number of farm-dairymen attending 
the market weekly, salesmen from three hundred factories have some- 
times been present, while the regular list of factories doing business in 
the market numbered about two hundred. The quantity of cheese an- 



126 BISTORT OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

nually sold on the market has been estimated at 25,000,000 to 30,000,- 
000 pounds, but the actual shipment of dairy produce from the county 
was considerably less, as the factories, after selling their goods by sam- 
ple, shipped them at the railroad depots nearest the factory. 

The following table, made up from records kept at the railroad and 
canal freight depots within the limits of Herkimer county, will siiow 
the surplus make of butter and cheese in Herkimer county during the 
time referred to. The quantity consumed in the county is not known, 
but if added would make the product much larger: 

CHEESE, PonNDS. HUTTER, POUNDS. 

1864 16,767,999 492,673 

1865 16,808,352 313,756 

1866 18,172,913 232,961 

1867 16,772,031 204,385 

1868.. 15,734,920 341,632 

1869 15,570,487 204,634 

Up to 1 87 1 the cheese and butter market at Little Falls had been 
held for the most part in the open street, but early in January of that 
year steps were taken to organize a Dairy Board of Trade for the State, 
with headquarters at Little Falls, — that being then the chief and only 
interior dairy market in the country. In pursuance of this resolution a 
call for a public meeting at Little Falls in February was made, and 
widely circulated through the newspapers of the State. The meeting 
was largely attended by leading dairymen and others from different 
parts of the State, and Judge George A. Hardin was called to the chair, 
when an association was formed under the name of "The New York 
State Dairymen's Association and Board of Trade." 

This was the first " Dairymen's Board of Trade " organized on the 
continent, and soon after publishing and sending out circulars giving 
the plan for organizing such boards, other parts of the country started 
similar associations, Elgin, III, being first to follow, and then Utica, 
N. Y. The plan spread rapidly through the dairy sections of this State 
and in other States, and now many dairy centers in different States and 
Canada have their dairy boards of trade at which merchants and sel- 
lers meet on regular market days for the transaction of business in 
dairy goods. The telegraph is here brought into requisition, and sellers 
go upon the market knowing something of the demand and the price 



HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING. 127 

on both sides of the Atlantic. At the interior markets competition 
always runs high, and merchants sometimes complain tiiat margins are 
narrow and money not so easily made as when the goods were bought 
at the factory on city quotations. Be this as it may, the dairymen 
now have a sort of commercial education. They study the markets, 
home and foreign, and they judge when it is best to realize on their 
goods. 

The first officers chosen by "The New York State Dairymen's Asso- 
ciation and Board of Trade " were : X. A. Willard, president ; Watts T. 
Loomis, recording secretary; Josiah ShuU, corresponding secretary; 
David H. Burrell, treasurer; with six directors, all of whom the consti- 
tution provides shall be elected annually. The annual meetings of the 
society occur in February of each year at Little Falls, though conven- 
tions are held during the winter in different parts of the State ; they 
have been held at Little Falls ; Sinclairville, Chautauqua county ; at 
Binghamton, Broome county; at Norwich, Chenango county; at 
Elmira, Chemung county; two or more at Utica, Oneida county; and 
others elsewhere. These conventions have been very largely attended, 
and have done an important work in aiding the progress of dairy- 
husbandry in the State. 

Soon after the organization of the society, the citizens of Little Falls 
with commendable liberality contributed several hundred dollars for the 
erection and fitting up of a board of trade room, and it was completed 
in good style under the supervision of J. W. Cronkhite,-of Little Fatts: 

When we consider that the annual product of cheese in America now 
amounts to 350,000,000 pounds, of which 130,000,000 pounds are an- 
nually exported, while the annual butter crop is not far from 1,000,- 
000,000 pounds, all must admit that Herkimer county has a record in 
the history of dairying of which her citizens may well be proud. Mr. 
Moulton, in his recent address at the international dairy fair at New 
York, December 7, 1878, stated that within the last twenty years the 
export of cheese alone has been 1,163,000,000 pounds; and the total 
value of exported butter and cheese during the same time was $185,- 
000,000. During the last ten years 885,000,000 pounds of cheese have 
been shipped abroad. Nearly all the factory cheese made in Herkimer 
county goes to England, and many of our factories have a deservedly 



128 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

high reputation among Engh'sh shippers for the style and fine quality 
of their goods. 

Many of the factories, like Old Fairfield, Newville, Eatonsville, Man- 
heim, Middleville, Grain's Corners, the Newport factories, managed by 
Mr. Babcock, some of the Winfield factories and others in the various 
towns throughout the county, are so well known abroad for the excel- 
lence of their product that orders are often sent from England to agents 
here to secure the weekly shipments. 

Butter-making has never been extensively practiced as a specialty in 
Herkimer county, although considerable quantities of butter are made 
in the spring and fall in connection with cheese manufacture. The usual 
plan, in these seasons, when milk is delivered at the factories, is to allow 
farmers to skim one day's milk, or the night mess of milk, and then de- 
liver the skimmed milk. In farm dairies the milk is set for a longer or 
shorter period, and the skimmed milk made into cheese. But this 
practice obtains for tiie most part only in spring and fall, while some 
of the factories will not allow any skimming, believing that a high repu- 
tation can only be maintained by manufacturing at all times nothing 
but " full-milk cheese." A few creameries have from time to time been 
operated in the county. Among the earliest establishments of this 
kind may be named the Car Creamery, of Salisbury ; the Nichols, of 
Norway ; the Barto Hill and North Fairfield, and the Whitman & 
Burrell factory, near Little Falls. 



Since the foregoing paper was written but few changes have taken 
place in cheese- dairying in Herkimer county. The annual production of 
dairy products shows slight fluctuations from year to year but has neither 
materially increased nor decreased. The changes which have occurred 
have been mostly along the line of advanced methods in manufacture, 
the introduction of improved machinery into cheese and butter factories 
and of better blood into dairy herds. The machine recently invented 
by Dr. Babcock, of the Wisconsin l^xperiment Station, Madison, Wis., 
for testing milk to determine the amount of its butter fats, is now in use 
in some creameries and factories, while the separator is quite extensively 
employed in the manufacture of butter. 



HISTORY OF CHEESE DAIRYING. 



Dairymen are giving more attention to means for increasing the capac- 
ity of their herds, both with regard to production and quaHty of milk. 
The introduction of full-blooded males of the Holstein Friesian, Jersey 
and Guernsey breeds, for the accomplishment of this end, is conse- 
quently receiving considerable attention, which, with better care and 
management, is gradually improving the average of the dairy cows of 
the county. The silo, too, is beginning to command attention from 
the most progressive dairy farmers, a dozen or more being in successful 
operation in different localities in the county. A movement is also be- 
ing made in the direction of winter dairying, which bids fair to add new 
impetus to this already important and prosperous industry. 

With regard to the cheese market at Little Falls : While there has been 
no material increase or decrease in the annual transactions since 1878, 
yet very much less cheese is being sold for shipment abroad, fully three- 
fifths of the product manufactured in 1892 having been purchased for 
home consumption. It is gratifying to note that the demand from this 
source is steadily increasing and that, without doubt, in a few years all 
the cheese made in the county will find an outlet through home mar- 
kets. 

The importance of the dairy industry in Herkimer county will be 
better appreciated by consulting the following table showing the trans- 
actions of the Little Falls market for 1892, and also comparative sta- 
tistics with other years : 



April 25 

May 2... 
9__. 
16.... 
23 

June 6.. 
13.-., 

27..., 
July 4- 



TOTAL. LOW. RULING. AVERAGE. HIGH. DAIRY 



6,189 
6,657 
7,184 
8,095 

28,12s 





6,175 


1,115 

948 

1.569 

588 


742 

845 


722 
580 


2,898 



8« 
8 

8« 
8>i 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



September 5- 



October 3. 



November 7. 



7,768 
7.700 
6.60s 
6.7og 
7.-78 

35.960 



5«04 

26,888 

5.035 
6,770 
6.9^5 
7.301 
5.987 

32.088 



5.172 



RULING. AVERAGE. 



603 
.,670 



28 I 6.136 

21.844 
Total I 182,785 



7.086 
7.049 
7.781 



'9.635 

S,8i2 
7.350 
7.278 
7.983 
6.547 

34.970 

5,089 
6.397 
5,522 

23.534 

206,058 



9% 

9H 



Total number of boxes 

Number of pounds per box. 



Number of pounds sold,. 
Average price per pound. 



Value of season's cheese. _. 
Add value of dairy cheese. 



()76 
'780 



.0915 



Total value.- -J _. $1,918,662.88 

Comparing this result with thai of the two previous years, the fol- 
lowing differences will appear : 



Number of boxes sold, including dairy 345*059 

Highest price.-- - .-_ loc.^. 

Lowest price - _ 6c'i. 

Average high for year ___ .0873 

Average low for year -0793 

General average _ 0836 

Value of cheese in 1890 - - 

Value of cheese in 1891 

Value of cheese in 1892 - -- ._. 

Difference in favor of 1892 __ - ,_. 



1891 

230,249 

7?ic. 
.0914 
•0845 



,181,836.65 
202,738.70 
218,662.88 
■5.924.1? 



THE COURTS. 131 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE COURTS, THE BENCH AND BAR OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ALTHOUGH as a distinct county our records are comparatively re- 
cent, the early history of the Bench and Bar of Herkimer county 
takes us back to judicial systems very different from those with which ue 
are now familiar and very similar to those of England. For the British 
governors after the peace of Westminster introduced such of the courts 
of the mother country from time to time as seemed adapted to the new 
colonies; and although our constitution of 1777 abolished such as were 
hostile to the democratic sentiments of the new era, it preserved with 
considerable entirety the legal fictions and the judicial systems of its 
inheritance. It was thus that the new county of Herkimer found in 
existence such courts as the Common Pleas, Chancery, Court of Pro- 
bate, Court for the Trial of Impeachments and the Correction of Errors, 
and others long since abolished or merged in those of the present day. 
The old Assizes had already passed away and the Federal constitution 
had taken from the State the Court of Admiralty ; but most of those 
mentioned above still attested our early relations with the complex 
system of England. 

During the exciting times succeeding the administration of the 
tyrannical Governor Andros, and just after the execution of Leisler and 
the arrival of Governor Slaughter, and while the charter of liberties 
was agitating our colony, the Court for the Correction of Errors and 
hearing of appeals was established. It consisted of the Governor and 
Council, its powers resembling those of our present court of final resort. 
The Revolution necessitated a change which gave rise to the Court for 
the Trial of Impeachments and the Correction of Errors. The consti- 
tution of 1846 which made so many changes in our judicial system, 
entirely remodeled this court. It divided it, in fact, creating the Court 
of Appeals in place of the Court for the Correction of Errors, and 
leaving the Court for Trial of Impeachments still composed of the 



132 IIISTOHV Ob' HKKKIMER COUNTY. 

Senate and its president, togetlier with the judges of the new court. 
The convention of 1867—68 reorganized the Court of Appeals, and in 
1869 the people ratified the change, which resulted in the present court 
of final resort. 

On account of the great mass of accumulated business, a Commission 
of Appeals was created in 1870, continuing until 1875, possessing sub- 
stantially the powers of its sister court, , and designed to relieve the 
latter. In 1888 the Legislature passed a concurrent resolution that 
section 6 of article 6 of the constitution be amended so that upon the 
certificate of the Court of Appeals to the governor of such an accumu- 
lation of causes on the calendar ot the Court of Appeals that the public 
interest required a more speedy disposition thereof, the governor may 
designate seven justices of the Supreme Court to act as associate judges 
for the time being of the Court of Appeals, and to form a second 
division of that court, and to be dissolved by the governor when the 
said causes are substantially disposed of This amendment was sub- 
mitted to the people of the State at the general election of that year 
and was ratified, and in accordance therewith the governor selected 
seven Supreme Court justices, who were constituted the second division 
of the Court of Appeals. 

The Supreme Court's jurisdiction as it now exists is a combination 
of very diverse elements. The powers and jurisdictions of the Court 
of Chancery, the Court of Exchequer, the Court of Common Pleas, the 
Court of Oyer and Terminer, Probate Court, the Circuit Court and the 
Supreme Court proper, have all been combined to make up this im- 
portant branch of the judicial system. But during our early county 
history several of these courts existed independently of each other, 
some of the early lawyers of Herkimer county being among their mem- 
bers. The Court of Chancery, which had been organized when the 
Court of Assizes was abolished, in 1683, was the beginning of the 
equity branch of the present Supreme Court. It was reorganized 
shortly after the Revolution and, with some slight modifications by the 
constitution of 1821, and by subsequent enactments, it continued until 
1846, when it was merged into the new Supreme Court. Equity 
jurisdiction and powers are now exercised by the Supreme Court, its 
judges having powers that were formerly possessed by the chancellor. 



THE COURTS, 1^3 

The Court of Exchequer, having been erected in 1685, was made a 
branch of the old Supreme Court just after the Revolution, and so con- 
tinued until finally abolished in 1830. In our earliest colonial history 
there had been a Court of Oyer and Terminer, but it was discontinued 
during the time of King William, its name, however, surviving to 
designate the criminal part held with the circuit. This brings us to the 
old Supreme and Circuit Court, with which the Court of Chancery 
united under the constitution of 1846, to complete the principal branch 
of our present system. In the early part of the century the Supreme 
Court of the State consisted of five justices. It had been the practice 
to hold four terms a year, two in Albany and two in New York ; but 
previous to that time and in the closing years of the last century, the 
circuit system was established somewhat on the plan of that of Eng- 
land. It was enacted that the judges should, during their vacations, 
hold courts in the various counties of the State, and return the pro- 
ceedings to the Supreme Court when it convened again, when they 
should be recorded and judgments rendered. A few years later the 
system was simplified by the division of the State into four judicial 
districts. To each of these districts was assigned a judge whose duty 
it was to hold circuits in each of the counties therein at least once in 
each year. It had already been enacted that the Courts of Oyer and 
Terminer (the criminal part, presided over by a Justice of the Supreme 
Court) should be held at the same time and place with the circuit, 
and should consist of the circuit judge, assisted by two or more of 
the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the county. The circuit 
system was very similar to the present, excepting that our Special 
Terms are substituted for the Court of Chancery. 

After the constitution of 1821, the State was divided as at present 
into eight judicial districts, each being provided with a circuit judge, 
in whom were vested certain equity powers, subject to appeal to the 
Chancery Court; while the Supreme Court proper held much the same 
position as the present General Term. In 1846 the new constitution 
abolished the Court of Chancery, giving the powers theretofore held by 
it to the Supreme Court, which it reorganized substantially as it exists 
to-day. Such is the history in brief of the higher courts of this county 
and State. 



134 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The system of local judicature was also changed to correspond with 
that of the State at large. The Court of Common Pleas, organized 
contemporaneously with the colonial Court for the Correction of Errors 
and Appeals, has given way to the County Court; while the offices of 
county judge and surrogate have been combined where the county pop- 
ulation does not exceed forty thousand During the eighteenth century 
the Court of Common Pleas consisted of a first judge assisted by two or 
more associates, all of whom were appointed by the governor. Its 
powers were very similar to those of the present County Court, the 
associate justices corresponding to the justices of sessions on the present 
criminal bench. The constitution of 1846 abolished the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas and created the County Court and Court of Sessions as they 
exist to-day. 

The Surrogate's Court has undergone less changes than any of those 
we have described. In early times and before the Dutch supremacy 
was overcome by the English, there had been a short-lived Orphan's 
Court. Then the English government introduced the Prerogative Court, 
which in turn was superseded by the Court of Probates after the Rev- 
olution. Surrogates were then appointed in each county, having much 
the same powers as at present. This was the system down to 1823, 
when the Court of Chancery took the place of the Court of Probates in 
hearing appeals from the decisions of surrogates ; but the office of sur- 
rogate remained as before. 

Our Justices' Courts and Courts of Special Sessions have remained 
substantially unchanged since the colonial period. The office of dis- 
trict attorney has undergone much change. Early in the century this 
State was divided into seven districts for each of which there was an 
assistant attorney-general. The present office, as distinct from the at- 
torney-generalship, was created in 1801. Since 18 18 each county has 
had its own district attorney. 

Previous to the erection of Herkimer county in 1 791, the judicial 
afifairs of the people where conducted at Whitestown in what is now 
Oneida county, and there the court-house and jail were situated. Upon 
the division of the county the records were kept by Oneida county. 
The proceedings of the Board of Supervisors for 1795 contain a record 
of the steps taken for the erection of the public buildings at Whitestown. 



COUNTY BUILDINGS. 135 

The committee having the work in charge made a report which con- 
tained the following : 

The committee proceeded to make the apportionment, as follows, for the respective 
towns to pay, viz.: Herkimer, 140; German Flats, 185; Norway, 95; Steuben, PO; 
Whites (Whitestown) 150; Schuyler, 90; Brookfielil, 23 ; Oazenovia, 30 ; Sauferfield, 
20; Hamilton, 22; Sherburn, 15; Westmoreland, 60 ; Paris, 120. 

The buildings at Whitestown were erected in 1793-4 and were used 
until Oneida county was taken from Herkimer in 1798. 

The first court house for the use of the present Herkimer county 
stood on the site of the one now located at Herkimer village, and was a 
plain two-story wooden building. It stood until January 25, 1S34, 
when it was burned with other property near it. It was a fortunate fire, 
for the building was a discredit to the community and of very little 
actual value. The jail, which was on the ground floor, would not con- 
fine a prisoner, unless he was a paralytic, and no one mourned its loss. 

On the 31st of March, 1834, the Legislature authorized the super- 
visors to borrow from the common school fund, on the credit of the 
county, $4,600 with which to build a new court-house, and directed 
that a tax of $500 a year be levied on the county to pay the loan. 
Francis E. Spinner, Arphaxed Loomis, and Prentice Yeomans were 
named in the act as commissioners to superintend the erection of the 
building. The building was of brick and sufficed for the needs of the 
county for about forty years. When the erection of this building was 
contemplated an effort was made by citizens of Little Falls and vicinity 
to have the county seat removed to that place; but the effort was un- 
availing. 

In the year 1873 the present court-house was built on the site of the 
old one, which was taken down. The new structure was designed to 
accommodate the increasing business of the county, and it is admirably 
adapted for the purpose. It contains offices for the judges and surro- 
gate, rooms for the supervisors, etc., and cost $45,000. 

The jail, on the opposite corner from the court-house, was erected 
after the burning of the old court-house and finished in 1835, at a cost 
of $10,300. It is a substantial building and convenient for its purpose. 
Edmund Varney, Cornelius T. E. Van Horn, Isaac S. Ford, Jacob F. 
Christman, Warner Folts, Frederick P. Bellinger and Charles Gray were 
the building commissioners. , 



136 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The county clerk's office stands in the same grounds with the court- 
house, and is a substantial fire-proof structure. It was erected in 1847 
by Aaron Hall. 

Among the members of the bar of Herkimer county have been and 
now are many men of eminence in their profession. It is peculiarly 
appropriate that those whose attainments and public life are worthy of 
remembrance should receive recognition in a history of this county. 
Among the very early judges in the courts of the county were some 
who have already been properly mentioned in these pages, notably 
Judge Henri Staring, of Schuyler. Another, who was for many years 
a justice of the peace, was Sherman Wooster, of Newport. He was 
also appointed one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in 
April, 1828, held the office one term and declined a reappointment. In 
1822 he was elected to the State Senate, and made for himself an ex- 
cellent record during a very stormy session. In 1832 he was elected 
to the Assembly. In these various offices Mr. Wooster exhibited ster- 
ling qualities and more than average ability. He died in Newport in 

1833- 

Evans Wharry filled a prominent place in the early history of the 
county at the close of the war in 1783. He was a native of Orange 
county, N. Y., and took an active part in the Revolution. He settled 
in this county in 1785-6, and purchased a tract of land, which em- 
braced the home where he died, near Little Falls. This home is now 
known as the X. A. Willard farm and is still occupied by his descendants. 
He was a practical surveyor and was much engaged in that occupation. 
He was appointed one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas 
and a justice of the peace in 1798, and held those offices until 1805, 
when he was commissioned first judge, on the resignation of John 
Meyer. Under this appointment Judge Wharry held the office until he 
was sixty years old, the then constitutional limit. He was elected to 
the Assembly in 1800, and was one of the delegates from this county 
to the convention called by the Legislature in 1801. He was again 
elected to the Assembly in 1803 and 1804. He was an active and suc- 
cessful politician, and during the Revolution was a personal acquaintance 
of Washington, Hamilton, Burr, and other distinguished leaders. He 
served his country well and faithfully, and died in 1831, at his home in 
the town of Little Falls. 




£!.^/d 



Cc3_ 



BBN-CH AND BAR. 137 

Edmund Varney came to the town of Russia in 1809, when it was 
a wilderness and became a successful farmer. He was born in Dutchess 
county in 1778. In 1812 he was appointed a justice of the peace, which 
office he held twenty- five successive years ; was clerk of the town many 
years, and five years one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, 
after 1823. He was also supervisor five years, master in chancery, etc. 
In 1825 he was elected to the Assembly, and in 1841 to the State Sen- 
ate from the fourth district. Elevated in principle, and urbane in 
manner, he secured the respect and confidence of his associates and of 
the community. He died in Russia December 2, 1847. 

In our history of Fairfield may be found some account of Nathan 
Smith, a pioneer of that town in 1790. He was a merchant, in con- 
nection with his brothers William and Samuel, and became a suc- 
cessful and prominent politician. In 1798 he was in the Legislature, 
and again in 1801 and 1802, He was appointed a judge of the Court 
of Common Pleas and justice of the peace in March, 1805, and in 1808 
and 181 1. He was chosen a senator in 1805 and held the office two 
full terms, by a re-election. In 1808 he was chosen as one of the 
council of appointment. During his incumbency in the Senate impor- 
tant legislation relating to the banks, as well as other matters, was en- 
acted, and Judge Smith demonstrated therein his fitness and ability as 
a legislator. After the close of his senatorial term he was appointed, 
in 1 8 14, first judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and resigned in 1 821. 
He died at Fairfield October 7, 1836, aged sixty- seven years. 

George Rosecrantz was a son of Rev. Abraham Rosecrantz, the noted 
early German preacher. He was born on Fall Hill March 15, 1764, 
and died December 21, 1838, at the place of his birth. At the age of 
thirty-five he was chosen to the State convention with Evans Wharry 
and Matthias B. Tallmadge (1801) and in 1805 was appointed judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas, which office he held until 1821. In 1812 
he was appointed by the Legislature one of the electors, and voted for 
De Witt Clinton. He was member of Assembly from the county in 
1817 and 18 1 8, and was chosen State senator in the spring of 181 8. 
He possessed sound sense and discriminating judgment, and was indus- 
trious and diligent in his official duties. 

Jacob Marke!!, of Manheim, born in Schenectady May 8, 1770, oc- 
cupied a position on the county bench. While Manheim was still a 



138 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

part of Montgomery county he was made judge of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas and was elected to Congress during the war of i8l2. He 
was elected to the Assembly from Herkimer county in 1819. He 
" was very methodical in all his business affairs, and with other qualities 
possessed a shrewd and intelligent mind which, from long practice, had 
become considerably imbued witii legal principles." He died in Man- 
heim November 26, 1852. 

Sanders Lansing was born in Albany June 17, 1766, and was the 
youngest of four brothers. Educated to the legal profession, he re- 
moved to this county with his family in 1820 and settled at Little 
Falls He was chosen delegate to the convention of 1821 with Sher- 
man Wooster and Richard Van Horn, and was appointed a judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas in March, 1821 ; reappointed in 1823 and 
held the office until 1828. He also was master in chancery and a com- 
missioner to perform' certain duties of a justice of the Supreme Court at 
Chambers. Judge Lansing was most scrupulous in his faithful attend- 
ance upon his official duties, was pure in character, and enjoyed the es- 
teem of his fellows. He died in Manheim, where he lived a few years, 
September 19, 1850. 

Michael Hoffman was born October 11, 1787, in Saratoga county. 
He began the study of medicine early in life, and obtained a diploma 
in 1807 ; began studying law in the following year and was admitted an 
attorney in 1815. In 1816 he was associated with Aaron Hackley at 
Herkimer, where Mr. Hackley had established himself in 1807. Mr. 
Hoffman, by assiduous attention to his profession and his native qualifi- 
cations, early placed himself in the foremost rank of attorneys. As 
early as 1 8 19 he began active participation in politics and about the 
same time removed to Seneca county, but returned in a few years and 
resumed practice in Herkimer; was appointed district attorney in 1823, 
and again in 1836, resigning in the following September. In 1S24 he 
was elected to Congress, in which body he occupied a distinguished 
position during four terms on committees and in debate. On his re- 
tirement from Congress he was appointed canal commissioner, in 1835, 
but held the office only a short time. He was appointed first judge 
of the county in June, 1830, and held the office until 1833 ; represented 
the county in Assembly in 1841-42, and again in 1844. He was a 



BENCH AND BAR. 139 

member of the Constitutional Convention of 1846, and one of the most 
useful of that body of men. He had at that time gone to reside in New 
York city, and died there (or in Brooklyn), September 27, 1848. 

David Holt was a practical printer and came into Herkimer county 
in 1805, from the city of Hudson, to begin the publication of a news- 
paper. This he was soon afterwards forced to abandon for want of 
patronage. About the year 181 1 he was editor of a paper in Herkimer 
and was postmaster at that place many years, and collector of internal 
revenue. He was appointed one of the judges of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas in February, 18 1 7, and first judge in 1821 ; he held the 
office until 1825. Adhering to the fortunes of De Witt Clinton he lost 
political preferment with the decline of that statesman, and resumed his 
trade of printing. For a brief period he published the Repitblicait 
Fanner s Free Press in Herkimer, and then removed to Little Falls and 
conducted the Mohawk Courier, while it was published by Charles S. 
Benton & Company. Thence he went to Albany where he worked at 
his trade about ten years, and removed to Wisconsin. Judge Holt en- 
joyed for years the confidence of the community and met his reverses 
with fortitude and resignation. 

Gaylord Griswold was a native of Connecticut and came westward 
with Theodore Gold, who became eminent in the legal profession of 
Oneida county. Mr. Griswold settled at Herkimer and became a con- 
spicuous politician ; was elected to the Assembly in 1797-98, and mem- 
ber of Congress in 1803-04, where he was a useful and able legislator. 
He died at Herkimer March i, 1809, at the age of forty- one. 

Simeon Ford came into Herkimer count}' previous to 1797, and 
was afterwards associated with Gaylord Griswold in law practice, in 
which he became prominent. He was appointed district attorney early 
in 1 8 19 and held the office until 1823, performing its duties with fideli- 
ty and ability. He was often a candidate for office when his chance of 
election was not good, but his frequent nominations evinced the strong 
hold he possessed upon the party. At the annual elections of 1820 and 
1821 he was chosen to the Assembly. In 1825 he was appointed by 
Governor Clinton to an office at the salt springs in Syracuse. Previous 
to this he had become pecuniarily embarrassed through the purchase of 
lands on the Hasenclever patent. After a few years he resigned his post 



140 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

in Syracuse, removed to Rochester and five years later returned to 
Herkimer and resumed his profession in 1832. Not securing a satis- 
factory chentage, he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, about 1836. There 
he met with success. He died in Cleveland in 1839. 

David W. Golden, a native of Dutchess count)', settled in Columbia 
in 1798, where he was a merchant. He was appointed judge of the 
Common Pleas in March, 18 10, and commissioned first judge in 181 i. 
He held the office until his death, in February, 1814. He was regarded 
for his honorable character and was a conscientious and discriminating 
official. 

John Frank was a son of a Palatine emigrant, Conrad Frank. He 
was appointed a justice of the peace for Montgomery county in March, 
1790, and afterwards commissioned as one of the justices of Herkimer 
county (1791) and in March, 1794, was appointed one of the judges of 
the Common Pleas; he held the office until about 1799. Judge Frank 
was an activeand zealous participant in the Revolution on the patriot side 
and was present and took part in repelling the attack of Brant and his 
warriors in July, 1778, in their attack on Andrustown. Judge Frank 
lived near the south bank of the Mohawk, in German Flats, nearly oppo- 
site the village of Herkimer, and there he closed his life. 
'■' John A. Rasbach was formerly a prominent attorney of Ilion. He 
was a great-grandson of a Palatine settler, Johannes Rasbach, who 
located about a mile east of Fort Dayton in 1726. John A. Rasbach 
was born May 9, 1805 ; worked on a farm, taught school, and was a 
merchant in Herkimer, and was postmaster and justice of the peace 
about twelve years. During this time he read law and was admitted in 
1841. In 1852 he bought a farm near Ilion and removed thither, where 
he became an active factor in the progress of that section, particularly 
in railroad operations. He died at his home in Ilion. 

Aaron Hackley, jr., was the eldest son of Aaron Hackley, sr., who 
came with his family and settled in Salisbury near the close of the last 
century. It is believed that he was a graduate of Union College and 
that he studied law in the office of Gay lord Griswold. He entered upon 
the practice of law in Herkimer in the year 1807. In person he was 
above the medium stature, erect, well formed, dark comple.xioned, with 
irregular features. In temperament and manner he was affable, as he 






6L^\ 



BENCH AND BAR 141 

was kind in feeling, with good address, and always a gentleman. He 
attached himself to the Democratic party (then known as the Republi- 
can as opposed to the Federal party). In 1814 and again in 181 5 he 
was a member of Assembly from Herkimer. In 18 12 and again in 1815 he 
was elected to the office of clerk of Herkimer county. In 18 19 to 1823 
he was representative in Congress, and afterward was appointed United 
States collector of the port of Ogdensburg, and he took up his residence 
there. Several years later he returned to his old home in Herkimer, 
and in 1828 was appointed to the office of district attorney for this 
county for the term of three years. In this, as in every other public 
office which he ever held, the duties were discharged with fidelity and 
credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. As a lawyer, Mr. Hack- 
ley was highly respectable in standing and ability, but not remarkable 
for any special or distinguishing power as an advocate or speaker. 
Later in life he went to New York and lived until his death with his son, 
who was a distinguished professor in Columbia College 

Ezra Graves was born in the town of Russia in 1803. He began the 
study of law with S & L Ford in 1832, and three years later was ad- 
mitted to practice in all the State courts. In 1845 he was appointed 
a judge of the County Court, and in 1847, after the change in the con- 
stitution, was elected by the people ; held the office about eight years 
and was again elected in 1859. In 1872 he was elected inspector of 
State prisons by the Republicans. He was a son of John Graves, one 
of the enterprising pioneers of the town of Russia. He was a faithful 
officer and highly respected for his integrity. He was father of Gen. 
John C. Graves, of Buffalo, and of Dr. George Graves and Margaret G. 
Mayton, of Herkimer. 

Hiram Nolton was educated at Fairfield Academy and spent his early 
life in that town. He studied law in the office of William D. Ford, 
and was admitted in 1814, opening an office in Little Falls. He shortly 
afterward removed to Fairfield, where he remained until 1836. He 
then returned to Little Falls and continued in the profession until his 
death, September 10, 1863. In 1825 he was appointed first judge of 
the county and held the office three years. In 1837 he was chosen 
district attorney and held that office six years. In Little Falls he was 
a partner of Arphaxed Loomis for about ten years. He was a partner 



142 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

of Jarvis N. Lake, 1847 to 1855, and a partner of George A. Hardin 
from 1855 to i860. Judge Nolton is remembered as a man who per- 
haps had not an enemy, and merited and received the respect and es- 
teem of his fellow-citizens for both his integrity and professional ability. 
He left him surviving Mrs. Helen M. Ashley, now a resident of Mont- 
clair, N. J. He died in October, 1863. 

Sandford Clark was one of the earliest lawyers in this county, but 
very little is known of his life. He was in practice in Herkimer as early 
as 1792, and it is believed that he preceded Gaylord Griswold as a law- 
yer there. He was certainly a contemporary of Griswold, and was the 
opposing attorney in the first suit in which Griswold was retained. He 
built the main building of the old Waverly Hotel in Herkimer before 
1800. It has been said that his affairs became broken up through do- 
mestic difficulties, and that he disappeared from the field. 

Oran Gray Otis was graduated at Union College, studied law in the 
office of Simeon and Lauren F"ord, and was admitted to the bar in 1819. 
He opened an office at Little Falls. He was fairly accomplished in his 
profession, was a fluent and forcible speaker, and commanded a pros- 
perous business Early in 1825 he removed to Ballston, where he 
practiced until his death in middle age. He was elected to the Assem- 
bly in 1831 and re-elected the next year. 

Dudley Burwell was born in Norway, Herkimer county, in 1801. 
(See history of Norway herein.) He attended Fairfield Academy a 
few terms, and about 1824 entered the law office of Feeter & Benton 
at Little P'alls, and soon acquired a good practice and high reputation. 
He was one of the first attorneys employed by the village of Little 
Falls. In 1834 he married a daughter of Col. Samuel Young, of Ball- 
ston ; she died within a year afterwards and he never again married. 
He was elected to the Legislature in the fall of 1832 and was prom- 
inent in that body. In 1836 he was appointed district attorney of this 
county and made an able official. Mr. Burwell was a man of large 
brain and sound judgment, with clear perception and application of le- 
gal principles and a very good lawyer. He removed to Albany and 
opened an office about 1838. In politics he was a strong Democrat, 
and for many years was influential in his party. In 1858 he returned 
to his old home in Little Falls. Here he purchased several adjacent par- 



BENCH AND BAR. 143 

eels of land on the hillside east of the village, built a residence at the 
foot of the hill, hired a housekeeper and became a farmer on a small 
scale, still keeping a lively interest in public affairs. In his later years 
he was regarded by many as a recluse, if not as a misanthrope. He 
was, however, really kind-hearted and charitable, of strict integrity and 
good morals. He died April i8, 1876, leaving a generous legacy of 
about forty- five acres of land lying in the eastern part of the village, to 
be known as Burwell Park, to the village of Little Falls, to become the 
property of the corporation at the death of William G. Milligan. Be- 
fore his death he caused to be excavated a tomb in the rock on the 
hillside of the land, in which he was buried. 

Abijah Mann, jr., was born at Fairfield September 24, 1793, and re- 
ceived education only in the common schools. He taught school for a 
short time in Oneida county, and was married January 18, 18 14. The 
same year he settled in Seneca Falls, where he was postmaster, mer- 
chant, and built a block of buildings. The pressure of financial affairs 
in 1815 closed his mercantile career, and in 18 19 he returned to Fair- 
field and entered the law office of Hiram Nolton. In 1822 he was a 
successful competitor of Mr. Nolton for the office of justice of the 
peace. In the fall of 1827 he was elected to the Assembly and re- 
elected the next year. He here became conspicuous as a public man 
and politician. His career in Congress — 1832 to 1836 — was marked by 
the same aggressive and rude strength in debate that he had exhibited 
in the Legislature, and secured for him a large measure of influence. 
He had the confidence of the Democrats, among whom were Martin 
Van Buren, Silas Wright, Azariah C. Flagg, Michael Hoffman and 
others. In 1836 Mr. Mann took up his residence in Frankfort and re- 
mained there until 1842, when he removed to Brooklyn and opened an 
office with his son-in-law, John H. Rodman. He had been appointed 
receiver of the Washington County and other banks, from which he re- 
ceived large fees. He subsequently left the Democratic party, and was 
nominated by its opponents for attorney general in 1855, but was de- 
feated ; he ran again on the same side for senator and was again de- 
feated. He then returned to the party of his old affections. His health 
finally failed and he was an invalid some years. He died in Buffalo, 
while on a visit, on the 8th of September, 1868, aged seventy- five years. 
He was reported to be worth more than a million dollars. 



144 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Charles Gray was born in the town of Palatine in 1796. He was ed- 
ucated at Fairfield Academy and began his law studies with Henry 
Markell. In 18 19 he went to Herkimer and entered the office of Sim- 
eon and Lauren Ford. He was admitted to the bar in 1S22, settled in 
Herkimer, and was for the first year or two of his practice a partner of 
James McAuley. After that he practiced alone until his death in 1871. 
He was a lawyer of fair ability and was better qualified for office busi- 
ness than for trial cases before the court or jury. His business was 
chiefly conveyancing, office counsel, and other unlitigated matters. He 
was a good business man and good citizen, and for a long time was in- 
fluential and prominent in the politics of the county. In 1835 he 
represented the county in the Legislature, and in 1838 to 1841 was one 
of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, and for several years 
held the office of master in chancery in the county. At the first elec- 
tion of judges of the Supreme Court, under the new constitution of 
1846, he was nominated by his party and was elected. He drew the 
shortest term, two years, of which one was in the Court of Appeals ; 
the reports of the latter court contain a few of his opinions. Judge 
Gray was fond of military duties and for many years he held the office 
of brigadier general, commissioned by Governor Marcy. 

Arphaxed Loomis was a native of Connecticut, where he was born 
April 9, 1798. He was a son of Thaddeus Loomis, who settled in Salis- 
bury in 1803. He was admitted to the bar in 1822 and first prac- 
ticed with Justin Butterfield, at Sackett's Harbor until 1824; in 1825 
he established himself at Little Falls; was appointed surrogate of Her- 
kimer county in 1828, and held the office about eight years; was first 
judge of Herkimer county five years, 1835-40; representative in Con- 
gress 1837-39; member of Assembly 1841-42 and 1853; member of 
the Constitutional Convention of 1846, etc. Later in life he was asso- 
ciated with his sons Watts T. and Sidney Loomis in the practice of law 
in Little Falls, and died there, September 16, 1886. Mr. Loomis occu- 
pied a foremost position at the bar of the county, and as a citizen of 
Little Falls was always conspicuous in every movement for the ad- 
vancement of the village. He early became a large real estate owner, 
which property he developed and improved. He held several village 
offices and in their administration evinced an active public spirit. Jn 



BENCH AND BAR. 145 

his judicial and legislative career he gained the confidence and appro- 
bation of the public for his ability and efficiency. 

Sidney Loomis, son of Arphaxed, was born in Little Falls December 
19, 1846, and died in September, 1879 He was a graduate of the Al- 
bany Law School and of Union College, and practiced with his father 
and brother until his death. He was a man of high intelligence, well 
read in his profession, and one who drew around him a large circle of 
sincere friends. 

Nathaniel S. Benton, to whom the editors and publishers of this vol- 
ume are so greatly indebted for valuable information preserved in a 
local history issued by him more than thirty years ago, was a native of 
New Hampshire, and resided in that State until he came to Little Falls, 
about 1816. He was born February 19, 1792. At the battle of Platts- 
burg, September, 1814, Mr. Benton served as a warrant officer of vol- 
unteers and received a commission in recognition of his good conduct 
on that occasion. At Little Falls he studied law in the office of George 
H. Feeter, and was admitted to practice in 18 17. He served as justice 
of the peace at Little Falls several years, by appointment of the gov- 
ernor. About 1820, or 1 82 1, he made an extended tour through the 
Western States in quest of a future home for the practice of his pro- 
fession, but failed to be suited and returned to Little Falls. After this 
he became a member of the law firm of Feeter & Benton, in which he 
continued several years, doing a respectable business. From 1821 to 
1828 he held the office of surrogate of the county, and from 1833 to 
1835 he was first judge of the county. In 1836 he was nominated by 
the Democratic party and elected State senator for a term of four years. 
Shortly before the expiration of the term he was appointed United 
States district attorney for the northern district of New York, and took 
part in the memorable McLeod trial. In 1846 he was appointed secre- 
tary of state, which office he held for two years. In 1856 he was ap- 
pointed to the office of canal auditor and held the position until 1868, 
when he retired from public life with impaired health and died June 19, 
1869, aged seventy-seven years. At the time of his death he was senior 
warden of Emanuel Episcopal church. In all the various public stations 
held by him the duties were discharged with fidelity and with satisfaction 
to the public. These duties were so continuous that he was allowed 



146 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

little time to devote to his profession. Indeed, he was better adapted 
to discharge the duties which devolved upon him in his executive and 
official life than for the successful practice of law. He was not gifted 
with the qualities of a public speaker or of a popular advocate at the 
bar. While he was secretary of state he availed himself of the public 
records on file in the office to collect some of the materials for his his- 
tory of Herkimer county, which he published in 1856 His work is 
still very valuable for reference. Mr. Benton was a man of fine personal 
appearance, a good citizen and well esteemed wherever known. His 
wife was a daughter of Eben Rritton, an early settler of Little Falls. 

George H. Feeter was born in Herkimer county. His father was 
Col. William Feeter of revolutionary memory. He was educated at 
Fairfield Academy, studied law with Simeon Ford at Herkimer and 
settled in Little Falls for the practice of his profession in the year 181 i, 
continuing in business there for over forty years and until his death, 
February 18, 1852. He had several successive law partners, among 
whom was Nathaniel S. Benton. Mr. Feeter was fairly versed in the 
law, and active in temperament, better adapted to the trial of issues 
before a jury, then to law issues before the court. He held the office 
of district attorney from 1825 to 1828 and discharged its duties in a 
creditable manner. Mr. Feeter was the local land agent for Mr. Ellice, 
the chief proprietor of large tracts of lands in and about Little Falls, 
and also acted for John Delancy, another non-resident proprietor of 
lands in this county. These agencies gave him business and influence, 
but were not a means of personal popularity. He was of social dispo- 
sition and hospitable in his home. In his early days he exercised a 
large influence in the municipal affairs of the village. Later, when the 
laying out and improvement of streets at the expense of owners of lots 
fronting on them became a part of the village policy, which had the 
effect, if it was not the design, to induce the non resident owners to 
sell out, his agency interests became hostile to those of the village 
authorities. When Mr. Feeter first settled in the practice of law at 
Little Falls the village was small. He grew up with the village, and 
his house with its hospitable associations, was a marked object of at- 
tention by both citizens and visitors of the place. 

Lauren Ford was a nephew of Simeon Ford and several years his 
junior. He was a graduate of Union College, studied law in the office 



BENCH AND J3AR. 147 

of his uncle at Herkimer and upon his admission to the bar in 1812, 
became his law partner, under the name of S. & L. Ford. This firm 
for quite a number of years stood foremost in the profession in this 
county. Lauren Ford was a man of good address and manner, cheerful 
and agreeable in conversation and social intercourse. He was well 
grounded in the principles of the common law and the law pertaining to 
real estate, and ready in their application. He was a fluent and ready 
speaker with but little action, emotional in temperament to a degree that 
he was not unfrequently moved to tears in addressing ajury. No man 
in the county was better known or more popular, and he was himself 
remarkable for his knowledge of the individual men of the county and 
of their family descent and affinities, and also for his acquaintance with 
the land titles and the patents under which they were held. He moved 
to Little Falls about 1840 and continued there in practice with fair suc- 
cess for many years. He was the candidate of his party at different 
times for State senator and representative in Congress, but was defeated 
for the reason that his political party (the Federal and later the Whig) 
was in the minority in the district. At a later period (1857) when his 
party gained the ascendency he was elected district attorney, which 
office he held to 1858, when he resigned, and George A. Hardin was 
appointed by Governor King to fill the vacancy, Mr. Ford removing 
to Brooklyn, where he died. Mr Ford held the office of surrogate by 
appointment from 1841 to 1845. He was moderate in his charges for 
professional services and made no attempt to make money by invest- 
ments for prospective rise in value. 

William D. Ford was born in Herkimer county or came here early. 
He was educated at Fairfield Academy, studied law at Herkimer with 
Gaylord Griswold and Simeon Ford, and came to the bar in 1809. He 
established himself at Fairfield in the practice of his profession, where 
he remained until he removed to Watertown nine or ten years later. 
He was fairly well read as a lawyer and of good mental ability, but 
was not distinguished as an advocate before either court or jury, although 
equable and respectable. In politics he was a Democrat and was the 
recipient of a fair share of political honors from his party. He was a 
member of Assembly in the years 1816-17-18 from Herkimer county, 
during the last of which years he moved to Jefferson county and was in 



148 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the next year elected to Congress. At Watertovvn he became law 
partner of David W. Bucklin and the firm carried on a successful prac- 
tice for some years, until Mr. Ford's death. 

Elisha Powell Hurlbut was born in the town of Salisbury October 
!5, 1807. He was admitted to practice June 3, 1828, and had an 
office at Little Falls on the site where the chambers of Judge Hardin 
are now located. He removed to the city of New York in the year 
1835 and practiced until 1847 when he was elected a judge of the Su- 
preme Court. In 1850 he was ex officio]\idge. of the Court of Appeals, 
and several of his opinions delivered in that court appear in Vols. 3 and 
4 of the New York Reports (3 and 4 Comstock), and tiiey were written 
in a clear, terse style. He resigned the office by reason of impaired 
health and took up his residence in the town of Newport. In i860 he 
removed to Bethlehem near Albany where he resided until his death, 
which occurred August, 1890. He was a descendant of Thomas Hurl- 
but who came from Scotland in 1635 and settled in the town of Weth- 
ersfield, Connecticut. Gansevoort Hurlbut, a son of Judge Hurlbut, is 
practicing law in Albany, and Catharine M. Ingham, the wife of Schuy- 
ler R. Ingham, is a niece of Judge Hurlbut, residing at Little Falls. He 
was an able lawyer and a useful judge. In 1856 he delivered several 
addresses in Little Falls with great clearness in his style and energy in 
his delivery, at times becoming sarcastic and eloquent. 

Alexander Hamilton Waterman was born in the town of Newport, 
November 6, 1825. After completing his legal studies and being ad- 
mitted to the bar, he opened an office in Little Falls where he continued 
practice until his death, which occurred October 8, 1856. He was 
married to Janette Ingham, the daughter of the late William Ingham, 
and left him surviving his son, George D. Waterman, secretary of the 
Henry Cheney Hammer Company and his daughter, Mrs. Irving E. 
Waters, now of Bufifalo. He was studious and energetic in his profes- 
sion, and in 1855 was the attorney for the plaintifif in the memorable 
slander case of Snell vs. Snell, tried at the Herkimer Circuit, Hon. Ros- 
coe Conkling being associated with him as counsel. In this case a 
recovery was obtained of $ 1, 000. The writer of this paragraph fre- 
quently measured swords with him in legal contests, and thereby learned 
to appreciate his ability, skill and great promise of a brilliant career, 
which was cut off" by sickness and death. 



BENCH AND BAR. 149 

E. S. Capron was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y., and became 
prominent in the bar of Herkimer county. From the year 1832 to 1847 
he was a partner of Jarvis N. Lake, and the firm was among the fore- 
most legal practitioners of Little Falls. After the dissolution of this 
firm he was associated with Henry Link. In 1854 he made a trip to 
California where he gathered materials for a historical work on that 
State. Returning east he located and practiced in New York city and 
was subsequently appointed county judge by Gov. Myron H. Clark. 
At the expiration of the term he resumed practice and died about 1883 
at the home of his son-in-law, Spencer S Coe, in Stamford, Conn. 

Jarvis N. Lake was a somewhat conspicuous attorney of Little Falls, 
and an active public-spirited citizen; he came here from Ames, Mont- 
gomery county. He was a partner with E. S. Capon from 1834 to 
1847, 3-nd later a partner with his uncle, Delos Lake, until the latter re- 
moved to California. He then associated himself with Judge Hiram 
Nolton until 1854, when he removed to New York. Mr. Lake was 
prominent in politics as a Whig and held the position of clerk of the 
Assembly in 1838; was trustee of the village and president in 1854. 
Delos Lake, uncle of Jarvis N , practiced a few years in Little Falls, and 
removed to California in 1848, where he was elected judge. He died 
in that State. 

Clinton A. Moon was born in Russia in 1827. Educated first at 
Fairfield, he graduated front Union College in 1853. For two years he 
was in the faculty of Fairfield Seminary and then studied law with John 
H. Wooster at Newport and was admitted in 1857. In i860 he re- 
moved to Herkimer and in the following year was elected district attor- 
ney. In 1864 he removed to Ilion and formed a partnership with 
Thomas Richardson. In 1866 he returned to Russia and mingled legal 
business with farming until 1875. In 1876 he removed to Newport and 
practiced there until his death. He was supervisor of the town of 
Russia in 1870-72. He was a worthy member of the profession and 
is remembered as a man of high principles and integrity. 

Charles A. Burton was born in the town of Newport, his father being 
Darius Burton. He acquired more than an ordinary academic educa- 
tion and pursued the profession of civil engineer, joining a corps 
engaged in the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad. After 



loO HISTOMY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

completing his duties there he returned to the county, read law 
with Judge Graves of Herkimer and was admitted to practice on the 
1 6th day of February, 1845. He had a bright, analytic mind and 
became very proficient in the knowledge of principles and case law ; ob- 
tained a good practice; was frequently chosen as a referee. He mar- 
ried a daughter of the late Col. Standish Barry. He was of a cheerful, 
companionable, social disposition, readily making and retaining friends. 
He continued to practice and reside at Herkimer until the time of his 
death, which occurred about the year 1858, while in the North Woods 
upon a fishing excursion. 

Volney Owen practiced his profession at the village of Mohawk for 
many years, and in the memorable contest between the late Amos H. 
Prescott and John H. Wooster for the Republican nomination for the 
office of county judge and surrogate he had three delegates from the 
town of Herkimer. After it was demonstrated that neither of the 
prominent candidates had votes enough to nominate, the Wooster dele- 
gates joined the three delegates of Herkimer and nominated Mr. 
Owen. He was elected and served for the term of four years as surro- 
gate and county judge, his term commencing in 1863. Subsequently 
he removed to one of the Western States where he died. 

James B. Hunt was a practicing lawyer in this county from 1824 to 
1836, and resided in the village of Herkimer. He was a son of Dr. 
Joseph Hunt and born in the West Indies. He came to Fairfield to 
finish his education, and after leaving the academy entered the office of 
Simeon and Lauren Ford, in due time was admitted to the bar and at 
once formed a copartnership with Michael HoiTman. Mr. Hunt was 
an active and industrious lawyer, was well versed in the law and was a 
respectable advocate, leaving a favorable impression as to his ability. 
He was in every sense a pure and upright man, just in his intercourse 
with his fellow citizens, generous, genial and friendly. He filled with 
credit the office of district attorney for this county from 1833 to 1836. 
He subsequently became enfeebled in health and, in hope of improving 
it, removed to Michigan and settled in Pontiac, where he enjoyed for 
some time a good practice. In a few years after his location in Michi- 
gan he was elected to Congress and served one term. He did not 
afterwards return to active practice, but held several offices, among 



BENCH AND BAR. 



151 



them that of land agent for the government at Lake Superior. His 
last days were spent in Washington in some subordinate position in a 
government department. He was an active Democrat in politics. He 
died in Washington about i860. 

Henry Link was born in the^town of Danube in tlie'year 181 1. He 
was educated in the common schools and jthe Canajoharie Academy 
and read law in the office of Judge Lacia. After two years of practice 
in Fort Plain he removed to Little Falls in 1840. In 1848 he formed 
a copartnership with the late Judge Capron which continued until 1854, 
and at a later date he was a partner with Judge R. H. Smith Hon. P 
H. McEvoy, and others. He was twice elected president of the village 
of Little Falls, and in 1871 ran on the Democratic ticket for county judc^e 
but was defeated by Judge Amos H. Prescott. He was familiar with the 
German language which fact drew to him many German clients. He 
was a fair and honorable practitioner and enjoyed the confidence of the 
profession and the public. He died at his residence in Little Falls July, 
1 89 1, at the age of eighty years, having remained in practice up to 
a few weeks of his death. 

James Hart was born in Johnstown, Fulton county November 7, 1 824. 
He completed his education at Fairfield Academy and taught school in 
the towns of Salisbury and Little Falls. In 1851 he commenced the 
study of the law in the office of Loomis & Griswold, and in 1854 was 
admitted. He was deputy collector of internal revenue under J. R. 
Stebbins, United States collector. He held several minor offices, and 
was a trusted and worthy citizen. He died suddenly on the 4th of 
March, 1888, at his residence, leaving his sons, James B. Hart and Ed- 
ward S. Hart, and his daughter, Nellie Hart, him surviving. 

Hamilton Ward was born in the town of Salisbury on the 3d day of 
July, 1829. He was a son of Peter Hamilton Ward and his mother's 
maiden name was Eliza Cleveland, a daughter of Daniel Cleveland, a 
wagon maker in Salisbury. When the subject of this notice was four 
years old his parents removed to Green Springs on the James River in 
Virginia, and when he was eight years old they removed to Chemung 
county in this State, where he worked on his father's farm, attending dis- 
trict school. He was admitted to the bar at Cooperstown in July, 185 i, 
and in August of that year he removed to Belmont, Allegany county, 



152 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

where he still resides. He was elected district attorney of Allegany 
county in 1856; re-elected in 1862 and in 1864 he was elected to Con- 
gress, and again in 1866 and in 1868. In 1879 he was elected attorney- 
general of the State; and in May, 1891, Governor Hill appointed him 
judge of the Supreme Court to fill a vacancy caused by the death of 
Thomas Corlett. In the fall of that year he was elected by the people and 
is now discharging the duties of that office ; being one of the three justices 
of the Supreme Court now in service who were born in the county of 
Herkimer; to wit: Judge Ward, born in Salisbury; Judge Celora E. 
Martin, born in Newport, and Judge George A. Hardin, born in the town 
of Winfield. 

Thomas Dasey was a native of Ireland, where he was born in 1851, and 
brought to America in the following year. He worked while young in. 
the factories, and later attended the academy where he acquired a good 
education. In 1874 he entered the office of Link & McEvoy and was 
admitted to the bar in 1878. After about four years of practice he was 
elected in 1882 police justice and re-elected in 1886. He was an active 
Democrat in politics and exerted considerable influence in the party. 
Genial and warm-hearted, and a good debater and effective speaker, he 
made himself popular with the commimity. In his administration of the 
office of justice he left an excellent record for his ability to deal effect- 
ively with the criminal classes. He died February 9, 1 888. 

George F. Crumby was born in the town of Newport in September, 
1855. He was graduated from Hamilton College in 1879, and from the 
law department of the same institution a few years later. He com- 
menced practice in New York city where, however, he remained only 
about a year. Removing to Little P"alls in 1881, he formed a copart- 
nership with Hon. R. H. Smith. In 1882 he became associated with 
Hadley W. Jones under the firm name of Crumby & Jones, and this 
partnership continued until his death, which occurred July 25, 1887. 
Mr. Crumby was elected school commissioner of the first district of this 
county in 1881 and in 1887 he was chosen president of the village of 
Little Falls. 

John I. Prendergast, long a resident of the town of Winfield, died 
March 24, 1869, in Brooklyn where he then lived. He was State.sena- 
tor in 1814, member of the Council of Appointment in 1827, and for 



'^*^' 




(^^ 




BENCH AND BAR. 153 

four years was judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Herkimer county. 
He was greatly respected and esteemed for his high attainments, integ- 
rity, and uprightness. 

Sewell S. Morgan, of the town of Winfield, was early a leading lawyer 
in the county. He married Julia A. Fairchild, of West Winfield, daugh- 
ter of Anson P. Fairchild. one of the first settlers of that town. He was 
elected district attorney in 1864. 

Sketches of Samuel Earl, Robert Earl, Geo. A. Hardin, A. M. Mill, 
W. F. Lansing, Amos H. Prescott, A. B. Steele, C. W. Prescott, James 
B. Rafter, Ezra Graves and others will be found in the biographical de- 
partment of this volume. 

Following is a list of the present members of the bar of Herkimer 
county. 

Dolgeville, Edward A. Brown ; Danube, A. C. Dingman ; Frankfort, 
Jos. J. Dudleston, jr., Frank B. Parkhurst, E. Lagrange Smith, Harry 
G. Folts; Herkimer, Robert Earl, George W. Smith, Josiah A. Steele, 
Abram B Steele, J. Dryden Henderson, William C. Prescott, E. B. Mitch- 
ell, I. R. Devendorf, Adam J. Smith, Charles Bell, William Wither- 
stine, Charles E. Snyder, George H. Bunce, Robert E. Steele; Ilion, 
Thomas Richardson, George O. Rasbach, James Conklin, Fred H. Ben- 
nett, A. D. Richardson, Lincoln C. Ackler ; Little Falls, George A. 
Hardin, H. Clay Hall, Albert M. Mills, Charles J. Palmer, Rollin H. 
Smith, Watts T. Loomis, E. E. Sheldon, Edward Simms, Edward J. 
Coffin, P. H. McEvoy, Fred I. Small, William F. Lansing, D. A. Cham- 
pion, Myron G. Bronner, John D. Beck with, Charles L. Petree, Frank 
H. Willard, J. W. Fitzgerald, Hadley Jones, A. H. Bellinger, H. A. 
De Coster, P. H. Murphy, Richard Hurley,.Nelson R. Gilbert; Mohawk, 
James B. Rafter ; Newport, George M. Wirt, Charles L. Fellows ; Cul- 
len, J. Howard Green ; Poland, Milton Howe ; West Winfield, C. D. 
Thomas. 

First Judges of the Court of Common Pleas (appointed by the governor) — Henry y 
Staring, February 17, 1791; Jedediah Sanger, March 8, 1797; John Meyer, October 
80, 1800; Evans Wharry. March 18, 1805; DfroTV: W. Golding, March 27, 1810; 
Nathan Smith, April 7, 1814; David Holt, January 10, 1821; Henry Brown, Feb- 
3, 1823; Hiram Nolton, March 23, 1825; Michael Hoffman, March 21, 1830; Na- 
thaniel S. Benton, Aprils, 1833; Arphaxed Loomis, March 23, 1835; Arunah C. H. 
Smith, January 24, 1840 ; Ezra Graves, January 24, 1845. 
20 



154 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

County Judges. — Ezra Graves, June, 1847, and November, 1859 ; Robert Earl, 1855 ; 
Volney Owen, 1863 ; Amos H. Prescott, 1867; Amos H. Prescott, 1878-1883; Rollin 
H. Smitli, 1884-1889 : Eugene E. Sheldon, 1890. 

Surrogates (appointed by the governor under the Second Constitution). — Moses De 
Witt, February 17, 1791; Sanford Clark, March 19, 1798; Dan Chapman, March 23, 
1803; Philo M. Hackley, March 28, 1807 ; Abijah Tombliog, November 6, 1816; Na- 
thaniel S. Benton, March 29, 1821 ; Arphaxed Loomis, January 10, 1828; Charles S. 
Benton, July 10, 1837; Lauren Ford, April 2, 1841; Ezra Graves, April 2, 184:"). 
Under the present constitution of the State the office of surrogate in Herkimer, and a 
number of other counties which had each less than 40,000 population when the consti- 
tution was adopted, has been consolidated with that of county judge. 

Justices of Sessions — 1878, Orrin A. Ford, John F. Rogers; 1879, C. P. Miller, Har- 
vey R. Kibbe ; 1880, J. E. S. Wilkmson, William Helmer ; 1881-1882, Elon G. Bur- 
■ rows, Henry Sherman; 1883, C. P. Miller, Frank Faville ; 1884, Frank L. Brace, 
Thomas C. Murray; 1885, Elon G. Burrows, James Sharp; 1880, E. H. Doolittle, 
Alexander Fox; 1887, B. H. Doolittle, I. E. Jackson; 1888, V. S. Farrington, I. E. 
Jackson ; 1889, V. S. Farrington, William S. Burt ; 1890, Levi Sliaul, E. T. Lester ; 
1891, C. W. Prescott, Munson Bunnell,'; 1892, C. W. Prescott, Albert S. Coe. 

District Attorneys — Under the Second Constitution, which was adopted in 1822 and 
in force until the end of 1840, district attorneys were appointed by the Court of Gen- 
eral Sessions ; for the last forty-seven years they have been chosen by popular vote at 
the November elections. The list for Herkimer county is as follows : Thomas R. Gold, 
February 26, 1797; Nathan Williams, August 20, 1801; Joseph Kirkland, February 
23, 1813; Thomas H. Hubbard, February 26, 1816; Simeon Ford, June 11, 1818, and 
September, 1836; Michael Hoffman, May, 1823, and March, 1836; George H. Feeter, 
1825; Aaron Hackley, 1828; James B. Hunt, 1833; Dudley Burwell, 1836; Hiram 
Nolton, 1837; George B. Judd, 1847; Volney Owen, 1850; Lauren Ford, 1856 ; 
George A. Hardin, January 28, 1858, and elected in the following November ; Clinton 
A. Moon, 1861; Sewel S. Morgan, 1864; Charles G. Burrows, 1867; Albert M. Mills, 
1870; .Joseph J. Dudle.ston, jr., 1876; Abram B. Steele, 1880; Eugene E. Sheldon, 
1886; Irving R. Devendorf, 1889. 

SAen/s.— William Colbraith, February 17, 1791, and February 9, 1796; Peter 
Smith, February 18, 1795; Chauncey Woodruff, March 19, 1798; William 
H. Cook, March 17, 1802, and March 5, 1807; Ephraim Snow, March 6, 1806; John 
Mahon, February 22, 1808, March 4, 1811, and March 2, 1815; Philo M. Hackley, 
February 28, 1810; Henry Hopkins, February 23, 1813; Robert Shoemaker, February 
13, 1817; Stephen Hallett, February 13, 1821, '"and November, 1822; John Dypert, 
1825; John Graves, 1828; Frederick P.Bellinger, 1831; Francis E. Spinner, 1834; 
Stephen W. Brown, 1837; William C. Grain, 1840 ; Jeremiah Corey, 1843; William I. 
Skinner, 1846; Daniel Hawn, 1849; Lorenzo Carryl, 1852; Peter Countryman, 1855; 
James J. Cook, 1857 ; Seth M. Richmond, 1861 ; George M. Cleland, 1864; James H. 
Weatherwax, 1867; Alexander Smith, 1870; Volney Eaton, 1873; James H. Ives, 
1876; De Witt C. Paine, 1880; Valentine Brown, 1883; Delevan L. CooV, 1886; 
Newell Morey, 1889 ; Sylvester Wilson, 1892. 



COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 155 



CHAPTER IX. 
THE HERKIMER COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

THIS venerable society was organized on the 5th day of August^ 
1806, at a general meeting of the physicians of the county, held 
at the court house, pursuant to an act of the Legislature of the State, 
regulating the practice of physic and surgery, passed April 4, 1806. 

Dr. George Rogers was chosen chairman, and Dr. Westel Willough- 
by, jr., secretary, for the day. On canvassing the votes for officers of 
the society, Dr. Westel Willoughby, jr., was elected president ; 
George Rogers, vice-president ; Andrew Farreil, secretary ; and Amos 
Haile, treasurer. 

Drs. Amos Haile, Andrew Farreil, Jonathan Sherwood, Rufus Grain 
and Isaac Sears, were chosen censors. 

The names of the physicians present at this meeting were : Westel 
Willoughby, jr., George Rogers, Andrew Farreil, Amos Haile, Abijah 
Tombling, David Perry, Jonathan Sherwood, John Eastman and 
Samuel Redfield. 

The first Tuesday in January in each year was assigned as the anni- 
versary of the society. At the annual meeting, held at the court- 
house in January, 1807, the society resolved, that to entitle a physician 
to become a member of tlie society, he must either produce a diploma 
from some medical society in the United States, agreeable to the law 
of this State, or a voucher that he is a reputable physician. 

Westel Willoughby, jr., M. D., was appointed a delegate from the 
society to meet the delegates from the other counties in the State, on 
the first Tuesday in February, 1807, to form a State medical society. 

Drs. Benjamin Hazen, Nathan Harwood, James Hadley, Isaac Sears, 
Jacob Abrams and William Traver were admitted members of the 
society. A committee was appointed to form a code of by-laws, who 
reported the same at an adjourned meeting, on the 5th of May fol- 
lowing, which was adopted, and ordered to be printed. Dr. Wil- 
loughby was requested to deliver a dissertation before the society, at 



156 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the adjourned meeting in May, 1807. In 1808, at the quarterly meet- 
ing in May, a seal was ordered to be procured for the use of the incor- 
poration ; and at the anniversary meeting in January, 1809, the meet- 
ings of the society were reduced from four to two annually, and a fine 
of one dollar imposed for non-attendance. 

Dr. Willoughby was continued president of the society, until January, 
18 16, when Rufus Grain was elected, who held one year, and was 
succeeded by James Hadley, who also held the office one year, and 
was succeeded by Westel Willoughby, M. D., in 18 18. This year the 
society passed an order, that the county censors of any incorporated 
medical society should not proceed to examine a student for a license 
to practice physic and surgery, unless he produce a certificate of having 
attended at least one session at one of the medical colleges in the 
United States or in Europe, after the first day of January, 18 18. 

Dr. Willoughby held the office of president of the society until 
January, 1837, when he delivered a farewell address, for which, and for 
his constant and unwearied exertions for the interest and welfare of the 
society, a vote of thanks was tendered to him. The society, also, by 
resolution, requested a copy of the address, and also a copy of a com- 
munication that day made by him, to be deposited in the archives of 
the society. In 18 18, a vote was taken to apply the funds of the society 
to increase the library of the medical college at Fairfield, on condition 
that its members could have the benefit of the library during the recess of 
the lectures at the college. In January, 18 19, a resolution was passed, 
that every medical practitioner in the county who was not then a mem- 
ber, be notified by the secretary to attend at the next regular meet- 
ing of the society, and connect himself therewith, pursuant to the act 
passed in 181 8. 

In January, 1823, an order was passed to apply the funds of the so- 
ciety, in the hands of the treasurer, to the benefit of the college library, 
in accordance with a previous resolution. The funds afterwards re- 
ceived were also appropriated to the same object. In 1825 the society 
asked the trustees of the college to pass a resolution, that all the books 
purchased by its funds should be delivered to the society, when the 
college should be located in some other place than Fairfield. In 1828 
the society adopted resolutions of condolence with the families of Drs. 



COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 157 

Bryan, Willard and Todd, who died the preceding year, and requested 
biographical sketclies of their lives to be deposited in the archives of 
the society. The society had not met with a more severe loss in one 
year. These gentlemen were of high professional repute, and of great 
personal worth. The society in 1830 had its attention called to the 
evils of intemperance, and resolved unanimously to discountenance the 
use of ardent spirits ; and the annual meetings were changed to the first 
Tuesday in June, in each year. 

In 183 I measures were taken to procure a medical topographical sur- 
vey of the county, in accordance with a circular from the State Medical 
Society. There is no record that the several committees, appointed 
under the resolution, to procure the survey, ever made any reports. 
Dr. Calvin W. Smith was design^ated as the candidate to the State 
Medical Society, for the honorary degree of doctor of medicine. 

The society this year, 1832, took measures to petition the Legislature, 
to restore that part of the revised statutes, regulating the practice of 
physic and surgery, repealed by the act of 1830; and appointed a com- 
mittee to circulate memorials for that object. 

In 1837 the society adopted a regulation requiring the physician em- 
ployed at the county poor house to make an annual report of his cases 
of practice ; that the library committee should make an investigation 
into the state of the society's library, count the number of books on 
hand, and compare the treasurer's reports, and the augmentation of the 
library for the preceding five years. Also, that each member of the 
society be requested to keep a record of all the deaths which might oc- 
cur in his practice, the age of the patients, the diseases of which they 
died, and how far said deaths were caused by intemperate habits of life, 
and report thereon to the society. 

Dr. Harvey W. Doolittle was chosen president of the society in June, 

1837, was succeeded by Dr. Calvin W. Smith for one year in June, 

1838, and was again chosen in 1839, and held the office by annual elec- 
tion until June, 1842. 

In January, 1839, the society adopted the following : 
" Whereas, by the dispensation of Divine Providence, since our last 
meeting, this society has been deprived of one of its most valuable 
members, and the community of one of its brightest ornaments, in the 
death of Dr. John Holmes : 



158 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Resolved, That the members of this society shall wear the usual badge 
of mourning for thirty days, as a testimony of their high respect for 
their deceased friend ; and that the secretary be a committee to present 
the condolence of this society to the relations of the deceased." 

At the semi-annual meeting in January, 1 840, the society adopted a 
like resolution on the announcement of the death of Dr. Calvin VV. 
Smith, and appointed a committee to write a biographical sketch of the 
lives of Drs. Smith and Holmes. 

The professors of the Medical College at Fairfield, having resigned, 
and the trustees of that institution having failed to procure the appoint- 
ment of others to continue the lectures, the society, in 1843, took eft'ect- 
ual measures to reclaim, secure and preserve the society library, which 
had been deposited in the college under the care of the trustees and 
professors of that institution, as before noticed. 

In June, 1842, Dr. Lester Green was elected president of the society, 
and a resolution was adopted pledging the influence of the members to 
forward any feasible plan for resuscitating the Medical College at Fair- 
field, and tendering the use of the society's library to the trustees of the 
college when the professorships should be filled and the lectures re- 
sumed. 

At the annual meeting in 1843, ^^- Green was re-elected president. 
The whole number of volumes on the catalogue of the society's library 
was 590, of which 475 were brought from Fairfield, fifty- four were 
charged to members and sixty-three were lost or missing. The society 
adopted a set of by-laws, regulating the safe keeping and the use of the 
library. Dr. Alfred E. Varney was chosen [)resident at the annual 
meeting in 1844, and the delegate to the State society was requested to 
lay before that body the opinion entertained by this society, " that it 
is the duty of the medical faculty generally, to memorialize the Legis- 
lature of this State to procure the passage of a law to prohibit the sale 
or use of any secret compound as a medicine," and to ask the State so- 
ciety to adopt measures to lay this subject before the Legislature at the 
next session. These proceedings were rescinded at a subsequent meet- 
ing. Some doubts having been entertained, growing out of the legislation 
of the State in respect to medical societies, in regard to the legal exist- 
ence of the society, a resolution was adopted in January, 1845, to con- 



COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 159 

tinue the association as an organized body, and the unanimous opinion 
of the society to that effect was declared. 

Dr. Abram Snyder was chosen president in June, 1845. -^ resolu- 
tion was passed to appoint a committee to present the condolence of the 
society to the family of Dr. Westel Willoughby, deceased, and request 
a biography of his life, and also that the society should wear the usual 
badge of mourning. 

At the annual meeting in 1846, Dr. Caleb Budlong was elected pres- 
ident ; Dr. Walter Booth in 1848, and Dr. Abram Snyder, again in 1849. 
Drs. J. R. Brown, Wheeler, Griffith and Snyder were elected delegates to 
the National Medical Association. Drs. Brown and Wheeler were ap- 
pointed a committee to prepare and present to the society a biographical 
sketch of the life of Dr. Lester Green. The transactions of the society 
at its annual meeting in June, 1 847, do not appear to have been recorded, 
nor is the death of Dr. Lester Green noticed except as above mentioned. 

Dr. Harvey W. Doolittle was elected president of the society in 1850 
and 185 I. Drs. Booth, Brown, A. F. Doolittle and D. Belknap were 
appointed delegates to the National Medical Association in 1850. In 
June, 1852, Dr. A. Green was chosen president, and Drs. A. F. Doo- 
little, C. A. Griffith, A. Hawn, and W. Booth were appointed delegates 
to the National Medical Association. 

The society, at its annual meeting in June, 1853, elected Dr. Walter 
Booth president, and appointed Drs. Budlong, Griffith, Hawn and 
Parkhurst delegates to the National Medical Association. 

The proceedings of the semi-annual meeting of the society in Janu- 
ary, 1852, are deeply, nay more, solemnly interesting. Dr. C. A. 
Griffith presented the following resolutions, which were unanimously 
adopted : 

Whereas, It has pleased the allwise disposer of events to remove from this life our 
late friend and brother, Harvey W. Doolittle, one of tlie oldest, most eminent and 
highly respected physicians of this county, and vf ho Vf as for many years president of 
this society ; Be it therefore, 

Resolved, That we deeply deplore the loss sustained by his bereaved family, by the 
medical society, of which he was long an active member, and by the public al large, in 
the death of that excellent man and physician. Dr. Earvey W. Doolittle, whose profes- 
sional attainments, not less than his own personal qualities, contributed to render him 
a most useful and estimable member of the community : 



160 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Tliat we know and cherish his qualities as a man and a citizen ; that we admire his 
sound judgment, his scientific knowledge and philanthropic spirit, which gave him a 
desirable eminence in his profession : 

That we love and lament him as a friend, and we doubt not his translation to a 
higher and happier sphere, where the pains and cares of this transient life give place to 
unbroken rest and unspeakable felicity. 

Following is a list of the successive presidents of the Medical Society 
from its organization to the present time : 

Westel Willoughby, Jr., 1806 to 1814, inclusive; Rufus Grain, 1816; James Hadley, 
1817; W. Willoughby, 1818 to 1836, inclusive; H. W. Doolittle, 1837; Calvin W. 
Smith, 1838; H. W. Doolittle, 1839-40-41; Lester Green, 1842-43; Alfred B. Var- 
ney, 1844; Abram Snyder, 1845; Caleb Budlong, 1846; W. Booth, 1847; Abram 
Snyder, 1849; H. W. DooUttle, 1860-51; Abel Green, 1852; Walter Booth, 1853; W. 
11. Parkhurst, 1854; Abram Hawn, 1855; Griffin Sweet, 1856; A. F. Doolittle, 1857; 

F. B. Etheredge, 1858-59; Hemstreet, 1800-61; (records mi.ssing to 1871); 

A. G. Barney, 1871; James M. Rose, 1872; Griffin Sweet, 1873; Benjamin E. Bush- 
nell, 1874 ; George Graves, 1875; H. A. France, 1876; Stephen Ingham, 1877; 
Charles W. Hamlin, 1878; James B.Casey, 1879; A.James Browne, 1880; Charles 
J. Hall, 1881 ; John P. Sharer, 1882 ; James F. Huntley, 1883 ; W. W. Budlong, 1884 ; 
D.N.Walker, 1885; E. N. Draper, 1886; Eli Fo.x, 1887; P. A. Skiff, 1888; M. A. 
Southworth, 1889; W. D. Garlock, 1890: I. S. Edsall, 1891; K. A. Bushnell, 1892. 

The following have been secretaries of the society : 

Andrew Farwell, 1806 to 1809, inclusive; Jacob Abrams, 1810; W. H. Doolittle, 
1811 to 1814, inclusive; Jacob L.Sherwood, 1816 to 1818, inclusive; M.L.Bryan, 
1819 to 1822, inclusive; H. W. Doolittle, 1823; M. L. Bryan, 1824-25; Muses John- 
son, 1826 to 1836, inclusive; A. F. Doolittle, 1838 to 1840, inclusive; F. B Etheredge, 
1841; C. L. Easton, 1842-43; Griffin Sweet, 1844-45; C. A. Griffeth, 1846 to 1851, 
inclusive; Adam Miller, 1852-53; S. R. Millington, 1854;' C. A. Griffeth, 1855 ; J. E. 
Casey, 1856; J. B. Casey, 1857; C. A. Griffeth, 1858; H. H.Green, 1860-61; C. W. 
Hamlin, 1871 ; A. Walter Suiter, 1872 to 1892, inclusive. 

Of the proceedings and character of the Herkimer County Medical 
Society in the later years of its existence it may be said that it 
has always been found in the front rank on all matters of State and 
National polity as connected with the practice of medicine. At a 
meeting held in 1882, a very animated discussion was held on questions 
of ethics, and a resolution was passed declaring the allegiance of the 
society to the Code of 1847, and against the one that had been adopted 
by the State Society in 1881. Many able papers have been prepared 
and read before the society during its existence, showing that the ability 
of its membership as a whole has been of a high order. 



REGISTER OF PHYSICIANS. IGI 

On account of its value for reference by present and future members 
of the profession, we give tlie following list of all physicians who have 
registered in the clerk's office of this county since I 880, under the law 
governing that matter : 

Vaugn C. Potter, Van Hornesville, born in Salisbury, Herkimer county ; Geneva 
College of Physic and Surgery, January 24, 18G0. Registered July, 1880. 

Augustus Walter Suiter, born in Herkimer; College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
Columbia College, March, 1871. Registered July, 1880. 

Lyman C. Dexter, born in Newport, Herkimer county, residence Newport ; Uni- 
versity of Michigan, June 26, 1879. Registered July, 1880. 

Delevan N. Walker, residence at Ilion, Herkimer county, born in Root, Montgomery 
county ; Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. March 9, 1858. Registered July 16, 
1880. 

Robert W. Warnei, born at Baltimore, Md., residence Ilion'; Albany Medical Col- 
lege, March 5, 1880. Registered July 21, 1880. 

Frederick F. Comstock, born in Western, Oneida county, residence Ilion ; Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, February 27, 1873. Registered July 22, 1880. 

Robert J. La Fonzo, born at Galveston, Texas, re.sidence Brooklyn; Indiana Central 
Medical College and Asbury University, March 1, 1867. Registered July 24, 1880. 

Abram Guiwits, born in Stark, Herkimer county, residence Salisbury Centre; Cas- 
tleton Medical College, Vt., 18.^,0. Registered July 26, 1880. 

Alfred A. Moors, born in Plainfield, Otsego county, residence West Winfield. Her- 
kimer county, Memphis Medical College, Tenn., March 1, 1854. Registered July 2G, 
1880. 

James I. Rasback, born at Ilion, residence Ilion ; Bellevue Hospital Medical College, 
February 26, 1876. Registered July 6, 1880. 

C. J. Hall, born in Queens county, residence Norway, Herkimer county ; University 
of Michigan, Ann Arbor, March 31, 1870. Registered July 27, 1880. 

H. B. Mabin, born in Halcott, Greene county, N. Y., residence Ilion; Albany 
Medical College, December 22, 1867. Registered July 27, 1880. 

Adam Miller, born in Columbia, Herkimer county, residence Jordanville; Geneva 
Medical College, January, 1844. Registered August 7, 1880. 

W. W. Budlong, born at Frankfort. Herkimer county, residence Frankfort; Buffalo 
Medical College, June 3, 1848. Registered August 10, 1880. 

William H. Stebbins, born in Manheira, Herkimer county, residence Little Falls; 
College of Physicians and Surgeons western district of New York, February, 1834. 
Registered August 12, 1880. 

Alfred Beach, born at New York city, residence Ilion, N. Y. ; Homeopathic Medical 
College, March 1, 1875. Registered August 13, 1880. 

Eli Fox, born in Columbia, Herkimer county, residence Mohawk; New York Uni- 
versity, March 25, 1855. Registered August 16, 1880. 

Wm. H. Harter, born at Herkimer, re.sidence Herkimer ; College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, New York, March 4, 1852. Registered August 17, 1880. 



162 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Silas Ingham, born in Nassau, Rensselaer county, residence Little Falls ; College of 
Physicians and Surgeons, Fairfield, February, 1839. Registered August 17, 1880. 

Stephen A. Ingham, born at Ingham's Mills, Herkimer county, residence Little Falls ; 
Albany Medical College, December 26, 1871. Registered September 9, 1880. 

Albert J. Browne, born in Warren, Herkimer county, residence Newport, Herkimer 
county ; Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass., 1865. Registered August 20, 
1880. 

Charles W. Hamlin, born at Holland Patent, residence Middleville; Bellevue Hos- 
pital Medical College, March, 1866. Registered August 26, 1880. 

Benjamin E. Bushnell, born in Fairfield, residence Little Falls; Albany Medical Col- 
lege, January, 1844. Registered August 2C, 1880. 

Kenyon A. Bushnell, born at Albany, residence Little Falls; Albany Medical College, 
January 29. 1878. Registered August 26, 1880. 

Harvey J. Christman, born at Herkimer, residence Columbia; Albany Medical Col- 
lege, December 27, 1864. Registered August 28, 1880. 

Peter Pryne, born at Frankfort, Herkimer county, residence Herkimer; Geneva 
Medical College, January 27, 1846. Registered August 31, 1880. 

Isaac N. Willard. born in Fairfield, residence Fairfield ; Bellevue Hospital Medical 
College, February 23, 1875. Registered August 28, 1880. 

Adelbert J. Douglass, born in Leyden, Lewis county, residence Ilion ; Long Island 
College Hospital, June 26, 1873. Registered August 31, 1880. 

George Graves, born at Herkimer, residence Herkimer ; Buftalo Medical College, Feb- 
ruary 22, 1870. Registered September 1, 1880. 

Lucius L. Brainard, born in Exeter, Otsego county, N. Y., residence. Little Falls; 
New York Homeopathic Medical College, March 5, 1874. Registered September 1, 
1880. 

John D. Young, born at Springfield, Otsego county, residence Starkville ; '' Academiaj 
Medioinje Kentuckiensis,'' 1865 Registered September 2, 1880. 

John P. Sharer, born in Little Falls, residence Little Falls; College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, New York, March 1, 1848. Registered September 1, 1885. 

Cyrus Kay, jr., born at Frankfort, residence Herkimer ; College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, New York, March 12, 1880. Registered September 1, 1880. 

William H. H. Parkhurst, born in Winfield, Herkimer county, residence Frankfort ; 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Fairfield, January 23, 1840. Registered Septem- 
ber 7, 1880. 

James Hemstreet, born in Ohio. Herkimer county, residence Poland ; Oneida County 
Medical Society, Utica, October 14, 1874. Registered September 8, 1880. 

AlmanzoG. Barney, born in Newport, Herkimer county, residence Brockelt's Bridge ; 
Albany Medical College, December 24, 1860. Registered September 7, 1880. 

Henry A. France, born in Herkimer, residence Poland ; Albany Medical College, 
December 25, 1864. Registered September 10, 1880. 

Nelson Isham, born in Connecticut, re.sidence Little Falls ; Yale Medical College, 
March 4, 1828. Registered September 11, 1880. 

G. T. Hyland, born in Madison county, residence Little Falls; Bellevue Medical Col- 
lege, March 1, 1879. Registered September 11, 1880. 



REGISTER OF PHYSICIANS. 163 

William Landt, born in Danube, Herkimer county, residence Mohawk ; New York 
Medical College, March 2, 1858. Registered September 11, 1880. 

P. A. Skiff, born in Schuyler, Herkimer county, residence Frankfort; Albany Medi- 
cal College, January 21, 1851. Registered September 13, 1880. 

George P. Rasbach, born in Herkimer, residence Mohawk; Bellevue Hospital Med- 
ical College, February 26, 1876. Registered September 14, 1880. 

Moritz R. Richter, born in Germany, residence Middleville; University of Leipsic, 
Saxony, October, 1860. Registered September 14, 1880. 

E. M. Draper, born in Broome county, residence Ilion ; Albany Medical College, Jan- 
uary 20, 1874. Registered September 14, 1880. 

William H. Brown, born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, residence Cedarville; Al- 
bany Medical College, December 26, 1866. Registered September 16, 1880. 

William Tibbetts, born at Ballston, Saratoga county, residence Newville ; Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, March, 1867. Registered September 16, 1880. 

Charles Isham, born at Mohawk, residence Little Falls ; Bellevue Hospital Medical 
College, March 1, 1866. Registered September 16, 1880. 

Malek A. Southworth, born m New York State, residence Little Falls; College of 
Physicians and Surgeons, New York, February 5, 1846. Registered September 17, 
1880. 

Peter F. Bellinger, born in Herkimer, residence Herkimer; Bellevue Hospital Med- 
ical College, March 1, 1879. Registered September 17, 1880. 

Peter Yost, born in Johnstown, residence Little Falls ; Medical College of Castleton, 
Tt., 1847. Registered September 18, 1880. 

Leslie R. Quackenbush, born in Herkimer, residence Brockett's Bridge; University 
Medical College, New York, March 13. 1880. Registered September 17, 1880. 

Theodore J. Ashley, born in Whitestown, Oneida county, residence Ohio; State 
Eclectic Medical Society, Pennsylvania, 1863. Registered August 10, 1880. 

Z. R. May, born in Bridgeport, Conn., residence Schuyler; Eclectic Medical College, 
Philadelphia, 1861. Registered September 21, 1880. 

A. D. Coffin, born in Deerfleld, Oneida county, residence Frankfort; University of 
the City of New York, March 1 , 1880. Registered September 21, 1880. 

J. B. Ellis, born in Whitestown, Oneida county, residence Little Falls ; Bellevue 
Medical College, March 1, 1871. Registered September 21, 1880. 

Daniel Lord, born in New York city, residence Warren, Herkimer county ; the med- 
ical department of ihe Northwestern University, Chicago, March 13, 1873. Registered 
September 23, 1880. 

James E. Casey, born in Schenectady county, residence Mohawk; Albany Medical 
College, 1852. Registered September 24, 1880. 

James M. Rose, born in Herkimer county, residence West Winfield ; College of 
Physicians and Surgeons, Fairfield, January, 1837. Registered September 24, 1880. 

James F. Huntley, jr., born in Williamstown, Oswego county, residence West Win- 
field ; Medical Department University of City of New York, February 20, 1877. Reg- 
istered September 24, 1880. 

Henry H. Green, born in Paine's Hollow, Herkimer county, residence Paine's Hol- 
low ; Geneva Medical College, 1859. Registered September 22, 1880. 



164 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

David M. Diefendorf, born in German Flats, residence Herkimer ; College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons, New York, March, 1861. Registered Septeff.ber 27, 1880. 

J. B. Holcomb, born in Yermont, residence Newport; Albany Medical College, De- 
cember 24, 1855. Registered September 28, 1880. 

Sydney S. Carter, born in Madison, Conn., residence Newport; Eclectic Medical So- 
ciety, October 18, 1876, and National Ecleotical Society of Detroit, Mich., June 19, 
1878. Registered September 28, 1880. 

Henry Lewis, jr., born in Little Falls, residence Little Falls ; Albany Medical College, 
January 29, 1879. Registered September 29, 1880. 

J. Dayton Munn, born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, residence Stark ; Albany Med- 
ical College, June 17, 1844. Registered September 27, 1880. 

H. J. Spencer, born in West Winfield, residence West Winfield ; Homeopathic Med- 
ical College. New York, February, 1870. Registered September 29, 1880. 

Allison 0. Douglass, born in Ava, N. Y., residence Little Falls; Long Island College 
Hospital June 26, 1876. Registered September 30, 1880. 

William H. Craig, born at Ottawa, Canada, residence West Schuyler; University of 
the City of New York, July 14, 1874. Registered September 30, 1880. 

Loomis Warner, residence West Winfield ; College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
Fairfield, January 26, 1826. Registered October 29, 1880. 

Miles Longshore, born at Depeyster, St. Lawrence county, residence Cold Brook ; 
University of Vermont, June 26, 1879. Registered October 1, 1880. 

Lemuel Fitch Pattengill, born in Otsego county, residence West Winfield ; Medical 
Department University of City of New York, February 17, 1880. Registered April 1 
1881. 

Frank D. Crim, born at Mohawk, residence Mohawk ; College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, New York, November 9, 1880. Registered June 9. 1881. 

Charles Harvey Glidden, born in Clarendon, New York, residence Little Falls ; Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, May 13, 1881. Registered August 25, 
1881. 

William D. Garlock, born in Manheim, residence Little Falls; College of Physicians 
and Surgeons, New York, October 11, 1881. Registered October 28, 1881. 

John M. Mangan, born in County Kerry, Ireland, residence Little Falls; Medical 
Department University of Pennsylvania, March 14, 1857. Registered December 23, 
1881. 

Edgar C. Swift, born at Paine's Hollow, residence Jordanville ; Syracuse University 
College of Medicine, June 9, 1881. Registered January 25, 1882. 

Elmer G. Kern, born in Madison county, N. Y., residence Herkimer; Hahnemann 
Medical College, Philadelphia, March 10, 1881. Registered February 21, 1882. 

David F. Blanchard, born at Cooperstown, N. Y., residence Boston ; Royal College 
of Surgeons, London, Eng., March 22, 1852, and Medical Department of Vermont 
University, November 10, 1849. Registered February 22, 1882. 

Charles P. Beaman, born at Philadelphia, Pa., residence Stamford, Conn. ; New York 
Homeopatiiic College, March 16, 1882. Registered March 30, 1882. 

William H. Dewing, born in Litchfield, residence Utica ; Hahnemann Homeopathic 
Medical College, Philadelphia, March 14, 1882. Registered April 6, 1882. 



REGISTER OF PHYSICIANS. 165 

Willard Gillett, born in Cherry Valley, residence Starl<ville; Albany Medical Col- 
lege, March 1, 1882. Registered April 17,1882. 

Charles A. Ward, born in Candor, Tioga county, N. Y., residence Troy, N. Y. ; 
United States Medical College, New York, March 8, 1882. Registered June 7, 1882. 

Daniel P. Van Court, born in Otsego county, residence Mohawk ; Albanv Medical 
College, December 23, 1875. Registered April 14, 1884. 

Willard Holt, born at Newport, N. Y., residence Dolgeville; University of Michigan, 
June 26, 1879. Registered March 30, 1883. 

Seymour S. Richards, born in Newport, N. Y., residence East Schuyler ; University 
of the City of New York, March 13, 1883. Registered April 10, 1883. 

John H. Stephens, born at Frankfort, N. Y., residence Cedarville ; Albany Medical 
College, March 7, 1883. Registered May 3, 1883. 

Edward S. Willard, born in Fairfield, residence Watertown ; Albany Medical College, 
March 3, 1880. Registered June 5, 1883. 

Irving O. Nellis, born in Herkimer, residence Herkimer; Medical Department of 
University of Vermont, June 22, 1882. Registered June 5, 1883. 

Clark Getman, born in Columbia, N. Y., residence Dolgeville ; Medical University 
at Buffalo, February 22, 1883. Registered June 19, 1883. 

Emory A. Eakin, born at Gallipolis, Ohio, residence Buffalo ; Miami Medical Col- 
lege, Cincinnati, March 2, 1869. Registered April 18, 1884. 

Charles O. Zimmerman, born in Hermon, N. Y., residence Frankfort; Medical Col- 
lege of Maryland University, March 1, 1882. Registered June 3, 1884. 

Walter B. Miller, born in Delaware county, N. Y., residence Salisbury Centre ; 
Albany Medical College, March 2, 1882. Registered June 3, 1884. 

Peter Walter Emmons, born in Romulus, Seneca county, N. Y., residence Syracuse, 
N. Y. ; Physio Eclectic Medical College of Ohio, January 22, 1876. Registered 
August 17, 1884. 

Henry J. Vrooman, born at Trenton, Oneida county, residence Norway ; Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, March 13, 1882. Registered September 3, 1884. 

John V. Hennesey, born at New York city, residence Little Falls , Albany Medical 
College, March 4, 1884. Registered October 4, 1884. 

George C. Morey, born at Lebanon, N. Y., residence Grant ; University of Ver- 
mont, June 6, 1865. Registered October 25, 1884. 

James A. Moors, born in Salisbury, residence West Winfield; College of Physicians 
and Surgeons, City of New York, May 13, 1881. Registered December 15, 1884. 

James B. Kershaw, born in Litchfield, residence Van Hornesville; Albany Medical 
College, December 23, 1875. Registered January 6, 1885. 

Franklin B. Smith, born atHdlsdale, Mich., residence Buffalo; Hahnemann Medical 
College, Chicago, February 24, or 26, 1879. Registered January 9, 1885. 

E. S. B. Spencer, born ia Winfield, residence West Winfield; Hahnemann Medical 
College, Chicago, February 20, 1881. Registered January 21, 1885. 

Irving S. Edsall, born in Roxbury, Delaware county, N. Y., residence Middleville ; 
Albany Medical College, March 4, 1885. Registered April 13, 1885. 



166 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

James A. Barringer, born in Schodack, Rensselaer county, residence Genesee county; 
Medical Department University of Buffalo, February 25, 1873. Registered June lii, 
1885. 

Albert D. Chattaway, born in Springfield, Mass., residence Ilion ; New York Homeo- 
pathic Medical College, April 17, 1885. Registered August 2G, 1885. 

William B. Woodhull, born at Painesville, Ohio, residence Poland ; Unirersily of 
the City of New York, March 9, 1882 Registered October 30, 1885. 

E. E. Kelley, born in Salisbury, residence Salisbury ; Hahnemann Medical College, 
Chicago, February 25, 1S86. Registered March 29, 1886. 

George H. Greeley, born at Syracuse, residence Ilion; Homeopathic Medical Col- 
lege, New York, March 3, 1864. Registered January 11, 1887. 

Thomas F. Lynott, born al Pittstown, Pa., residence Frankfort; University Medical 
College, New York, March 8, 1886. Registered January 17, 1887. 

John W. Sheflield, born at St. Johnsville, residence Van Hornesville ; Albany Medi- 
cal College, March 3, 1886. Registered January 18, 1887. 

Delevan E. Walker, born at Dolgeville, residence Ilion ; Medical Department Uni- 
versity of Buffalo, February 22, 1882. Registered April 25, 1887. 

E. Townsend Jones, born al Newburgh, N. Y., residence Kingston ; certificate of 
license from Censors of Eclectic Medical Society, April 8, 1878. Registered May 24. 
1886. 

H. A. Ward, born in Hartland, N. Y., residence Ilion ; Pulte Medical College of 
Cincinnati, March 3, 1887. Registered October 14, 1887. 

William Dougan, born at St. Catharines, Canada, residence Buffalo; Niagara Univer- 
sity of Buffalo, May 3, 1807. Registered December 12, 1887. 

Fred E. Easton, born in Cedarville, residence Richfield Springs ; Long Island College 
Hospital, May 22, 1884. Registered July 7, 1885. 

William H. Dudley, born in Madison, Conn., residence Newport ; University of the 
City of New York, March 9, 1882. Registered December 4, 1888. 

J. M. Showerman, born at Batavia, N. Y., residence Batavia ; College of Physicians 
and Surgeons of Buffalo, February 22, 1882. Registered April 29, 1889. 

Charles G. Strobel, born in Ohio, N. Y., residence Dolgeville; Long Island College 
Hospital, March 9, 1888. Registered May 16, 1889. 

Fred M. Barney, born at Brocketl's Bridge, residence Dolgeville ; Union University 
of Albany, March 15, 1888. Registered May 20, 1889. 

George W. Mangus, born in Herkimer, residence Little Falls ; Columbus Medical 
College, Ohio, February 29, 1888. Registered August 7, 1889. 

Benjamin F. French, born in Ohio, residence Little Falls ; Hahnemann Medical 
College, Philadelphia, March 6, 1880. Registered September 26, 1889. 

Edgar H. Douglas, born in Massachusetts, residence Little Falls; Dartmouth Medi- 
cal College, Hanover,' N. H., November 26, 1889. Registered December 2, 1889. 

Charles W. Nichols, born in Fairfield, residence Fairfield ; Albany Medical College, 
March 21, 1889. Registered February 27, 1890. 

De Witt P. Bailey, born at Richfield Springs, residence Van Hornesville ; New York 
University Medical College, March 4, 1889. Registered May 22, 1890. 



PERSONAL SKETCHES. 167 

George A. Armstrong, born in Plain field, Otsego county, residence West WinBeld ; 
University of State of New Yorlc, l\rarch 5, 1884. Registered June 3. 1890. 

Brounislaus Onufrowics, born in Siberia, residence Dolgeville; Swiss Confederation 
of Berne, Switzerland, November 27, 1884. Registered October 4, 18S0. 

Oliver T. Lines, born m Connecticut, residence Brooklyn, New York ; Hygeo 
Therapeutic College, March 29, 1859. Registered November 3, 1890. 

Le Grand H. Hollon, born at Albion, N. Y., residence Herkimer; University of 
Michigan, June 30, 1869. Registered December 16, 1890. 

Jasper D. Fitch, born at Burlington. N. Y., residence Mohawk ; Medical Department 
University of the City of New York, February 18, 1872. Registered January IG, 
1891. 

William P. Smith, born at Glens Falls, residence Albany ; University of Vermont, 
June 29, 1885. Registered February 26, 1891. 

J. T. Hard, born at East Worcester, N. Y., residence Little Falls ; Albany Medical 
College, March 18, 1877. Registered April 11, 1891. 

John D. Hilton, born at Kingston, N. C, residence Stratford, Fulton county ; Uni- 
versity of City of New York, March 24, 1891. Registered May 7, 1891. 

Merton W. Brown, born in Litchfield, N. Y., residence Cedarville ; Albany Medical 
College, April 1, 1891. Registered June 2, 1891. 

B. Rush Jackson, born in Berwick, Pa., residence Amsterdam ; Electro-Therapeutic 
Institute, Philadelphia, October 23, 188G. Registered July 28, 1891. 

John Logan, born in Ireland, residence Little Falls; Bellevue Ho.«pital Medical 
College. March 14, 1883. Registered October 29, 1891. 

L. B. Palmiter, born in Hamilton, N. Y.. residence Ilion ; University of Vermont, 
July 13, 1891. Registered November 10, 1891. 

William Edwin Hayes, born at Frankfort, residence Frankfort; Medical Department 
University of City of New York, March 24, 1891. Registered February 1. 18i)2. 

Henry Francis Kilbourn, born at Elizabethtown, Canada, residence Croghan, N. Y. ; 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Buffalo, February 2o, 1881. Registered March 31, 
1892. 

J. H. Shaper, born at Canajoharie, residence Herkimer; University of Michigan, 
July 3, 1891. Registered September 27, 1892. 

Channing A. Holt, born at Hartford, Conn., residence Albany ; Medical University 
of City of New York, January 16, 1892. Registered September 26, 1892. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

Dr. Westel Willoughby was a native of Connecticut, and one of the 
most eminent of the early physicians of Herkimer county. While still 
a young man he settled in Norway, where he began his practice at 
about the time of the first settlement of the Royal Grant. He subse- 
quently removed to the valley of the West Canada Creek, where he 
made for himself a beautiful home near the village of Newport; this he 



168 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

continued to own and beautify throughout his life. He was for about 
twenty years professor of midwifery and of the diseases of women and 
children in the Fairfield Medical College, and for a portion of that time 
was president of the institution. Outside of his profession he was pub- 
lic-spirited, benevolent, and active in the affairs of the county. He 
was twice chosen member of Assembly, 1807-08. He was appointed 
one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in March, 1805, and 
so continued until 1821. He belonged to the medical staff of the mili- 
tia during the war of 181 2, and spent some time on the frontier. He 
was elected to Congress from his district in 18 14. Dr. Willoughby 
died at Newport in 1844, aged seventy- five years. 

Dr. Rufus Crain was one of the original members of the County 
Medical Society and a native of Worcester county, Mass. He settled 
in the town of Warren in 1790, having already studied for his pro 
fession. His zeal and success was such that in a few years he found 
himself in the enjoyment of an extensive practice. He was one of the 
early and earnest patrons of the Fairfield Medical College Dr. Crain 
was not an active politician, but his personal qualifications were such 
that his fellow- citizens called him to several positions of trust. He was 
appointed one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in Feb- 
ruary, 1817, and continued such until 1820; was reappointed in 1821, 
1823, and 1828, and held the office until 1833. He was chosen presi- 
dential elector in 1828. He was a sociable and hospitable man, and 
his character and life were worthy of esteem. He died in Warren Sep- 
tember 18, 1846, leaving a son and a daughter and a large estate. 

Dr. William Mather was born in Fairfield April 28, 1802, and was a 
son of the pioneer Moses Mather. Dr. Mather was graduated from 
Fairfield College in 1826, andbecame a member of the County Medical 
Society in 1831. Early in his professional career he became deeply in- 
terested in chemistry, and from 1828 to 1868 was a very popular lect- 
urer upon that subject. In 1838 he was appointed instructor of chem- 
istry in Hamilton Literary and Theological Seminary, and in 1841 was 
chosen professor of chemistry and pharmacy in Castleton Medical Col- 
lege, Vt. From 1852 to 1868 he was professor of chemistry, geology 
and mineralogy in Madison University. Dr. Mather's residence was in 
Fairfield, where he was one of the most honored citizens. He died 
June 26, 1890. 







Wi^/M \'!^^^^y^^^X^k 



PERSONAL SKETCHES. 169 

Dr. Stephen Todd was born in Wallingford, Conn., December 23, 
1773 His father removed to Sah'sbury in 1792, and there the young 
man aided his father in clearing a home. Having studied his profession, 
he began practice in Sah'sbury in 1800, and became a member of the 
County Medical Society in 18 19. He was captain of a company of 
militia in the war of 1812 and served on the frontier. In 1821 he was 
nominated for the Assembly and received a majority of the popular 
vote, but failed to obtain his certificate of election from the county 
clerk. Dr. Todd attained a fair degree of eminence in his profession 
and was justly esteemed by the community. He died in Salisbury in 
the same month and on the same day of the month of his birth, in 1827, 
aged fifty- four. 

Dr. Abijah Tombling was one of the original members of the County 
Medical Society and a coteniporary of Dr. Willoughby. He settled in 
the town of Norway near the close of the last century. Later in life 
he removed to Herkimer village. He was appointed surrogate of the 
county in 18 16 and held the office until 1821. From that time he par- 
tially or wholly gave up his profession. He died in Herkimer, leaving 
a family. 

Dr. William Petry was the earliest physician of prominence in Her- 
kimer county. He was born near Oppenheim, in Germany, December 
7' 1733. ^'■'d came to this country in 1763 ; he married Salome Wolf, 
daughter of John Wolf, of Cosby's Manor, in 1766. He had served 
as surgeon in the Prussian army before coming to America. Previous 
to the Revolution he was interested in a store at the site of Herkimer 
village. He was a member of the Tryon County Committee of Safety 
in 1775, and acted as justice of the peace during the Revolution. 
From 1776 to 1779 he was employed as surgeon at Fort Dayton and 
was General Herkimer's medical adviser ; was appointed surgeon of 
Colonel Willett's regiment in April, 1781. He participated in the 
battle of Oriskany and was wounded in the leg ; was with Colonel 
Willett in the pursuit after Ross and Butler; also accompanied his reg- 
iment in February, 1783, in the expedition to capture the Oswego 
fortress. 

After the Revolution Dr. Petry was actively engaged in his profession 
throughout the Mohawk valley for many years and to near the close of 
22 



170 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

his life. He was also iaterested in mercantile business at Herkimer 
after the war and continued in it until near his death. Dr. Petry died 
at Herkimer August 6, 1806, leaving several sons and daughters. One 
of tiie latter was the mother of Samuel Earl and Judge Robert Earl. 

Dr. H. VV. Doolittle, died in the year 1853. We have no data from 
which to write a sketch of his life, but a resolution adopted by the Med- 
ical Society speaks of his high professional attainments as well as his 
personal qualities, which rendered him a most useful and estimable mem- 
ber of the community. He died December 7, 1853. 

Dr. Nathan S. Willard (father of X. A. Willard), an early physician 
of Herkimer county, was born at Saybrook, Conn., March 29, 1788. 
He was graduated from Fairfield Medical College July 14, 1810, and at 
once began the practice of his profession at Eatonville. At that period 
there were but few physicians in the county, and Dr. Willard's practice 
extended over a wide territory, embracing in part the towns of Fairfield, 
Newport, Herkimer and Little Falls. He was skilled in his profession, 
liberal and progressive in mind and energetic and conscientious in the 
performance of his duty as a physician and citizen. In 1813 he married 
Mary Wharry, eldest daughter of Judge Evans Wharry ; a sketch of 
Judge Wharry's life appears in this work under the Bench and Bar. 
Dr. Willard died September 29, 1827. 

Dr. Daniel Belknap came to Herkimer county in 1823, and entered the 
office of Dr. N. S. Willard, then a prominent physican at Eatonville. 
He was graduated in 1 828 at Fairfield and took up Dr. Willard's practice. 
In 1832 he settled in Little Falls and practiced here until his death. 
It was written of him that his close observation, keen perception, and 
clear discrimination rendered his judgment almost infallible. He was 
fearless in defense of the right and possessed many good qualities as a 
man and a citizen. 

Dr. Lester Green commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Luther 
Giteau of Trenton, Oneida county, in 1803. In 1821 he was gradu- 
ated from Fairfield Medical College, and began practice at Little 
Falls, where he was actively engaged in his profession for thirty years. 
He was elected a permanent member of the New York State Medical 
Society in 1843, and for two terms was president of that society. In 
1849 he was chosen a delegate to the United States Medical Society. 



FAIRFIELD MEDICAL COLLEGE. 171 

Dr. Green was for many years a leading physician of the county, and 
has left a record for being sound in judgment, skillful, devoted to his 
profession and public spirited as a citizen. He died at I.ittle Falls Feb- 
ruary 6, 1849. 

Dr. S. A. Ingham was born in Rensselaer county April 3, 18 17, and 
in the following year removed with his father to what is now Ingham's 
Mills. He studied medicine with Dr. Nolton and was graduated from 
the Medical College in January, 1840. From that time until 1844 he 
was associated with Dr. Booth, of Russia, after which he located in Ing- 
ham's Mills. In 1849 he removed to Little Falls where he was in 
practice more than thirty years. He served over two years as surgeon 
of the I52d New York Regiment in the Civil War. 

Dr. P. Pryne, was an early physician in Frankfort where he was 
born in 1820. He studied medicine with Dr. H. W. Doolittle and be- 
gan practice in Herkimer in 1844. His grandfather, Peter Pryne, served 
at the battle of Oriskany, where he was wounded, and his father, Francis 
Pryne, served in the war of 181 2. 

Griffin Sweet, M. D., was born in March, 1814, in Norway, Herkimer 
county. He was graduated at Fairfield Medical College and located in 
Fairfield where he practiced his profession until near his death. He 
held the office of supervisor, was superintendent of the schools, and a 
member of Assembly from his district in 1863. He was an able man 
intellectually and stood high in his profession. 

Dr. Hamblin B. Maben was born in Greene county, N. Y., March 27, 
1 833. After receiving a classical education he studied medicine and was 
graduated at the Albany Medical College at the age of twenty four. 
Locating in Ilion in i860 he soon gained a large practice and long oc- 
cupied a foremost place in the profession. He was honored with 
many positions of trust in local offices and was twice the Democratic 
nominee for the Assembly. He also became largely interested in build- 
ing and other real estate operations in Ilion. 

James Hemstreet was born in the town of Ohio, Herkimer county, in 
1826. He studied medicine with his father, Richard I. Hemstreet, 
practiced in Trenton, Gray and Newport, finally settling in Poland vil- 
lage in 1865. 

Fairfield Medical College. — The College of Physicians and Surgeons 
of the western district of New York, located at Fairfield, Herkimer 



ir-i HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtlNTY. 

county, had its origin in the medical school established by the trustees 
of Fairfield Academy, in 1809. This school had acquired some reputa- 
tion while attached to the academy. It was such even in the second 
year of its existence as to induce the Legislature of the State to endow 
it with $5,000, and when it received the rank of college, they generous- 
ly added to its funds the further sum of $10,000 

The charter of the college bears date June 12, 1812, to which is ap- 
pended the seal of the University of the State, and signed by Daniel D. 
Tompkins, Chancellor of the University of the State of New York ; H. 
Bloodgood, secretary. 

In the charter the following persons are named as constituting the fir.st 
board of trustees, viz. : 

Westel Willoughby, Jun., Jonathan Sherwood, Luther Giteaii, Solomon Wolcot, 
Isaac Sears, Abijah Tombling, Amos Hale, Simeon Ford, Clark Smith, Joseph White, 
Alexander G. Fonda, Oliver C. Comstock, John Miller, Isaac Sargeaut, Reuben Hart, 
Amasa Trowbridge, Francis A. Bloodgood, William D. Ford, James^Kennedy, Oliver 
Ellis, Andrew A. Bartow, William Smith, John Stearns and James Hale; they and their 
successors were to have perpetual succession. 

At a meeting of the board of trustees, held December i, 181 2, the 
following individuals were appointed officers of the college, viz. : 

Lyman Spalding, professor of anatomy and surgery ; Westel Will- 
oughby, jr. , professor of obstetrics ; James Hadley, professor of chem- 
istry ; John Stearns, professor of the theory and practice of physic. 

The class of 1812-13, ^^ appears by the records, consisted of eight- 
een medical students. During the session of 1813-14 it numbered 
twenty- four. 

At a meeting of the board, March 23, 1815, T. Romeyn Beck was 
recommended to the honorable regents to fill the office of professor of 
the institutes of medicine. 

January 30, 1816, the degree of doctor of medicine was conferred on 
two individuals, viz.: Horatio Orvis and Sylvester Miller. Dr. Beck 
gave his first course on medical jurisprudence. Number of students, 
28 ; 4 graduates. 

At a meeting of the board, May 20, 1817, Dr. Joseph White, of 
Cherry Valley, was appointed president and professor of anatomy and 
surgery in the college in place of Dr. Spalding. At the same meeting 



FAIRFIELD MEDICAL COLLEGE. 173 

it was resolved that President White have leave to substitute his son, 
Deles White, M. D., to deliver lectures on anatomy in his stead. 

January 20, 1818, the class consisted of 41 students, of whom 7 were 
considered worthy of the degree of doctor of medicine. 

January 19, 1819, a resolution was passed by the board of trustees 
dismissing any student who should be concerned, directly or indirectly, 
in digging up any dead human body for the purpose of dissection in 
the college. 

January 20, 1820, the Legislature was petitioned for a law for giving 
the dead bodies of unclaimed convicts of the State prison at Auburn 
to the college, for the purposes of dissection. 

January 23, 1821, Dr. Delos White resigned his professorship of an- 
atomy, in conseqence of the difficulty of procuring subjects for dissec- 
tion. The same year it was resolved to extend the course of lectures 
from twelve to sixteen weeks. 

January 22, 1822, James McNaughton, M. D., was made professor of 
anatomy and physiology. Sixty-two students ; 14 graduates. 

For several years subsequent to this period the affairs of the college 
continued to prosper and the number of students to increase. At the 
close of the session ending in January, 1827, Joseph White, M. D., in 
consequence of age and infirmities, resigned his professorship, and was 
succeeded in the chair of surgery by John Delamater, M. D. Number 
of students in attendance this session, 144; graduates, 25. In conse- 
quence of the increase of students an additional college edifice was 
erected containing thirty- two lodging rooms, and the lecture rooms 
of the old college edifice were enlarged and rendered more commodious. 

In 1828 the number of students was 171 ; graduates, 33. 

In 1832 the number of students had increased to 205 ; graduates, 39. 

The largest class ever assembled at the college was during the 
session ending in January, 1834, when the number reached 217, of 
whom 55 received the degree of doctor of medicine. The following 
year the number was 198. 

The organization of the medical department of Geneva College, and 
subsequently the incorporation of a medical college in the city of Al- 
bany, together with other causes, had the effect to diminish the number 
of students in attendance at the Fairfield college from the year 1834 



174 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

until the final suspension of lectures in the latter institution by the 
faculty; yet the numbers continued to be respectable, and probably 
would have been until the present time had the proper efforts been con- 
tinued to sustain it. During the year 1836 the regents confirmed the 
following alterations, by which the professorships stood as follows: 

Westel Willoiigliliy, M. D., emeritus professor of midwifery. 
James Hadley, M. D., professor of chemistry and pharmacy. 
T. Romeyn Beck, M. D., professor of materia iriedica and medical jurisprudence. 
James MoNaugliton, M. D., professor of anatomy and physiology. 
John Delamater, M. D., professor of practice of physic and diseases of women and 
children. 

Reuben D. Mussey, M. D., profe.'ssor of surgery and mid%vifery. 

Subsequently, Frank H. Hamilton, M. D., succeeded Professor Mus- 
sey in the chair of surgery, and witii this exception the faciilt\' remained 
as above during the operation of the institution. The last course of 
lectures was given during the winter of 1839-40. The number of stu- 
dents in attendance was 105, of whom 26 received the degree of doctor 
of medicine. After the cessation of medical lectures the college build- 
ings were changed to adapt them for the extension of Fairfield Acad- 
emy. (See history of that institution.) Lyman Spaulding, M. D., was 
the first president of the college, and was succeeded in office by Joseph 
White, M. D., in 18 17, who resigned in 1827. The venerable Professor 
Willoughby succeeded Dr. White and held the office until his decease. 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 



CHAPTER X. 

TME TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS,' 

THE town of German Flats lies in the southern central part of Herki- 
mer county, and is bounded on the north by the Mohawk River; 
on the east by Little Falls ; southerly by the towns of Warren and Co- 
himbia, and westerly by Frankfort. A broad and fertile intervale lies 
along the river, from which the surface rises gradually to a height of 300 
to 400 feet and stretches away in a hilly upland. Fulmer's Creek di- 
vides the upland into two nearly equal parts. Steele's Creek flows 
through the western part. 

This town was originally formed as the " fifth, or German Flats dis- 
trict " of Tryon county, March 24, 1772, and was recognized as a town 
on the 7th of March, 1788. In 1796 the towns of Frankfort, Litchfield 
and Warren were taken off, and in 1829 a part of Little Falls. When 
the town was erected (1788) it comprised all that portion of Mont- 
gomery county south of the Mohawk River, bounded easterly by Cana- 
joharie (the western bounds of that town being the Susquehanna River, 
Otsego Lake, and a line from the head waters of the lake to the Little 
Falls) ; south by the north line of the town of Otsego, running from the 
head waters of Otsego Lake, in the patent granted to George Croghan 
and others, along the northerly bounds of that patent to the north- 
west corner of it and extending westerly to the river, and along the 
northerly line of the Edminston patent; westerly by the west line of 
the town of Herkimer continued south to the town of Otsego, or in 
other words nearly by the present eastern bounds of Oneida county. 
Besides the towns before mentioned these boundaries included a part of 
Otsego county. The present area of the town is nearly 20,000 acres, 
and comprises a large portion of the Burnetsfield patent ; nearly all of 

' In arrangement of the following town histories it was deemed advisable to take the older and 
more historically important towns first, rather than to follow the chronological order of their 
formation. The reader should also bear in mind that the personal history of each town is largely 
augmented by the sketches in the last department of the volume. 



176 HISTORY OP HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Staley's first tract ; the whole of Frank's patent, and a part of the Guy 
Johnson tract. 

To this town and in the vicinity of the " old stone church " came 
some of the early Palatine settlers. Near the site of the church the 
first settlers built a school- house of logs before the year 1730, which was 
probably used by the God-fearing Germans for worship until their first 
church was erected, the predecessor of the stone church. The ground 
on which the school house was built had been assigned to Nicholas 
Wollaber, grandfather of the Nicholas who died at a venerable age in 
1861. On the little creek just east of the stone church the Germans 
also built a grist-mill before the year 1730 (probably in 1725), and "it 
was without doubt the first mill erected within the present limits of the 
county. Both the school-house and the mill are referred to in the deed 
of Nicholas Wollaber given for the site of the present stone church, 
which is dated September 24, 1730.^ In the first church erected on 
this site were pews, or seats, to which the people held title, as seen by 
the will of Nicholas Feller, who gave to his grandson, John Nicholas 
Christman, son of John Christman, his pew in the church which he 
called his " seat or place in our church." 

Here those early German settlers, descendants of some of whom are 
still residents in this county, and in a few instances on the same lands 
on which their remote ancestors dwelt, enjoyed a period of repose and 
prosperity of thirty years, to be rudely disturbed by the incursion of the 
French and Indians in 1757, who destroyed crops, cattle and carried 
away many of the people as prisoners. Among these was John Jost 
Petri, probably the foremost man in the settlement at that time. Saw- 
mills and grist-mills were burned, the sites of some of which are known. 
A grist-mill on Steele's Creek, where is now the village of Ilion, was 
destroyed, as shown in the following descriptive language in a French 
record of a journey through the valley, from which we have quoted in 
an earlier chapter : 

Continuing along the high road wliich is on the right bank of the river Mohawk, to 
go to Fort Kouari [Herkimer] a creek is met [Steele's] that must be forded. Here was 
a grist-mill that has been burnt. One league before reaching Fort Kouari another 
small stream is encountered [Fulmer's CreekJ over which there is a bridge. This stream 

' Samuel Earl's papers. 








:.^ j^^^^l^^^ 



I 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 177 

is fordable almost at all seasons. There was also a saw-mill on this creek which had 
lieen burnt. 

Another grist-mill burned was on lands of the late Frederick P. Bel- 
linger, on the north side of the river. (See history of Herkimer.) 

Among the German families who settled in German Flats, and mainly 
in the eastern part, were those of Woolaber, Stelly. Wolever, Erghemar, 
Bellinger, Fox, Edich, Staring, Shoemaker, and others; many of these 
names have since been changed in orthography to conform to English 
pronunciation. 

The stone church at Fort Herkimer was erected in 1751-53, the pre- 
cise time not being known, and formed a part of the stockaded defense 
built under the administration of Sir William Johnson in 1756. After 
using the log church at first erected for about a quarter of a century, 
the thrifty Germans began to feel the need of more commodious quar- 
ters, and in pursuance of their object issued the following petition : 

To his Excellency, the Honourable George Clinton, Captain-General and GoTernor-in- 
Chief of the province of New York and Territories thereon depending in America, 
Vice-Admiral of the same, and Admiral of the White Squadron of his Majesty's 
Fleet: 
The humble petition of Johan Joost Herchheimer, of Burnet's Field, in the County 
of Albany, yeoman, in behalf of himself and the rest of the inhabitants. High Ger- 
mans living here, humbly sheweth : 

That your petitioner and sundry other High Germans to the number of one hundred 
families and upwards, at present resident at Burnet's Field, in this prOTince, propose, 
with your Excellency's permission, to erect a Stone Church on the South side of the 
River, upon a convenient spot of ground already purchased by the Inhabitants, for the 
Worship of Almighty God, according to the discipline of the Reformed Protestant 
Dutch Church. But finding themselves unable alone to finish and complete the same, 
your petitioner therefore, in behalf of the said Inhabitants, humbly prays your Excel- 
lency will be favorably pleased to grant a Brief or Lycense to crave the voluntary as- 
sistance and contribution of all well disposed persons within this province, for com- 
pleting the said structure altogether intended for Divine Worship. 
And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, etc. 

Johan Joost Hercheimer. 
Fort George, 
in 
New York, 
October 6, 1751. 
Be it so. 

G. Clinton. 
23 



178 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNT-V. 

George Clinton wasted no words in giving his permission, and the 
paper was circulated for subscriptions. The building of the church 
was begun about the date of the petition, but it was not finished when 
the French and Indian invasion of 1757 occurred. After that dis- 
astrous event, which brought poverty upon the people, they applied for, 
and received from, Sir Henry Moore, then governor of the colony, a 
license to solicit subscriptions to complete the church. The subscrip- 
tion paper read as follows : 

TO ALL Christian People to whom this shall come. Whereas, the Inliabitants on 
the South side of the River of Burnet's Field, on the German Flatts, whereas, we are 
about to erect a Church wherein the High Dutch Language in the Prodestant way 
.should be preached. Before the late war, and when the war begun, we was obliged to 
leave of building, and in the war everything was discharged, and a.s we where desirous 
to have a place of worship, we have begun to build a Church, but we find ourselfs not 
abel to finish the same, occasioned by the troubles we had in the war, that is to say, all 
our Houses and Barns, with all we had in them, where burnt, and our Horses and 
Catties where killed and takeing away, and a great many of our People takeing Pris- 
oners by the Enemy, which has unabled us to finish the Church. For them Reasons 
we have desired two of our members, that is to say, Johan Jost Herkemer and Hen- 
drick Bell, to try to collect some money of all good people to enable us to have our 
Church finished, and we hope all good people will take our cause in consideration, as 
we have no place of Worship now but a small Log House. 

We are, in behalf of the Congregation and ourselfs, Gentlemen, 

Your Most Humble Servants, 

AuGoSTENis Hess, 
rodolf schomaker, 
Peter Vols. 
N. B. — I, being old and unable, I therefore send Peter Vols to do the business of 
collecting for me. Johann Jost Hercheimer, Just. 

This appeal secured the needed funds and the church was finished 
in 1767. Its further history will appear a little later in these pages. 

The church as it was finished at that time was one story high and 
forty-eight by fifty-eight feet on the ground, the walls being supported 
by heavy abutments at the corners. The door was on the north side, 
and on the keystone of the arch over the door were the initials, 
J. H. E. s. q. 1767. 

Fort Herkimer, which constituted an important part of the frontier 
defense, embraced a large stone house, probably erected as early as 
1740, and three other stone buildings, one of which was the church 



TOWN 05- GERMAN FLATS. 179 

still standing ; another situated about half a mile east of the church on 
what has been known as the Steele farm, and the third about three- 
quarters of a mile farther east, on the Snell farm. The church was 
surrounded by an earthwork by Sir William Johnson in 1756. The 
first-named stone building was described by the late Mrs. Margaret 
Cristman, of Mohawk, in the following language : 

The building was of stone, forty feet wide and seventy feet long, two stories high with 
a basement. The roof was very steep and covered with oak shingles three feet long. 
The walls of the building were over two feet thick, pierced with six windows, six port 
holes and a door on the front or north side, besides the front windows in the basement, 
wide enough to drive a team through. The basement was under the east end of the 
building, and under the west half of the house was the cellar, each about thirty-five 
feet square. The only opening in the west end was a square window in the upper 
story. The main entrances to the building were two doors, one on the south and the 
other on the north side. The hallway, running through the middle of the building 
from north to south, was about twelve feet wide. Near the north entrance, which was 
then the front, were two doors, one opening into the east and the other into the west 
room, the house being divided into two rooms on the main floor, and the east room sub- 
divided into a large kitchen, a small bedroom and a pantry. A little further on in the 
hall was the grand staircase, broad and easy of ascent, made of white oak, leading to the 
second story, which was divided into three rooms, a bedroom over the hall at the head 
of the stairs, and a large room in each end of the house. The broad old fireplaces, 
both in the lower and the upper rooms, with "pot hook and trammel," and the tradi- 
tional back log and forestick blazing upon the old andirons on a cold day, gave the 
grand old rooms an air of comfort and cheerfulness. 

The French record before quoted says of this fortification : 

It was built as a store and depot for Chouegen (Oswego). It is surrounded by a 
ditch about thirty feet distant. This ditch was six feet deep and seven feet wide. The 
crown of the ditch inside is planted with palisades in an oblique form ; they are well 
jointed the one to the other. Behind these there is a parapet of earth, so as to be able 
to fire over the palisade. The four angles of this parapet, which is at the back of the 
ditch, form, as it were, four little bastions that reciprocally flank each other. (See 
illustration, page 59.) 

It will be seen that this was a fortification of considerable preten- 
sions, both as to size and impregnability against the arms of those days. 
The other two buildings farther east were probably similar in their con- 
struction. Into these the inhabitants fled and found refuge when at- 
tacked, or before expected attacks, by their foes. Such a course was 
followed in 1757, and the lives of many of the inhabitants were thereby 
saved, to witness the burning of some of their dwellings and their 



l80 HISTORY OF HKRKIMER COUNTY. 

mills, the French commander showing discretion in not attacking the 
fort. 

In the War of the Revolution those loyal German settlers, who did 
not hesitate to espouse the cause of freedom, suffered grievously for 
their patriotism, and in September, 1778, Brant, with his tories and In- 
dians, fell upon the prosperous settlement and destroyed it complete!)', 
as we have related in the early pages of this volume. Again in 17S2 
the fair valley in this vicinity was swept over by the enemy, numbering 
about six hundretl tories and Indians. They were first discovered by 
Peter Wolever, who, with Augustinus Hess, lived about fifty rods from 
the fort. Both families were aroused, and all reached the fort e.Ncept 
Mr. Mess, who was killed just as he was entering the gate. The fort 
was at that time only feebly garrisoned, and the few troops could not 
assume the offensive. Valentine Staring was captured in a field not far 
from the stockade and put to the torture with the object of drawing out 
the garrison by his cries for help; but this did not produce the desired 
result and he was tomahawked and scalped. Two of the soldiers and 
these two inhabitants were killed. All the buildings in the settlement, 
excepting George Herkimer's house, were burned and the cattle driven 
away. This incident was described to the late Judge Benton by Nich- 
olas Wolever, in the lifetime of the latter, then living at HerKimer, and 
is undoubtedly authentic, although it has received little or no attention 
from other writers. The wife of Henry Wetherstone, who had incau- 
tiously gone into a field on this occasion, was captured by Indians, tom- 
ahawked and scalped, and, as they supposed, her body left for dead. 
She recovered and lived many years after her long tress of hair had 
been carried away as a trophy. 

Fort Herkimer, it has been seen, was a noted station in the early 
history of the valley, and guarded a section that was more frequently 
than any other made to feel the ruthless blows of the natives and their 
no less relentless white allies. In June, 1785, the Tuscaroras and the 
Oneidas met at the fort and ceded to New York all their territory lying 
between the Chenango and Unadilla Rivers. Here, also, in 1775, was 
raised the first liberty pole in the State and the second one in the coun- 
try ; and Alexander White, sheriff of Tryon county, a great stickler 
for the honor of his sovereign master, heard of the " daring outrage," 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. ISi 

as he termed it, summoned a posse, marched to the fort and made a 
bonfire of the pole and banner. 

At the close of the war the Herkimer family again occupied their 
mansion and the settlers took up their peaceful labors. Previous to 
that the highway ran along down under the hill a mile west of the fort, 
then turned gradually and followed up the Shoemaker road to Steele's, 
and so on easterly. When the original canal was built the south bank 
came within about eight feet of the old fort, and when the enlargement 
was made its south line took in nearly one half of the old Herkimer 
building. The property was then owned by Bethel Palmer, who sold 
it to the State. 

On account of the destruction of the records in 1843, we are able to 
give only the following list of supervisors of the town from its organi- 
zation to the present time : 

1791, Frederick Fox; 1793, Peter Smith; 1794, William Clapsaddle ; 179.5, Ludwick 
Campbell; 1797, George Rosecrantz; 1798, William Clapsaddle; 1801, George Rose- 
crantz; 1803, '17, '21, Christopher P. Bellinger; 1810, '19. Rudolph I. Shoemaker; 
1811, '14, 'Thomas Paine; 1815, Nicholas Casler; 1824, Jacob F. Christman; 1825, 
Robert Shoemaker; 1827, Daniel Dygert; 1830, George Fox; 1832, G. I. Stranahan ; 
1834, John Wightman; 1S3G, '48, John Shoemaker, jr. ; 1837, Elias Root ; 1840, Fred- 
erick Bellinger; 1842, John Golden ; 1844, George H. Fox; 1845, F. E. Spinner; 1846, 
John Strong ; 1850, Calvin A. Griffith; 1853, Joseph N. Wightman; 1855, Benjamin ' 
Carver; 1856, William Spoonenburgh ; 1857, Ezekiel Spencer; 1860, John Crist; 1861, 
Liberty L. Lowell; 1864, James M. Dygert ; 1865, James E Casey; 1866, Amos H. 
Prescott ; 1868, Alfred E. Brooks; 1870, J. B. Pel ton ; 1871, Sandford Getman ; 1872, 
Albert M. Ross; 1874, James Vickerman; 1875, Charles W. Smith; 1876, Hamlin B. 
Maben ; 1877, James M. Clough; 1878, '81, Albert M. Ross ; 1882, '84, C. S. Jepson; 
1885, Samuel T. Russell ; 1S86, '87, Addison Brill ; 1888, '89, H. D. Jennings ; 1890, '92, 
James Conkling. 

Among the prominent families of Germans who settled in this town 
long before the Revolutionary War was that of John Michael Edich. 1/ 
He had lot No. 33, which remained in the family many years. His 
grandson, Michael, was born there in 1734, and was a captain in the 
militia in the Revolution. 

To Jacob Folts was assigned lot No. 3, which is within the limits of 
the town of Frankfort. Lot No. 41 was assigned to Joseph Staring, 
and remained in the possession of his descendants until recent years. 
To Frederick Bellinger was assigned lot No. 35, which has also re- 



l82 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

mained in tlie family more than a century; and others might be 
mentioned who have kept the homes of their ancestors through all the 
changes that have occurred since the first settlements in the valley. 

As giving not only a quaint description of book-keeping methods 
and lists of articles purchased in a country store in olden times, but 
also the names of many of the early settlers, the following will be of 
great interest ; it is taken from an old ledger in which were kept the 
accounts of James Van Home, one of the first general merchants in the 
town. The store was near the locks of the Inland Lock Navigation 
Company, which were directly north of the present canal locks at 
Fort Herkimer : 

1776, Jacob Weaber; 1789, Isaiah Wright; October 14, " to my horse twice to Steale's 
mill.s, 2s; one quart Cyder, Od; one schipple apples, 4s; one pound hog's fat, 2s; one 
Nip grog, 6d ; to the use of my Blacksmith tools from 20th to 30th December, 1797, 
wlien you run away — " 

Against Conrad Frank: 1774 — May 13, to 2 gallons rum, 28 6d; July, J pint rum, 
6d ; Oct. 1, qt rum, Is 4d ; Dec. 28, 1 quart old and 1 quart n rum, 3s; 1775 — April 
18, to 4 bowls toddy, 4s. ; June 24, 1 pint of wine, Is 6d ; July 13, to 1 qt of W. I. 
rum, Is 9d; Sept 18, 1 gal. of rum, 5s; Dec. 20, to IJ gall'n rum pr David Schuy- 
ler, 8s. ; May 15, to "Cash paid Dr. Jacob Petrie for 1 Glass of Bolsom Damalta and 
Bleeding, 5s ; " Aug. 20, " to sch of Wheat, 1 Quart W. I. Rum, 4s Gd ;" Nov., " to Cash 
p'd John Smith for 1 pint Rum when you was wounded, Is 6d." 

Against Christopher P. Yates: 1781 — ''Feb., to flourof 25 Schipples of Wheat which 
you took at Vanslikes Mill £C 5s; to 4 Bbls which the flour was in, a 3s, 12s; " 1785 
178G — " to 3 Wolf's Certificates del'd you when I was Supervisor, £3." 

Against Duncan McDougal : 1775 — Deo. 14, to 1 otter skin, 24s; 3 martin skins, 9s; 
1782— February, to 2 bowls grog, 3s; 1786— March 1, 2, 4, to 12 bowls toddy, 12s; 2 
slings, Is; 2 qts cider, Is; 3 meals victuals, 3s; to 1 bowl grog in June, 1776, — ; 1791 — 
June 10, to 1 dinner, Is, and horse-keeping, 2s 3d. 

Against John N. Castlear: 177C to 1786 — Account for rum and grog, £1 13s 8d. 

Against Henery Ilarkimer, sen.: 1778 — May, "to Liquor in Club at Election for 
Governor, 9s 4d ; 1779 — Nov., to 6 quarts Cyder for Nicholas, 3s." 

Against Col. Henery K. Van Rensselaer: 1779 — From the 26th Aug. to 26tli Sept., 
" to 33 Mugs Cyder," ISs 4d; Oct. 8, to 24 skipples winter apples, a Is 6d, £1 16s: to 
14 days 1 horse in pasture, 38 ; Nov. 19, to yarn for mittens, 2s; "to 21 mugs Cyder 
dinerent times 8s 9d ; " Dec. 20, " to 2 Bbls Cyder 24s ; 26th, 7i Mugs Cyder, 3s 
lid.' 

Against Conrad C. Folts: 1785 — Accounts amounting to £2 6s 3d. 

Against " George Weaber (my brother in law) : " 1784 — Here follows a long account 
in which appear 4 ells corduroy, 24s; 1 ell blue shalloon, 3s 6d ; 2 nips grog. Is; 3 
Knives & 3 forks at Robinsons, 3s; 1 gill brandy, etc. 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 183 

Against Thomas Folmers : 1775— Account for £1 16s 3d, nearly all ''Nips of 
Grog." 

Against Jest Schuyler: 1788 — July 17, to judgment before Squire Myers, 17s; 
1789 — Feb. I, to 2 nips grog. Is; 1 quart spirits, 2s Gd ; 1 quart cider, 6d ; 1791 — Feb. 
1, to 1 gill rum, Gd. 

Then follow similar accounts of Philip Gailoch, John Smitli, John 
Myers, Gershom Skinner, Simeon Barker, Henry Miller, Conrad P. 
Folts, Susanah Small, John S. Frank. George Groundhart, Jacob 
Christman, John Fox, and the following: 

Against Frederick Jno. Shoemaker: 1786— Dec. 18, "To 2 Gall N Rum, 12s"; 
1788— March 22, to 1 pint W. I. rum, 7id; July 20, 1 hat, 9s 9d ; Aug. 12, 1 lb. To- 
bacco, Is; Sept. 2, cash 8s; Oct. 14, 1 "Check Hhkf, 5s." 

Against Jost Dygert : 1789 — May 20, "I reed Cash for Judgment agt him in full 
of ray act to this date"; 1790 — To 1 warrant, Is; August 11, 3 nips grog, Is 6d ; 
179G — "To 1 peace warrant against Coll Rxhert Petry, Is Gd ; to breaking 1 glass 
Tumpler, 2s," etc. — amounting to 178 Gd. 

Against Jacob Woolhaver: 1788 — Nov. 10, to tobacco, Is 6d ; Deo. 10, 3 ells blue 
cloth, 19s 9d ; Dec. 12, to leather for 1 pair of shoes, 7s; 1 pair half soles. Is ; to sun- 
dries to the 1st Dec, 1788, 12s 5d. 

Then follow the accounts of Russell Furman, Peter S. Dygert, Henry 
P. Dygert, Phineas Allen, Nicholas Christman, Jost Folts, Thomas Bell, 
Abraham Woolhaver, James Forbush, Timothy Tuttle. The following 
items are charged to Rev. Abraham Rosecrants : 

1788— April 13, i lb. snuff, 3s; July 8, 3 ells Durant, 9s; 3 sticks twist, 2s 3d; July 
8, 1 J yd black lace, 5s S^d ; "2 skanes silk, 2s ; 1 lb. shott, Is "; i lb. powder, 2s Gd . 
i paper pins, 9d. 

Against James Catlin (Whitestown) : 1790 — Nov. 27, "to 4 Nips of Grog & Cy- 
der, 2s Gd; 2 Bowls Grog dancing with Smith, 2s." 

Against AVilliam Petry: 1788--Apl. 26, to 1 bowl sling, Is; "1 Qt Bowl you 
Broke, 2s ; Aug. 13, to 2 Gallons Tar, 6s ; 1 Nip Grog & 2 Gills rum, 9d ; Jany 8, to 
my horse to ride through the river, Is ; March 11, to cost you have to pay at your suit 
against Thomas Casaty in Apl 16, 3s 4id ; to cost at your suit against Adam Bearse, 
which may be seen in ray Records, page 45, 12s 3d ; to cost at the suit of Paltus Brae- 
tenbreacher against your father-in-law, in the first book, page 34, 2s; Oct 22, To use 
and keeping of ray purap augur, 3s." 

Then follow the accounts of John Andrews, Jost Hess, John Weaber, 
Fawcet Cox and Frederick Bellinger, the latter as follows: 

1788 — June 1, To IJ pints n rum. Is 2d ; 28, 1 nip grog, 6d; Dec. 2, to 1 qt u rum. 
Is Gd; 7th, 2 pair Indian shoes. Gs 8d; 1 nip grog, Gd. Mr. Bellinger's account is 
quite lengthy, and there are many more charges for "Nips of Grog," than any other 



184 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

one tiling. He is credited on account: "By riding 1 Hlid Rum from Schenectady, 
12s; by 8 days huing timber for my horse shed & 4^ days framing the same, £1 12s; 
five days carpenter work, and four days work making fraim for my kitchen, os per day." 

Next come the accounts of Catharine (George) Hilts, amounting to £3 6s 2id, 
"paid in Ginsang at different times''; Maria (Catharine) 0.x, Wesner Spoon, Elizabeth 
Small, Mary Small (wlio paid her account in spinning); John Bellinger, Jacob Bashorr 
(who paid his bill in leather for a "' slay tackling "); and Timothy Frank (who paid his 
bill in 1790 by one o.x at Xo and one ox at £4 10s). Frederick " Ohrendorph " is 
charged, among other things, with " Egg Punch, Is; 1 bearl for the use of beckel cap- 
page" [pickle cabbage?]. 

John Fox is charged with nips of grog, nips of Sangaree, nips of punch, a " pinker 
knife" he broke, "marrying his nigger," 4 suppers, etc. Mr. Fox's bill was paid as 
follows: "By playing the fittle, 12s; by one nip grog had in 1793, 6d ; by Jack, your 
nigger, playing for a company,'" etc. Christopher P. Fox is charged with snuff, tea, 
grog, rum, breaking a b6wl and one fife, and a part of his account was paid in work on 
the court-house in 1796. Conrad Segner Edward Walker, John Brusler, Christopher 
Ox, Adam Hartman, George Weaber, are next on the ledger. 

"Jost Harkimar " is charged with nips of sling, nips of grog, "Boals" of grog, 
wheat to be returned for "soing," "2 shots at 6d each," rum, cash, costs of suit, and 
other things, making a long account, which was paid in 1791 in sowing "Pease," oats, 
wheat, barley, serving warrants, moving wheat and "moing" wheat, and cash. 

Then comes the account against Rudolph Schomaker, who is charged with judgment 
before Squire Colbreath, 9s lid and cost. Is 9d ; 2 nips grog, 2 nips brandy grog, 
"cash at Stone Arabia in Fox's House (present Flagg & Ittick), Is"; " cost between 
you and your brother 2 years ago, 5s 6d "; 1 dinner. Is; 1 gill bitters. 6d ; "cost be- 
tween you and George Clabsattle, Is." The balance of the long account is " Nips of 
Grog," which was all paid in cash. 

John Petrie is charged in 1790 with "taking affadid in respect of Demsitts estate, 
Is." Andrew Dygert is charged with " Rum, pigtale tobacco, quart Cyder and lodg- 
ing " Next are the names of Joseph Cook, Conrad Kook, Henry A. Cramer, Nicholas 
N. Staring, George F. Helnier, Joseph Hines, Christian Drisselman, John Isdall, Peter 
Flagg, Adin Fancher, Nicholas Wollhaver, Samuel Robertson (who paid his bill in doc- 
toring), Gershom Reach, William Delaney, Samuel Pinker. Jacob Kunkabol. 

Robert Bee, says the merchant, "agreed with me for one year's work for £2,5, 
and Sept. 12 left me in the morning before 1 was out of bed." Next follows an ac- 
count against Herkimer county for work on the court-house, then the account of James 
Yule, who paid a part of his bill in surveying " Lott No. 14, in the third tract." Chris- 
topher Rube paid his bill of £10 15s 5d in bottoming chairs and weaving. Mrs. Hol- 
teger paid her bill in spinning flax. 

There is a wonderful amount of information in the old ledger, and as 
this was the first store in German Flats, the record bears an added in- 
terest. William Small and James Isdale were merchants at Fort Her- 
kimer at a later date. The first tavern kept there, as far as known, was 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 



185 



by N. Aldridge, on the south side of the highway ; he also kept a store, 
and " shin-plasters " are in existence issued by him. Fort Herkimer 
was the central point for business for the surrounding country for many 
years, its situation on the canal of the Navigation Company giving it 
that prestige. The first blacksmith in the town, Jacob Phillips, located 
here, and James Campbell came a little later. Benjamin Fox was an 
early tailor, working at that trade in 1791, and later had a blacksmith 
shop near the church. The first harnessmaker mentioned is Jacob 
Bashorr, and the first shoemaker was Peter WoUever, while Dr. Sam- 
uel Robertson appeared in 1790 as the first physician. Frederick Bell- 
inger and Stephen Wright were carpenters. In 1792 Aaron Wood had 
a small tannery here, and the school was kept by Samuel Edwards and 
Pliilip Peter Cowder, before 1800. The little village continued to pros- 
per until the diversion of travel to the Mohawk turnpike along the north 
side of the river. This was the end of its prosperity, and the place 
gradually declined in its business enterprise, until it has reached its 
present condition. 

• 1. _r 



/" 




Resuming our account of 
the old Fort Herkimer church 
it must be stated that the 
corporate seal of the church 
adopted in 1796 gave it the 
name of " The Reformed Pro- 
testant Dutch Church of Ger- 
man Flats." Long previous 
to that, in the year 1753, 
Hans Dedrich Stelly and oth- 
ers deeded to Peter Remsen, 

for the support of their minister, lots 45, 46, and 47, on the flats. 
No records of membership in the church were kept during the early 
years of its history, but in the Synod of 18 12 an order was made that 
annual reports should thereafter be returned. The first regular preacher 
was probably a brother of Rev. Abraham Rosecrants, as his biogra- 
pher says he succeeded his brother in 1767. Rev. Abraham Rosecrants 
faithfully labored here from that year until 1794, a period of twenty- 
seven years. He was an educated and able man, and became connect- 

24 



186 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



ed with the Herkimer family by marriage. He died at his residence 
on Fall Hill, in the present town of Little Falls, at the close of the last 
century. 

From 1794 to 1798 Rev. Fitch Romden, of Oneida, preached to the 
settlers occasionally, and in the latter year Rev. Mr. Pick, of Stone 
Arabia, was called to supply the pulpit, which he did until 1802, when 
Rev. John P. Spinner was called. Mr. Spinner ministered to these peo- 
ple for forty-six years. He emigrated from Germany in 1801, and 
landed in New York in May. He was educated in the gymnasium at 




Bishopslieim and the university at Mentz, and in 1789 was consecrated 
to the Roman Catholic church. His wife, Mary Magdale Fedelis Bru 
mante, a native of Loire, accompanied him to this country. Mr. Spin- 
ner was called to the Fort Herkimer church soon after his arrival in the 
country, and with the exception of a short period of teaching, contin- 
ued with it until 1848. Nor were his services confined to this par- 
ish, for he preached to congregations in Columbia, Warren, at the In- 
dian Castle, Manheim, Schuyler, and in some of the towns of adjoining 




f'tt-, [/H^-f^ 



t-f^'f^et. 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 187 

counties, besides the church in Herkimer village. He was thoroughly 
educated and his sermons were often eloquent and masterly. Mr. Spin- 
ner died at his residence in Herkimer, May 27, 1848, aged eighty years. 
He was the father of Hon. Francis E. Spinner, the famous secretary of 
the United States treasury under President Lincoln, and the family is 
still represented in the county. ^ Mr. Spinner was succeeded in the pas- 
torate of the church by Rev. J. Stark, who came about four years after 
Mr. Spinner gave up the charge. Mr. Stark preached five years, when 
there followed a period of about four years during which there was 
no regular preacher, and in 1862 Mr. Stark returned, preached one 
year, and died in 1863. He was the last settled pastor of the once 
flourishing congregation. Since that time the pulpit has been supplied 
at intervals, among those preaching here being Revs. J. Petrie, J. J. 
Quick, Rev. Mr. Consaul, Rev. Mr. Todd, William Johns, of Little 
Falls, and others. 

The financial needs of the church were largely provided for by the 
rental of lands deeded in trust for that purpose, and as long as the orig- 
inal lessees lived there was no lack of means for the support of the gos- 
pel, no matter in what direction the necessary expense might be in- 
curred. In the time of Rev. Mr. Rosecrants, the rental of lands 
brought in a revenue of $400 annually, besides the large amounts usually 
raised by subscription. At the installation of the elders and deacons, 
on the 29th of January, 1796, by Rev. Charles A. Pick, he received for 
his services ;^4 i6sand 6s for spreading upon the book of minutes the 
ordination and installation, and at his next visit to this place he received 
£2. Rev. Mr. Spinner received a salary of $700 per annum, besides 
funds raised by subscription, which for a time was paid him, but as the 
collection of rentals after the death of Mr. Remsen was in a measure 
neglected, and the estate of the deceased was embarrassed by litigation, 
the revenues began to fall off, causing quite a deficiency in meeting the 
salary, so that in May, 1836, there was due Rev. Mr. Spinner for ser- 
vices rendered, $1,324.10, one half of which he proposed to donate to 
the church, provided he received the other half. The litigation in re- 
lation to the lands held in trust lasted for several years, until in 1851 an 

' For more extended notice of F. E. Spinner, see Biographical Chapter in later pages of this 
volume. 



188 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

act of the Legislature was passed authorizing the consistory to sell a 
portion of the lands. Several sales were made under this act, and the 
money invested, the interest to be used for the same purpose as the 
rentals or incomes of leases. In 1870 an act was passed enabling the 
consistory to record all leases, papers, etc., belonging to the church. 
Thus the munificent gift of Nicholas Wolever, Hans Dedrich Stelly and 
others, dwindled down to a mere pittance in the space of one hundred 
and fifty-five years, and at present this is only a missionary field. 

After settlers first located at Fort Herkimer, they gradually extended 
southward over the hills until the head waters of Fulmer Creek were 
reached. In 1797 Seth Paine settled at what became known as Paine's 
Hollow, about three miles south of the river. He came from Windham 
county. Conn., and was thirteen days reaching Fort Herkimer. With 
him came his sister, his wife and eleven children, five of whom were 
sons. In the spring of X797 the Paines had five acres of timber cut 
down and they invited their German neighbors to a logging bee and 
the whole five acres were cleared for them in one day. In the summer 
of 1798 a saw-mill was built there, and not long afterward Mr. Paine 
built a grist-mill, thus saving further journeys to Little Falls or Van 
Hornesville. The settlement at Paine's Hollow grew and comprised at 
one time three saw-mills, the grist-mill, a fulling-mill, a store, tavern, a 
post-office and about two hundred inhabitants. The first post-office in 
the town was here and was called German Flats, with John Paine as 
postmaster. Otis Smith, who settled here at about the same time with 
the Paines, was the mail carrier between Little Falls and Little Lakes, 
now in the town of Warren, and stopped at Paine's Hollow once a week. 
This post-office was long ago discontinued for a period, but has been 
renewed in recent years. Nathan Swift is the present postmaster ; the 
post-office is now in Little Falls, just across the line, this hamlet being 
partly in that town. Very little business is now done at Paine's Hol- 
low. 

The vicinity of what has been known as Dennison's Corners, on the 
southern line of the town, was first settled by Benjamin Whitman (now 
spelled and pronounced Wightman). He came from Connecticut and 
was a Baptist minister. A tavern was kept very early at this point 
by Stutely Palmer, and Asahel Wise came from Vermont and built 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 189 

an ashery ; Henry Raster also had one. The settlement was at first 
known as Whitmantown, until Stanton Dennison settled there and 
purchased a tract of 640 acres. The hamlet grew to considerable im- 
portance and a post-office was established with Charles Whitman as 
postmaster in 1847. The first store was kept by John I. Christman. 
Among other early settlers at this point were Henry Steele, a black- 
smith, Joseph Noble, and the Freeman, Tisdale, Thomas, and Hawks 
families, all from Connecticut. In 1834 Mr. Dennison "built a church, 
which is still standing and used at intervals by the Methodists. In 1847 
Charles Whitman donated the lot and school- house to the district. 

About the year 1800 Jason Tiff settled at the mouth of Trout Creek, 
two and a half miles up Fulmer Creek from Mohawk, and there built a 
saw-mill, carding and cloth-mill, and a grist-mill. A little hamlet 
gathered there, but long since lost its identity. 

After the War of 18 12 this town, like most others in the county, 
rapidly filled up. The farmers found good markets for their crops, and 
general prosperity reigned. The opening of the Erie Canal, while in 
some respects an advantage to the people, was in other ways a disad- 
vantage. It brought into competition with the Mohawk farmers those 
of the Genesee country, as it was called, where grain could be raised 
cheaper than here, and inaugur.ited an era of hard times in the agri- 
cultural districts; a competition which, in connection with that 
developed later by the far west, led 10 the introduction of dairying. 
The building of the Utica and Schenectady Railroad and its conse- 
quences have already been described. The road was a great financial 
success, a fact which led to the projection of other lines in various 
directions. One of these was the Mohawk Valley Railroad Company, 
which was organized in 1850, with A. C. Flagg as president, and F. E. 
Spinner, secretary. Books were opened and the following commis- 
sioners appointed from Herkimer county to receive subscriptions to the 
stock : Benjamin Carver, F. E. Spinner, and Eliphalet Remington. E. 
H. Broadhead was appointed chief engineer and his report was made in 
1851. Without following the route proposed in detail it may be said 
that it was to extend along the south side of the river, one line being 
proposed on the north bank of the canal and one on the south, the 
latter passing through the villages of Mohawk, Ilion and Frankfort. 
The road was never built. 



190 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The New York, Utica and Ogdensburgh Railroad, which also contem- 
plated further connections in this county and town, was projected in New 
York, and one link in its line was from Utica to Cooperstown. A sur- 
vey was made from Utica to Mohawk and up the valley of Fulmer 
Creek to the town line of Stark. In aid of this undertaking the town of 
German Flats was bonded in 1872 for $160,000. The road was begun, 
the town authorities by arrangement paying out of its bonds as fast as 
grading progressed. The result was that about four miles were graded 
and the town had invested $32,000 when the work stopped and was 
never resumed ; the remainder of the bonds was canceled. 

A much more satisfactory project in its results was the building of the 
Mohawk and liion Street Railroad, the company for which was organized 
in April, 1870. John F. Hosch was the first president; J. E. Casey, 
vice-president ; Jacob Devendorf, treasurer ; S. F. Wilcox, secretary. 
The road was finished in September, 1870. The capital stock was 
$15,000, and the village of Mohawk was bonded for $10,000 towards 
the work ; these bonds were retired a year later and the town stock 
sold. The road has always been a paying investment and is admirably 
managed. 

A similar enterprise, which has been of great public benefit, is the 
Herkimer and Mohawk Street Railroad, the company for which was 
organized early in 1871, with a capital stock of $20,000. The road 
was built connecting Herkimer and Mohawk villages, and was in opera- 
tion in September, 1871. This road has also paid its projectors 
financially. 

The history of this town in recent years is further told in the suc- 
ceeding accounts of Mohawk and Ilion villages, the latter being the 
largest manufacturing center in Herkimer county, excepting Little 
Falls. The prosperity of Ilion is reflected to some extent throughout 
the town, and especially to the village of Mohawk. The dairying in- 
dustry in the town is prosperous and extensive, the market being 
largely at Little Falls. 

MOHAWK VILLAGE. 

The site of this village was first settled by the Palatines, who drew the 
lots upon which it is situated, as seen in the table in Chapter II, and the 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 191 

diagram, page 38. The site of the village is picturesque. It is on the 
north side of the town near the center, on the south side of the Erie 
canal, and on Fulmer Creek about half a mile above its confluence with 
the Mohawk River. Among its inhabitants previous to the Revolution- 
ary War were very few except the Germans and their families ; but with 
the close of the war, and to a limited extent previous to that time, set- 
tlers came in rapidly from Connecticut and adjoining Eastern States. 

The first tavern within the limits of the village was built by Judge 
Gates in 1778, and is still standing in the western part of the village. 
He occupied it a few years and sold it to one of the Petrie family and 
he to Rudolph Devendorf in 1804, and he to David Diefendorf, 1 who 
in 1817 opened what was called a "Dutch tavern," which he kept until 
1842, when it was converted into a dwelling; it is now owned and oc- 
cupied by Jacob Diefendorf, son of David, who has lived in it since 1817. 
So well was it built that it is to day in excellent condition. It is thought 
to be the oldest building in the village. In 18 17 there was not more than 
two dwelling-houses on the north side of Main street between this house 
and the site of the canal bridge east of the village, and the whole 
tract was covered with a grove of hickory trees. There were two 
or three barns, one of which stood on the site of the Mohawk Valley 
Hotel. The next tavern in the place was kept by Josiah Earl. In 1800 
Peter Helmer built a tavern on a site just south of the old Mohawk House, 
which was kept for many years by Jedediah Fox. In 1826 John Ben- 
nett purchased the old tavern which stands near the present Mohawk 
House, and built a storehouse on the then recently opened canal. The 
opening of this great water-way was of supreme importance to this vil- 
lage and contributed largely to its early growth ; a growth that was lat- 
er much retarded by the building of the Utica and Schenectady Railroad 
on ihe opposite side of the river. The place was early known as " Ben- 
nett's Corners," but after about a dozen years, was given its present more 
appropriate title. In 1825 Chester Tisdale built the American Hotel, on 
the site of the present Mohawk Valley Hotel. The old brick hotel east 
of the village was built in 1830 by Christopher Bellinger for Daniel Dy- 
gert and L. Doolittle ; but it long ago fell into disuse as a public house. 

1 Although these two Diefendorfs were brothers, they spelled their names as given, 



192 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The present Mohawk House, corner of Main and Columbia streets, was 
built by Briggs Thomas in 1835. 

The first building for a private residence was erected by Peleg Free- 
man in 1778 ; the site is now occupied by the residence of Mrs. B. A. 
Johnson, south side of Main street, west of Fulmer Creek. Robert Shoe- 
maker's mother built the house where David Spencer now lives, in the 
west part of the village. The Wheeler house, just east of the creek on 
Main street, was built by Peter Warner in 1790; it is now owned by 
Mrs. Presley. In 1800 Frederick Starling built a house on the site now 
occupied by the residence of Thomas Cunningham. It was burned not 
long afterward, and another erected, which finally gave place to the pres- 
ent brick house. The old gambrel-roofed house that stood on the site 
of the present residence of H. 1). Alexander, was built by Rufus Ran- 
dall about 1790. 

Manufactures and Mercantile. — The very early mills on Fulmer 
Creek have already been described. In about the year 1808 Reuben 
Randall built a grist-mill on this creek at the south end of Columbia 
street, which was used until recent years ; and about the same time Asa 
Dennison built a tannery on the creek in the west part of the village on 
the south side of Main street, which has been remodeled into dwellings. 
In 1 813 Rudolph Devendorf built a grist and saw-mill on the'south side 
of the road on the creek in the west part of the village; and about the 
same time Solomon Ford erected a saw-mill a little farther up the creek, 
and a Mr. Warner had a small tannery near Devendorf's mills. All of 
these have disappeared. There was also a saw-mill near the site of the 
lower locks. 

The first blacksmith in the village was named Crane and he was suc- 
ceeded by Adam Starling. The shop, which was built probably as early 
as 1808, stood about where Dr. Van Court's store now is. In 1830 
Norton & Myers had a blacksmith shop near the site where Thos. Cun- 
ningham's store is now. From 1 800 to 1820 a plow factory was on the 
corner of Main and Columbia streets where the Ouackenbush block now 
stands. This was for many years the only manufactory of agricultural 
implements in this part of the county. 

The Mohawk Foundry was established in 1843 by the late Chaun- 
cey Johnson. The building first erected is still standing on the 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 193 

south side of the canal at the corner of Warren and Johnson streets. 
Another building was afterwards erected of brick, the first one being of 
stone. Stoves, agricultural implements, iron fence, etc., were produced 
here. After the death of Mr. Johnson his sons conducted the business 
for a time, but it is now stopped. 

The Mohawk Manufacturing Works were established for the manufac- 
ture of a new and improved revolver. The company consisted of H. 
D. Alexander, J. B. Rafter, J. F. Hosch, J. N. Quackenbush, C. Beck- 
with and J. D. Miller. In August, 1878, the company was dissolved. 

The Mohawk Valley Hotel Company was organized December 17, 
1874, with a capital of $50,000. The company purchased the old 
American Hotel property, including Varley Hall and the house and lot 
next north of it on Otsego street, and there erected a handsome four- 
story hotel. The total cost of the new property was about $75,000. 
While this house has been of benefit to the place, it has not paid the 
stockholders financially. 

The Mohawk Valley Knitting Mills is one of the later manufacturing 
establishments of Mohawk that are aiding in building up the place. It 
was incorporated March 17, 1887, with a cash paid-up capital of $50,- 
000. About 250 hands are employed and 80,000 dozen knit underwear 
manufactured annually. The officers of the company are H. D. Alex- 
ander, president and treasurer; J. B. Rafter, secretary; B. A. Stone, 
vice-president; Smith Ostrander, superintendent. 

The Knitting Company of Mohawk, limited, was incorporated Oc- 
tober 27, 1890, with a cash paid-up capital of $50,000, and manufac- 
tures similar goods to those made by the Mohawk Valley Company. 
About 175 hands are employed, and Smith Ostrander is superintendent. 
The officers are : B. A. Stone, president ; J. B. Rafter, secretary ; H. 
D. Alexander, treasurer; H. G. Munger, vice-president. 

The Broomhall Milling and Malting Company was organized in 
March, 1891, with the following officers: A. D. Morgan, president; L. 
G. Young, vice-president; I. W. Steele, treasurer; C. C. Steele, secre- 
tary. Charles Young is manager. The capital is $15,000, paid up. 

One of the early merchants of Mohawk was Samuel Meeker, who 
carried on business where Mr. Lovejoy now has a hotel, on Columbia 
Street. Mr. Meeker was noted for his fine garden. In 1809 Rudolph 

25 



194 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTTi. 

Devendorf opened a store on the corner of Main and Warren streets, 
where for many years business was carried on by various merchants, 
among them Solomon Clough, Henry S. Diefendorf, Peter I. Miller, 
D. S. Clark, and James Campbell. The store on the post office corner 
was built in 1836 by Elias and Humphrey G. Root. The whole 
block from the Kirley block to the post-office corner and running back 
nearly to the canal, was purchased in the spring of 1826 by Elias Ran- 
dall for $175. The Steele block, corner of Main and Otsego streets, was 
built by John A. Steele in 1852, and the Spinner block, opposite corner 
of Main and Otsego streets, was erected in 1844 by F. E. Spinner. The 
opening of the canal witnessed the erection of several warehouses, for 
storage and forvvarding, among them being the building now occupied 
by J. W. Devendorf; this was the first one, built in 1826, and others 
were built by H. G. Root & Co., James Campbell, Isaac Woodworth, 
and Merry & Devendorf 

The first brick house erected in the village was the one in which Mrs. 
Still well lived, and here she died in 1892. It was biiilt by Josiah Os- 
good and rebuilt by Elias Root. 

The first resident physician was Dr. A. W. Bowen, who came here in 
1828. The first postmaster was Samuel Miner, and the first mail car- 
rier was a Mr. Luke, who traveled on horseback between Utica and 
Schenectady. The mail was delivered once each week, if the weather 
and roads would permit. 

The land on which the village stands was owned b)' Rufus Randall, 
who, after disposing of one or two farms, sold the remainder to Frederick 
Bellinger, -who had it surveyed into village lots. The village was incorpo- 
rated by act of Legislature passed April 16, 1844, and the first election 
for village officers was held at the house of John Golden May 4, 1844, 
when the following officers were chosen : 

President, Frederick Bellinger; assessors, Gordon Farmer and Ezekiel 
Spencer ; treasurer, Elias Root ; clerk, Daniel S. Clark ; collector, Marks 
H. Grants ; constable, Marks H. Grants. The proceedings of the first 
charter election were signed by Frederick Starling, as chairman, and 
John Crist as town clerk. 

At a meeting of the board of trustees held May 9, 1844, the follow- 
ing named persons were granted each a tavern license, paying for it $5 : 



194 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUKTl . 

Devendorf opened a store on the corner of Main and Warren streets, 
where fm !ii ,h\' \ ears business was carried on by various merchants, 
among mon Clough, Henry S. Diefendorf, Peter I. Miller, 

D. S. Ci.>..v. o,.o james Campbell. The store on the post-office corner 
was built in 1836 by Elias and Humphrey G. Root. The whole 

block from the Kirley block to the post- '• ■ "--^ r : -ning back 

nearly to the canal, was purchased in th ias Ran- 

■Jallfor $175. The Steele block, ci'iv utsego streets, was 

Liuilt by John A. Steele in 1852, ai ick, opposite corner 

of Main and Otsego streets, was ei F. E. Spinner. The 

opening of the canal witnessed th - rai warehouses, for 

storage and forwarding, among t; Iding now occupied 

by J. W. Devendorf; this was thf n 1826, and others 

were built by H. G. Root & ' Campbell, Isaac Woodwoi i 

and Merry & Devendorf. 

The first brick house erectt c one in which Mrs. 

Stillwelllived, and here si: _ biiilt by Josiah O'^- 

good and rebuilt by Eli; 

The first resident ph} ^" »n, who came here m 

1828. The first postm:' d the first mail car- 

rier was a Mr. Luke, who n '■ - > i: on n^rs' u.ici: between Utica and 
Schenectady. The mail was delivered once each week, if the weather 
and roads would permit. 

The land on which the villape stands was owned by Rufus 
who, after disposinr 'le remainder to Frederick 

Bellinger, who had , The village was incorpo- 

rated by act of Legislature passed .rv^.ni io, 1844, and the first election 
for village officers was held n.t the house of John Golden May 4,. 1844, 
wlien the following office 

''^resident, Frederick Bi ,. idEzekiel 

r ; treasurer, Elias Root ; clerk, Daniel S. Clark ; collector, Mar 
"'i ■ constable, Marks ll '.mnfs The proceedings of the fii... 
ion were signed arling, as chairman, and 

board of trustees held May 9, 1 844, the foil' 
ing nanieu persoi:- i ted each a tavern licens: for it ^5 : 



Town of German flats. 19o 

Newman Smith, Olendorf & Lawyer, Charles Bronson and George L. 
Van Slyke; and grocery licenses were granted on the same terms to L. 
L. Merry and Cornelius Devendorf. 

The Mohawk Valley Bank was organized February 9, 1839, by the 
election of the following officers : Directors, David Devendorf, Fred- 
erick Bellinger, Alanson Maxon, Elias Root, Ira Randall, Jacob F. 
Cristman, Ebenezer Morgan, Stephen Jones, William Burgess, E. A. 
Munson, Charles Wightman, Peter H. Warren, H. S. Orendorf, J. I. 
Cristman, R. G. Starkweather, Rodney Sanford, L. Stienburgh, Ephraim 
Tisdale, Jacob Marshall, and Jesse C. Dann. "Ebenezer Morgan was 
chosen president, and in May, 1839, J. C. Dann was chosen cashier, and 
in June, Eiias Root was elected vice-president. The successive presi- 
dents of the bank have been as follows: After Mr. Morgan, Charles 
Wightman, elected February 9, 1841 ; Benjamin Carver, July 2, 1849; 
Peter H. Warren, July 2, 1855 ; John J. Cristman, July, 1857 ; F. E. 
Spinner, July 5, 1858; Peter H. Warren, July, 1861 ; Dean Burgess, 
July, 1864; Eli Fox, January, 1882; Jacob Devendorf, January, 1 891. 
On the 3d of April, 1865, the bank was reorganized and its name 
changed to the National Mohawk Valley Bank, and the officers re- 
mained as before until September 3, 1867, when H. D. Alexander was 
elected cashier and has filled the office until the present time. The 
present officers of the bank are as follows: President, Jacob Deven- 
dorf; directors, the president, H. D. Alexander, Allen Bloomfield, B. 
A. Weatherby, Thomas D. Warren, R. M. Devendorf, B. A. Stone, 
John Giblin, H. A. Deimel, O. W. Bronson, and De Witt E. Allen. 
The capital of the bank is $150,000; surplus and undivided profits, 
$40,000; deposits about $220,000. In 1892 the institution erected a 
handsome and convenient bank building on Main street at a cost ol 
$10,000. 

The Mohawk Gaslight Company was organized October 3, i860, 
with a capital of $10,000. President, Chauncey Johnson ; secretary, 
Eli Fox; treasurer, R. H. Pomeroy. At a later date the company was 
consolidated with the works at llion, a new company formed called 
the llion and Mohawk Gaslight Company, and the capital stock in- 
creased to $30,000. After the consolidation the works were located 
about half a mile east of llion and both villages supplied with gas. 
Mohawk is now lighted with electricity by the same company. 



196 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTS. 

Public School. — Very little is known of the schools of Mohawk in 
early years. The destruction of the records of German Flats in 1843 
renders it impossible to learn details previous to that year, excepting 
through the memory of old residents. It is known that early in the 
present century there was a school-house on the east side of wliat is 
now Columbia street, near the site of the residence of H. G. Root, and 
the contract for the erection of the building is still in existence. The 
building was put up by Russel Brown, " at or near Timothy Campbell's 
house in German Flats." The building cost $260. The contract was 
signed on the part of the authorities by Russel Brown, Abrani Randal, 
Rufus Randal, jr., James L. Campbell, and Rudolph Devendorf 

This old school-house was abandoned after the erection of the present 
school building about 1853, and finally passed to the Methodist society. 
It is still standing and used for a carpenter shop. When the present 
building was erected a graded school was established and it so con- 
tinues. W. E. Stearns is the present principal, and under him six 
teachers are employed. A new school building is to be erected during 
1892-3, at a cost of $17,000. 

Fire Department. — The fire department of Mohawk was organized 
September 9, 1844, by the village trustees who appointed Humphrey 
G, Root as chief engineer ; Gordon Farmer, assistant, with twenty-four 
members. The company was named Mohawk Engine Company No. 
I. The engine used was made at Waterford, and it was kept in a house 
on the corner of Main and North Washington streets. In May, 1861, 
the trustees purchased a more powerful engine at Seneca Falls, and in 
June of that year a new company named Colonel Ellsworth Engine 
Company No. 2, was organized. In 1869 this company was disbanded 
and from that date until 1878 the engine was in charge of citizens, un- 
der direction of the trustees. In March, 1878, a company was formed 
for the hand engine, composed of forty- eight men, and this organization 
is still kept up. 

A special election was held June 7, 1875, at which it was voted that 
the village should purchase a steam fire engine. This was done and 
the name Mohawk Chief given to the new engine. At the same time 
Alexander Hose Company No. I was organized with the following 
officers: President, A. C. Devendorf; vice-president, A. G. Myers; 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 197 

secretary, W. H. Schall ; treasurer, John McChesney ; foreman, E. L. 
Prince. This organization is still in existence. The fire department 
as at present organized and equipped, is one of the best in the county. 

There is at present only one newspaper in Mohawk, which was 
started by Rich & Tucker in 1874, as the Mo/iawk Independent. It 
was subsequently sold to A. A. Miller, who was succeeded as owner by 
W. E. Churchill, and by C. A. White, who sold the establishment to 
Miss Clara E. Morgan in January, 1892. The name of the paper was 
then changed to The Eagle. The paper is ably edited by Miss Morgan 
and is liberally supported. 

The Reformed Church. — This society was organized December 11, 
1838, when Christopher Bellinger, and Samuel Meeker were elected 
elders, and Samuel Barringer and Henry Harter, deacons. Shortly 
afterwards the lot on which the church stands was donated to the so- 
ciety by Frederick Bellinger. Through the influence and substantial aid 
of Elias Root and H. G. Root, the church building was soon erected. 
The pulpit was first occupied by Rev. James Murphy, of Herkimer, as 
supply. February i, 1844, Rev. Jedediah L. Stark was called to the 
church, and he was installed May 3, 1844; he continued for ten years, 
since which time the following pastors have served the society : 

Rev. Elbert Slingerland, 1854; Rev. John M. Hammond, 1856; Rev. 
Charles D. Nott, 1859; Rev. E. Slingerland, 1865, one year; Rev. G. D. 
Consaul, 1867; Rev. F. F. Wilson, 1870; Rev. F. M. Bogardus, 1872 ; 
Rev. J. G. Lansing, 1876; Rev. John Brandow, and Rev. A. D. Minor, 
who was succeeded in May, 1892, by Rev. Ira Van Allen. The church 
membership is about 115, and the following are the officers: Elders, 
Byron A. Stone, Thomas Cunningham, Robert Myers ; deacons, Jasper 
Morgan, Truman Snell, Dr. Rasbach. 

The Baptist Church. — The first Baptist society of Mohawk was or- 
ganized February 9, 1841, and the church was erected in 1845 and ded- 
icated January i, 1846. For a number of years the church was fairly 
prosperous, but later it has greatly declined. Among the pastors have 
been Revs. J. Benedict, the first, N. Loring, J. W. Crumb, L. Casler, 
O. Adams, Lamar W. Hayhurst, G. W. Harvey, and Rev, Mr. Broddie, 
who remained until 1861. There is now no settled pastor over the 
church and no regular services. 



l&d HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The Methodist Chiurh. — The date of the formation of the first Metho- 
dist class in Mohawk is not known, but it was very early, and it was for 
some years connected with the class at Herkimer. In 185 1 Rev. I. 
Hunt was permitted by the Reformed church society to occupy their 
church Sabbath afternoons, and he was followed by Rev. Mr. Barnard. 
Later Rev. Joseph Lamb preached in the Baptist church which was 
leased for the purpose. The old school-house on Columbia street was 
finally purchased, its use donated to the society, and it was fitted 
for services. This was afterwards sold and the society again used the 
Baptist church. After years of alternate periods of success and de- 
spondency, a revival held here in the winter of 1867—8 by the praying 
band connected with the Ilion church quickened the feeble society, and 
in the spring of 1869 Rev. Olin Wightman became the pastor, and the 
Methodist Episcopal church of Mohawk was organized. After using 
the Baptist and Universalist churches for a time, the present handsome 
church was erected, chiefly through the liberality of Philo and Elizabeth 
Remington. The membership is about lOO and Rev. Mr. Fitch is 
pastor. 

The Universalist Church. — This society was organized in 1850, and 
the brick church was erected and dedicated in February, 1852. The 
means to this end were contributed largely by subscription. The first 
pastor was Rev. B. B. Hallock, who was succeeded in 1857 by Rev. 
Dolphus Skinner. Others who have served the church are Revs. L. C. 
Brown, J. R. Sage, L. L. Briggs, A. A. Thayer, F. S. Brown, and D. 
Ballou. For the past several years there has been no regular preach- 
ing in the church. Rev. T. C. Fisher, of Herkimer, preaches afternoons 
at the present time. 

Grace Episcopal Church. — This society was organized in 1854, and 
the church erected at the same time. Previous to that time services 
had been held for several years in the public hall. The church was 
erected with funds subscribed and was paid for in full. The first rector 
was Rev. William Bogart Walker, who was followed by Rev. E. C. Ed- 
munds. Rev. S. M. Griswold then preached for a time, coming from 
Ilion, and was succeeded by Rev. Charles E. Freeman and Rev. M. O. 
Smith. Rev. Alfred Taylor preached in 1890. The church is now 
without a rector. 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 199 

The present postmaster of Mohawk is Thomas Cunningham, who 
took the office in November, 1889, succeeding D. D. Morgan. An- 
other post-office in the town is Edick, in the southwest part, with 
John Shoemaker as postmaster, he having held the office about four 
years and since it was estabhshed. 

The present officers of Mohawk village are : President, Charles 
Tucker ; trustees, Jeremiah Warner, Charles Young, F. H. Sales, A. 
H. Day ; clerk, Charles Young ; chief engineer, C. J. Thrall. 

VILLAGE OF ILION. 

There was nothing meriting the name of a village on the site of Ilion 
until after the completion of the Erie Canal, yet there was a store there 
as early as 18 16, and perhaps earlier, a fact which is attested by shin- 
plasters of Thomas Gillespie & Son of that date. In early years the. 
western part of the present corporation was called " London." After 
the construction of the canal the locality was known as Morgan's Land- 
ing, while on the canal list it was called Steele's Creek. 

The following interesting and comprehensive account of the place 
was written by William Hibbard Page in 1874: 

On the 1st day of January, in the year 1828, Eliphalet Remington purchased one 
hundred acres of land of John A. Clapsaddle, in part the site of the present village of 
Ilion, being that portion bounded on the west by Otsego street. The canal had been in 
operation about three years, but the settlement could only boast of seven dwellings, 
two storehouses and a school-house. The river road (Main street) came down from 
Frankfort as it does now, but near the residence of Mr. Albert Baker it crossed the 
canal on a bridge, which was torn away when the canal was enlarged; passing down 
on the north side, it recrossed to the south side of the canal a .short distance below the 
gas works. One of the principal dwellings was the old Clapsaddle farm house, which 
stood on the premises now occupied by the bank block and the adjacent armory build- 
ings. Here Mr. Clapsaddle had lived many years, and we are reliably informed that 
he was born and brought up in this vicinity. Where Small's Hotel now is there stood 
a building, in the front part of which was the "corner grocery," kept by a man named 
Gary. Here all the business of the Corners was transacted, temporally and spiritually. 
Groceries, dry goods, etc., and intoxicating liquors made up the stock in trade. Daniel 
Dygert, father of our townsman, J. M. Dygert, occupied a portion of the same build- 
ing as a dwelling. Just west of this, and where the last named gentleman now lives, 
was the residence of his uncle, Dennis Dygert. This gentleman owned a storehouse, 
which stood where Hotahng's block now is. On the site of Long's Hotel (now occu- 
pied by the Coleman carriage and wagon factory) was the farm house of Selden Mor- 



200 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

gan, who also owned a storehouse near where the steam mill now stands. Still farther 
west and near the creek, was the residence of Adam Steele. The school-house was lo- 
cated on the site of Long's barn, near the old feeder, but was afterward moved to 
about lialf way between Dennis Dygert's storehouse and the bridge first mentioned. 
Opposite this bridge, and close to the towpath, was the "'Seth Curtis House," occupied 
by Mr. Lawrence Helmer, which is still standing, and is distinguished as the old brown 
tenement, third building east of the Agricultural Works ; farther to the east was the 
residence of Esquire Helmer. This property was afterwards bought of Mr. Barter by 
William Jinks, inventor of the Jinks carbine, who erected a new dwelling in the place 
of the old one ; and later it passed into the hands of Esquire Rasbach, by whose family 
it is now occupied. Such was Ilion in 1831 ; and these eight families consisted of less 
than forty persons. From 1830 to 1843 the settlement was called Remington's Cor- 
ners by the residents, and generally known as such by the inhabitants of the surround- 
ing country. On the canal list, however, it was designated as Steele's Creek, probably 
after the stream of water which now flows through the center of the village, and which 
took its name from the fact that Mr. Steele had lived for many years where the creek 
passes under the canal. During all this time there was no post-office at this point, and 
the villagers received their mail through the office at Mohawk and others in the im- 
mediate vicinity. This was a source of great annoyance to them, as it was very incon- 
venient to go or send from two to ten miles to get letters and papers which might be 
brought almost to their very doors. In 1843 the place had materially increased in size 
and population, and had become a point of considerable interest. The manufacture of 
fire-arms was then in its infancy ; indeed, Mr. Remington's principal business was the 
manufacture of gun barrels, which were sold to gunsmiths and to large manufacturing 
houses in distant cities. At this time the necessity for a post-office had correspond- 
ingly increased with the prosperity of the Corners, and became the principal topic of 
conversation in the stores, shops, and firesides as well. But to get an office there must 
be a name by which to call it. As many as thirty different names were proposed. 
This was at a time when villages were being named after the most prominent states- 
men of the nation, and as there cannot be two post-offices of the same name in any 
single State, nearly all the propositions were dropped and the people of the Corners 
settled upon two names, Vulcan and Fountain, under one of which they resolved an 
office should be established. Finally a general meeting of the citizens was called to 
express their views, and to decide by vote which of the two it should be. This meet- 
ing was held in one of the stores. The result of the vote as announced was that the 
friends of Fountain outnumbered the Vulcanites nine to one. These were the days of 
" Tippecanoe and Tyler too ! " On the death of William Henry Harrison, John Tyler 
succeeded to the presidency, and under his administration A. G. Wicliffe was post- 
master-general. From 1840 to 1844 Hon. L. L. Merry was postmaster at Mohawk, 
and he used to send the mail to the Corners tied up in a handkerchief ; frequently there 
being no more of it than he could hold in one hand. Mr. Benton, of Mohawk, 
familiarly known as Charley Benton, was member of Congress from this district, and 
the petition for the new office was placed in his hands. Another petition, from Mr. 
Merry and the postmasters at Herkimer and Frankfort, was also handed to Mr. Ben. 




Ou/iAt^te^ 



^/Ve-f^t--ni^i^o-'f^. 



1 



I 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 201 

ton, but was not presented to the department, as Mr. Wicliffe readily granted the office 
on the petition of the citizens. The friends of Fountain were not entirely satisfied 
with their choice, although they consented to adopt the name for the want of something 
better. It had been suggested that the place be named after Mr. Remington, but that 
gentleman modestly declined the honor. Mr. Benton, however, was so much in favor 
of the suggestion that after consulting with General Spinner, then cashier of the Mo- 
hawk Valley Bank, and Humphrey G. Root, by their advice he concluded to change 
the name, on presenting the petition, which he did accordingly. So this village was 
called Remington by authority of the government, and one of its most highly esteemed 
citizens, David D. Devoe, was appointed to be postmaster. As might be supposed, the 
people were greatly surprised when the papers were received informing them of the 
change, but they were apparently satisfied. Mr. Remington was displeased. In due 
time the department sent on a contract for a weekly mail from Mohawk at twelve dol- 
lars a year ; a mail but once a week was hardly better than under the old system, and 
a contract at twelve dollars a year nobody would take. For the sake of form, how- 
ever, and to comply with the requirements of the department, David Harrington was 
induced to accept it, and the contract was accordingly returned to Washington. This 
arrangement not being satisfactory to the postmaster or the citizens, Mr. Devoe made 
a private contract with a Mr. Roarbach to let his (Roarbach's) boy get a daily mail 
from Mohawk ; and it was agreed that in time of unpleasant and stormy weather 
the official should go after the mail himself. The price of the contract was fifty -six 
dollars. This sum was the amount allowed by the department, less forty-four dollars, 
which Mr. Devoe paid out of his own pocket. The office was opened in the store 
where 0. B. Rudd's jewelry store is now located, and it was fitted up with a case of 
boxes and other fixtures necessary to make it convenient by Mr. Devoe. These cir- 
cumstances are mentioned simplj' to show how much interest was felt by our first post- 
master in the success of his administration, as well as personal expenses incurred by 
him in supplying Remington with a daily mail, facts not generally known to our citi- 
zens. So great was Mr. Remington's displeasure at the name of the new post-office 
that he refused to date his letters at Remington, but dated them at German Flats; con- 
sequently answers to his correspondence were sent to German Flats post-office, nine 
miles away up in Paine's Hollow. As a further inconvenience, letters addressed 
to this place would be sent to Bennington, Vt., Perrinton, N. J., Bennington, N. Y., 
and another place of similar name in Pennsylvania; so also would letters intended for 
those places reach this office, occasioned, of course, by illegible superscription. These cir- 
cumstances finally became a source of such great annoyance that the people murmured. 
About a year after the establishment of the office Messrs. Remington and Devoe be- 
came satisfied that a change was very much needed. Considerable time was spent by 
them in searching for an Indian name for some point in close proximity to Remington, 
but without effect. Failing to find a name which he would be willing to forward on 
his own responsibility to the department for confirmation, Mr. Remington asked his 
friend to suggest one, and Mr. Devoe named Ilion, which he had proposed at the be- 
ginning. At that time there was one other office of this name in the United States, 
located in Tipton county, Tenn., but it has since been discontinued. On that account, 
36 



202 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

but chiefly because he had been favorably impressed with it in reading Homer's Iliad, 
did Postmaster Devoe urge the name of Ilion. Mr. Remington was pleased with it, 
but there was one objection ; he thought that there was somewhat of vanity in taking 
the name of so important a city as ancient Troy to bestow on such a small and unpre- 
tending place as was proposed. Concluding that none could be found that would give 
better ."sati-sfaction, these gentlemen sent their petition to Washington, and the name of 
Ilion was substituted for Remington, without consulting the citizens, which would 
doubtless have caused delay, and perhaps defeated the object in view. So the stone 
which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner. 

The village was incorporated in 1852, and the first officers were as 
follow: Trustees, John A. Rasbach, John Harrington, Conrad Folts, 
Piiineas Gates, and Samuel Underwood ; assessors, Jacob Getman, 
Lawrence Helmer, William J. Lewis; clerk, Eliphalet Remington, jr. ; 
treasurer, William O. Barnes ; collector, William Breadon ; pound- 
master, Abraham Fish. In 1866 by legislative act the charter was 
changed in important matters, making the term of office of the trustees 
five years, and providing for the election of one only each year. In 
1870 the population had reached 2,876, and in 1875 it was a little more 
than 4,000 ; it is now nearly 5,000. 

The fire department was organized in 1863. R. R. Bennet was the 
first chief engineer, and Alfred E. Brooks and William Kitzmiller, first 
and second assistants. The present chief engineer is M. M. Kane. The 
Armory Hose Company was organized in 1863 and was composed 
wholly of employees in the Remington factories, and chiefly for the 
protection of those works, the water being taken from pumps. This 
organization continued until 1870, when the corporation purchased for 
it a hand engine. The company was then divided, a part retaining the 
former name and the others assuming the name of Excelsior Fire Com- 
pany No. 2, and persons outside of the Remington works were admitted 
to membership. A. H. Sumner was the first foreman of Excelsior 
Company, and John Irlam and Smith C. Harter, first and second as- 
sistants. 

Ilion Steamer and Hose No. i was organized in 1863, soon after the 
formation of the Armory Hose Company. It consisted of fifty men, 
and the first foreman was D. J. Randall. The steamer purchased at 
about this time and for this company, cost $4,500 ; it was a Siisby 
rotary. In the spring of 1876 the village purchased two new steamers 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 203 

of the Silsby make, at a cost of $4,000 "each. The village has always 
been fortunate in escaping disastrous fires, and the department is now 
thoroughly equipped after modern ideas. 

In 1852 the Ilion Bank began operations under the State banking 
laws, with a capital of $100,000. The first directors were Eliphalet 
Remington, Benjamin Carver, Benjamin P. Markham, John P. Sill, 
George Tuckerman, Vose Palmer, John Ingersoll, Alonzo Wood, 
Henry L. Green, Peter H. Warren, and John A. Rasbach. Eliphalet 
Remington was elected the first president; John Ingersoll, vice-presi- 
dent; Robert H. Pomeroy, cashier. Mr. Remington held the office of 
president until his death, and was succeeded by George Tuckerman. 
The successive cashiers were Frank Carver succeeding Mr. Pomeroy, 
Le Roy Tuttle, John A. Rasbach, H. H. Devendorf, and Floyd C. 
Shepard. The bank suspended business in 1866, paying all of its lia- 
bilities in full. 

The Ilion National bank was organized March 14, 1867, with a cap- 
ital of $100,000. The first president was Jacob J. Folts, and the first 
cashier, Charles Harter, who was succeeded in the office by F. C. 
Shepard, and he by David Lewis, the present cashier. The first board 
of directors was as follows : Varnum S. Kenyon, Alfred E. Varney, 
William Getman, George Tuckerman, Floyd C. Shepard, Jacob J. 
Folts, John Hoefler, Henry L Green, Peter Countryman. Philo Rem- 
ington succeeded Mr. Folts as president of the bank, and Charles 
Harter, the present president, succeeded Mr. Remington. The excel- 
lent management of this institution is shown in its condition. Its de- 
posits now amount to $355,582.62, while it has surplus and profits of 
over $40,000. 

The first attempt to secure for Ilion better educational facilities than 
were supplied by the common and free schools, was the formation of 
an association about 1881— 2, comprising twenty progressive citizens, 
who pledged themselves to the payment of $200 each for the establish- 
ment of an academy. The institution was started, but it did not meet 
with expected success, and in 1864 it was given up and a graded 
school established. 

In addition to the district school- house then in existence, a com- 
modious brick building was erected in 1865, at a cost of $23,000. It 



i04 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

has since been enlarged by an extension of the stone building in the 
rear, which is used for a primary department. The bounds of the dis- 
trict coincide with those of the village. This school has been under 
the care of the Regents of the University for about fifteen years, and the 
academic class sent out its first graduates in 1873. There are about 
1,200 children of school age in the district, and twenty-two teachers are 
employed, with Judson I. Wood as principal. 

Through the inauguration in Ilion of large manufactories, noticed a 
little further on, the village has grown rapidly and is now a thriving 
business center. Extensive water works are about to be constructed, 
for which bonds have been issued and sold to tiie amount of $95,000. 
Connection is conveniently made with Mohawk by the street railroad, 
already described, and with Frankfort by another line which was opened 
in 1 87 1 ; and a station on the Central road at a distance of half a mile 
and one on the West Shore still nearer, give the place additional im- 
portance. 

The writer who attempts to make a history of Ilion mus-t give very 
much of his attention to the founding and growth of the great Reming- 
ton arms works, which have in recent years passed to other hands. 
The farm which Eliphalet Remington (senior) purchased in 18 16 lay 
upon the banks of a small stream (Steele's Creek) in the then wilds of 
Herkimer county, the waters of which have now almost disappeared. 
Young Remington early showed remarkable mechanical genius, and 
tradition tells of how he constructed a gun for his own use before he 
reached manhood, an appeal for one to his father having resulted in 
refusal. The gunsmith at Utica, to whom the boy's gun barrel was 
taken for rifling, saw that it was made in an unusually excellent manner 
and greatly encouraged its maker by his praise. It should be stated 
that there was a forge of some kind on the Remington farm, which 
served the boy's purpose in making the gun barrel. When the fame 
of that first production began to spread, as it soon did, young Reming- 
ton was called on at first by a few and soon by many others to make 
guns for them. At first he made only the barrels, but gradually ex- 
tended his operations to the finishing of the complete guns. Down to 
about 1 83 1 the work was prosecuted at the home place, and the demand 
for the Remington barrels and guns far exceeded the capacity of the 
insignificant works. 



TOWK OF GERMAN FLATS. 205 

In 1828 the canal had recently been opened and Mr. Remington in 
searching for a proper and convenient site for the extension of his 
works, saw with prophetic eye the possibilities offered at Ilion. He 
accordingly purchased a large tract of land here and erected his first 
shop, a low one-story building. Here he carried on his business, which 
showed a healthy growth. In 1835 he purchased of Ames & Co 
of Springfield, Mass , their plant of gun-finishing machinery, with a 
part of an unfinished contract with the United States for some thou- 
sands of carbines. The works were increased, and before the comple- 
tion of this contract, the rising establishment was given another for 
5,000 Harper's Ferry Rifles; and still another followed in quick suc- 
cession. About the year 1840, while the capacity of the works was 
still insignificant compared to their later magnitude, Mr Remington's 
sons, Samuel, Philo and Eliphalet, reached manhood and took an active 
part in the growing business, with the best of results. 

In 1847 the firm began making pistols, and so simply and efficiently 
were they constructed that a large market was opened for them at 
once. This branch of the business grew to enormous proportions be- 
fore they took up the manufacture of their well-known army and navy 
revolver, which was afterwards adopted by the United States govern- 
ment. For some time previous to 1865 the firm had perfected systems 
particularly designed for the conversion of muzzle loaders to breech 
loaders, in rifles. A carbine embodying the results of their prior ex- 
periments in this direction was tested among about sixty others by a 
board of government ofificers at Springfield in 1865, and attracted con- 
siderable attention. During the succeeding year valuable improve- 
ments were made in the system, after which for many years the Rem- 
ington was the leading breech-loading arm of the world. Many 
governments in the old world adopted it, while large contracts were 
filled for the United States, and the gross number manufactured reached 
much more than half a million. In all of the severe tests made by 
expert boards for the several governments, including our own, this arm 
maintained its foremost reputation. So great was the capacity of the 
new works that in 1870-71, during a period of about seven months, the 
enormous number of 155,000 rifles was shipped to the French govern- 
ment — a result altogether unprecedented in the history of similar 
enterprises. 



206 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

In January, 1865, the Remington works were incorporated, with 
Philo Remington as president; Samuel Remington, vice-president; 
Eliphalet Remington, secretary. In 187 1 Col. W. C. Squire was 
elected secretary ; he was a member of the Remington family by mar- 
riage, and is now United States Senator for the State of Washington. 
The nominal capital was $1,000,000, while the value of the plant was 
then placed at $1,500,000. This latter estimate was subsequently in- 
creased to about $3,000,000. 

In 1856 the manufacture of agricultural implements was begun at the 
armory, commencing with a cultivator tooth, which soon found a large 
and profitable market. To this was afterwards added plows, mowing 
machines, wheel rakes, horse hoes, and a large variety of smaller tools. 
For this department three large buildings were erected, and they em- 
ployed at one time about 400 men. 

In 1870 the firm added to their line of products the manufacture of 
sewing machines, a branch of the business that soon became as suc- 
cessful as those preceding it. This step was taken partly because of 
the fluctuation in the manufacture of arms, much of the machinery be- 
ing necessarily idle at times. An excellent sewing machine was turned 
out and it found such favor that the sale reached about 35,000 in a 
single year. 

In 1874 still another important industry was added to these works in 
the manufacture of tj'pewriters, which have since become almost a 
household necessity. While this branch of the business was being de- 
veloped and improved, the firm became embarrassed through causes 
which we need not enter into here. In 1878, to relieve the financial 
embarrassment of the corporation, its bonds for over $500,000 having 
five years to run, were issued to its creditors. In 1882, in order to pro- 
vide relief and get quicker returns for a part of the vast product of the 
factories, an arrangement was made whereby the sewing machine out- 
put was disposed of bj" the Remington Sewing Machine Agency, a 
company formed for the purpose of marketing all the machines made 
at the works. In August of the same year further arrangements to 
this end were made by which the typewriters were sold direct to the 
firm of Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict, who continued to handle the 
product of that department until March, 1886, at which time they pur- 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 207 

chased the business and machinery and have ever since handled with 
great success both manufacture and sale of these machines, giving em- 
ployment at the factory to about 400 men. In 1883 a further arrange- 
ment was made with Lamberson, Furman & Co., of New York, to 
handle all the sporting arms. All this served as a relief for a period ; 
but unfortunately it was not permanent. In March, 1886, the entire 
typrewriter interest was sold, as above stated, and a part of the works 
leased in which to continue manufacture. This action preceded the 
failure of the company only a few weeks, and in April A. N. Russell 
and Addison Brill, both prominent business men of Ilion, were appoint- 
ed receivers of the company. They immediately assumed charge of 
the works and took an inventory as soon as practicable. Their re- 
port was ready in June. Under order of the court they operated the 
works until 1888. In October, 1887, they were given an order to sell 
the works at auction, and the first sale was made in February, 1888, 
the gun department being sold to Hartley & Graham, of New York, 
for $152,000. This sale included the armory plant and all the goods 
in process of completion. The sale was not approved by the court, 
and a second took place in March, 1888, under which the same firm 
paid $200,000 for the same property. This firm organized the Rem- 
ington Arms Company, with Marcellus Hartley as president; Thomas 
G. Bennett, vice-president; W.W.Reynolds, secretary; Wilfred Hart- 
ley, treasurer. About 500 hands are now employed in these works, 
and new lines of manufacture have been added which have greatly in- 
creased the magnitude of the establishment, particularly the Reming- 
ton bicycle, which is now occupying a prominent place among the vari- 
ous styles of popular wheels. 

The agricultural works were formerly a co-partnership carried on by 
Philo and Eliphalet Remington. Charles Harter was made assignee of 
this establishment and it was sold at auction in the summer of 1887, 
passing afterwards by lease to the typewriter firm, which has recently 
become incorporated and purchased the property, while one depart- 
ment of the original agricultural works is now carried on by A. M. 
Ross & Co., who make a variety of implements and employ about 80 
hands. In the typewriter works about 600 hands are employed and 
nearly 20,000 machines are made annually. These large industries are 
of great benefit to the village. 



208 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The Ilion Manufacturing Company was organized in 1886, for the 
manufacture of knit goods. The building and machinery have recently 
been leased to the Ilion Knitting Company. About 80 hands are 
employed, and the product comprises ladies' and men's underwear. 

The business now conducted by A. N. Russell & Sons was established 
by Brill & Russell in 1 871, on the site of the present plant. S. T. Rus- 
sell joined the firm in 1880, the style being changed to Brill, Russell & 
Co. In 1882 George Russell became a member of the firm and the 
name was changed to A. N. Russell & Sons. A very large lumber 
trade is carried on, and also the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, gen- 
eral interior finishing and boxes. About 40 hands are employed. 

Frederick Coleman has been connected with carriage manufacturing 
in Ilion since 1875, when he began in a small way. In 1889 the Cole- 
man Carriage and Wagon Company was organized as a corporation, 
since which time large factories have been built. Carriages and sleighs 
of high grade are made, and 75 hands employed. Thomas Richard- 
son, president; Charles Harter, vice-president; A. N. Russell, secre- 
tary; Frederick Coleman, treasurer and general manager. 

The first newspaper in Ilion was the Ilion Indepe7ide7it, which was es- 
tablished by George W. Bungay in 1855. The proprietor, who in later 
years acquired considerable reputation as a poet and a lecturer, and 
died in 1892, was induced to come to the village and start a paper by 
the Remingtons. Poets are not necessarily good editors and managers, 
and the Independent was not very successful. In 1858 it was removed 
to Utica, its title changed to the Central Independent, and subsequently 
it was merged in the Utica Herald. In the year last named, and after 
the departure of the Independent, the Remingtons again took steps to 
secure for the place the publication of a newspaper, and S. B. Loomis 
became the editor and nominal proprietor. The paper was Republican 
in character and was called the Loyal Citizen. It probably did not pay 
financially, at least for a period, but received the necessary support from 
the Remingtons, who employed various persons to take the active man- 
agement of the establishment. Subsequently the name of the paper 
was changed to the Ilion Citizen, which it has since borne. In 1878 
Rev. Albert E. Corse was editor of the journal, and C. D Rose busi- 
ness manager. 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 209 

In 1884 the establishment was in possession of Weaver & Mead, and 
on the 1st of January, 1885, C. S. Munger purchased a half interest in 
tlie estabhshment and the firm style became Weaver & Munger. At 
the same time the Herkimer Citizen was founded by the firm and has 
continued to the present time. (See history of Herkimer village.) In 
the conduct of the two journals, George W. Weaver was in immediate 
charge of the Ilion branch, while Mr. Munger gave his attention to the 
Herkimer sheet. On the ist of January, 1889, Mr. Weaver retired 
and his interest was purchased jointly by A. T. Smith and F. E. Easton, 
who with Mr. Munger form the Citizen Publishing Company. The 
Citizen is at the present time a progressive, ably edited paper, and 
makes its influence felt throughout the county. 

The Ilion News was started March 21, 1889, by C. A. White. He 
sold out in 1891 to C. D. Munsel, the present publisher, under whose 
management the paper is gaining in reputation and circulation. 

Churches of Ilion. — Methodism in Ilion dates back to 1832, when 
Rev. John Ercanback, a preacher in charge of the Litchfield circuit, or- 
ganized the first class, consisting of John Hunt and wife, Mrs. Bolles, 
Mrs. Nathan Morgan, W. Norton, R. Hunt, and probably one or two 
others. John Hunt was the first class leader and at his house the first 
preaching was held. After that the school-house was used for services. 
In 1840 Ilion, together with Frankfort and Mohawk, was made a part 
of the Herkimer circuit ; Rev. C. H. Austin was the preacher in charge. 
In 1842 Rev. B. I. Diefendorf and Rev. J. Thomas were sent to Herki- 
mer circuit and in that year a union church was built by the Methodists 
and Universalists ; this was afterwards sold to the Baptists and still be- 
longs to them. In 1856 Frankfort and Ilion were made a separate cir- 
cuit, with Rev. A. M. Smith in charge; he was followed for two years 
by Rev. J. B. Ferguson, and one year by Rev. O. Squire. 

In i860 Ilion became a preaching station, having some sixty mem- 
bers and paying $400 preacher's salary. In 1862 the parsonage was 
built, Rev. J. F. Dayan, pastor. In 1 866 was built the First Metho- 
dist Church ; Rev. E. Horr (then a probationer in the Conference), 
pastor. In 1890 Mrs. Caroline Remington, in remembrance of her 
husband lately deceased, built and presented to the church the Reming- 
ton Memorial Chapel ; Rev. D. F. Pierce, pastor. The church has now 



210 . HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

465 members and thirty probationers and owns a church and parson- 
age property worth $35,000. 

The pastors of the church have been : 

1860-61, D. B. White; 1862-63, J. F. Dayan ; 1864-66, E. Horr, jr.; 1867-6!). F. 
F. Jewel; 1870-72, M. S. Hard; 1873-74, T. B. Sliepherd; 1875-77, H. W. Bennett; 
1878-80, G. M. Mead; 1881-83, W. H. Reese; 1884-80, S. O. Barnes; 1887-90, D. 
F. Pierce; 1891-92, R. E. King. Superintendent of Sunday-school, L. B. Walrath. 

The Baptist church (tinder title of the First Baptist Church of Ilion) 
was organized in April, 1865, but had been recognized by a council 
which met in the Union church in February preceding, and consisted of 
fifteen members. Rev. R. O. Broady was the first pastor. In 1869 the 
Union church building was purchased by the society and extensively 
remodeled, enlarged and refitted; it was dedicated on the 13th of 
May, 1869. Among the pastors who have served the church since the 
first are Revs. W. W. Jones, Judson Davis, James H. Andrews, L. 
Golden, Mr. Maxfield, Mr. Reeder, Mr. Merwin, A. B. Sears, who came 
in 1887, and Rev. A. M. Beggs, who came in 1890. The membership 
is about 250. Superintendent of Sunday-school, Frederick Coleman. 

First Presbyterian Church of Ilion. — At a meeting of the Presbytery 
of Utica, held at Little Falls January 16, 1871, Aaron Brown and A. 
H. Sumner appeared in behalf of residents of Ilion and asked to be or- 
ganized into a Presbyterian church. The request was granted and the 
following persons became members : 

Aaron Brown, A. H. Sumner, Mrs. Mandana A. Sumner, Rebecca Churchill, A. P. 
Redway, Mrs. Fannie Redway, Sarah A. Southworth," Helen Southworth, Eliza R. 
Hanson, George Newth, Mrs. Charlotte Newth, John Wake, Mrs. Mariette Wake, 
Thomas G. Hutchinson, H. Harper Benedict, Mrs. Marie Benedict, Sarah Robinfon, 
and E. Robinson. 

In the following November Rev. D. M. Rankin became pastor and 
continued until 1878. In October of that year Rev. A. F. Lyle was 
called ; he was succeeded in 1882 by Rev. M. E. Dunham, and he bj' Rev. 
W. C. Taylor, the present pastor, whose services began in October, 1888. 
In the spring of 1874 a lot was purchased on the corner of Morgan and 
Second streets for $4,500, and there the present handsome brick church 
was erected ; the entire property is worth about $40,000. 

The first elders of the church were Aaron Brown and A. H. Sumner. 
The deacons were George W. Newth and James Truax. The first 



TOWN OF GERMAN FLATS. 'ill 

trustees were A. M. Osgood, S. W. Skinner and Russel Perkins. The 
present trustees are F. O. Harter, J. K. Harris, A. H. Sumner, N. J- 
Newth, C. W. Carpenter, H. A. House, J. C. Truax. Elders, A. H. 
Sumner, N. J. Newth, J. K. Harris, F. O. Harter, Robert Watson. 
The church membership is 143. 

Church of the Annunciation. — In 1845 Rev. Father John McMenomy, 
a Roman CathoHc priest, established a mission at this place in connec- 
tion with missions at Mohawk, Frankfort and Herkimer. He was 
stationed at Little Falls and attended this mission from that place, con- 
tinuing to do so until 1856, when Rev. Father William Howard took 
charge of this missionary field. He lived in Mohawk the first year and 
preached in Varley Hall, in that village. In August, 1857, Father 
Howard purchased of Mr. J. P. Pelton, of Ilion, the house and lot, con- 
taining two and a half acres of land, upon which the church and par- 
sonage now stands, paying therefor $4,500. In April, 1868, he in- 
augurated measures for building a church edifice, and in August of the 
same year the present church was dedicated by J. J. Conroy, bishop of 
Albany, assisted by twelve priests. The buildings cost $14,000, and 
the property is at the present time worth $30,000 and is clear from 
debt. The membership comprises about 200 families. The station is 
now and has for many years been in charge of Rev. Father J. F. 
Hyland. 

The Catholic Parish of the Annunciation, including the villages and 
surrounding country of Herkimer, Mohawk, Ilion and Frankfort, was 
organized into a mission in 1867, by Rt. Rev. J. J. Conroy, with Rev. 
William Howard as first resident pastor. His assistants at different 
times were Revs. A. P. Ludden, J. F. Mullany and W. J. Smith. 

Owing to his zealous faith and untiring energy Father Howard was 
very successful in securing a suitable church, rectory and cemetery, and 
for the most part paying for them. His continued illness, and local 
business depression, induced him to retire to Herkimer in 1878. He 
was succeeded by Rev. J. F. Hyland. During his incumbency of four- 
teen years the church, cemetery and rectory have been enlarged and 
greatly improved. The debt also has been paid and there are a few 
thousand dollars in the treasury. 

Though Herkimer was severed from the mission in 1878, and Frank- 
fort in 1886, the church attendance has not decreased. 



'2l2 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Rev. J. F. Hyland was the second child of a large family in the 
town of Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y. He graduated successively 
from the public schools there, Eastman's Commercial Business College, 
Poughkeepsie ; Niagara University, Suspension Bridge, and St. Joseph's 
Theological Seminary, Troy, where he was ordained in 1874. 

He was assistant pastor of St. John the Baptist's church, Syracuse, 
and St. Mary's, Amsterdam, and became pastor of the Church of the 
Annunciation, Ilion, in 1878. 

St. Augustine's Protestant Episcopal Church was incorporated on the 
9th of August, 1869, with the following officers: Wardens, Floyd C. 
Shepard and John W. Newhouse; vestrymen. S. Bosworth Johnson, 
William Onyans, William R. Russell, David W. Vanderburgh, Richard 
Hard and George Rix. In August, 1869, Rev. Charles H. Lancaster 
was chosen rector, and was succeeded November i, 1871, by Rev. 
George H. Hepburn. Succeeding rectors have been Revs. C. F. A. 
Bielby, Edward M. Pecke, J. B. Hubbs, Edwin Armstrong, J. Dolby 
Skeene, S. M. Griswold, and the present rector. Rev. William Mason 
Cook, who came in 1888 There are 173 communicants in the church, 
and following are the wardens : F. C. Shepard, R. L. Winegar ; vestry- 
men, George P. Rix, T. J. Behan, George H. Barlow, George H. Dyett, 
Alfred Williamson, N. A. Hanchett, Walter C. Rix and Walter S. Baker. 

The present officers of the village of Ilion are as follows : President, 
Dr. A. J. Douglass; trustees, Seward Hakes, Harrington P. Whitney, 
M. L. Burke, John Van Gumster ; clerk, Z. E. Cooper; chief engineer 
of the fire department, M. M. Kane; chief of police, Daniel Foley. S. 
G. Heacock is postmaster. 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE TOWN OF HERKIMER. 



WHEN the town of Herkimer was organized in 1788, it contained all 
that part of the county of Montgomery bounded northerly by the 
north bounds of the State; easterly by Palatine (then extending to the west 
bounds of the present town of Manheim) ; southerly by the Mohawk Riv- 
er, and westerly by a north and south line running across the Mohawk 
River at the fording place " near the house of William Cunningham, 
leaving the same house to the west of said line." This fixed the west 
line of the town on the present western limits of the county, north of the 
Mohawk, and covered the area now embraced in the towns of Fairfield, 
Little Falls, Newport, Norway, Ohio, Russia, Schuyler, and Wilmurt, 
besides a considerable portion of the northern part of the State outside 
of the present county line. These limits also embrace all that portion 
of the German Flats and Kingsland districts north of the Mohawk and 
east of the present westerly bounds of the county. 

The town as at present constituted is bounded on the north by New- 
port and Fairfield ; east by West Canada Creek and Little Falls ; south- 
erly by the Mohawk River, and westerly by Schuyler. The whole of 
Winne's and portions of Burnetsfield, Hasenclever's, Colden's and Wil- 
lett's patents, and some lots of the Royal Grant and Glen's purchase 
are in this town. 

The settlement of the territory included in this town has been alluded 
to in the early pages of this work. It will be remembered that the In- 
dian deed of Herkimer county lands was under date of 1721, and the 
land was afterwards secured to the settlers by the colonial patent under 
date of April 25, 1725. At that date the lands had been surveyed, num- 
bered and assigned to persons by name. One hundred acres were as- 
signed to each of the ninety-two persons named in the patent, on 
the north side of the river. In order to make an equal division of the 
flats surrounding the present village of Herkimer, thirty acres were as- 
signed to each person who did not secure intervale lands elsewhere on the 



214 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

river. The thirty acres were designated as lowland, and to those who had 
the thirty acres each, were also assigned seventy acres of upland, called 
woodland in the patent; the thirty-acre lots and seventy- acre lots were 
designated by the same numbers, and in order to bring each of the 
seventy-acre lots near to its corresponding thirty-acre lot, the former 
were made about sixteen rods wide on the river, and almost two and 
one-half miles long. (See map, page 38.) The names of the Palatines 
who were to settle on the lots were certified to the surveyor- general 
and certificates issued to the settlers in the winter and spring of 1723. 
The certificate of the lot embracing the site of the village of Herkimer 
bears date March 28, 1723. This lot was assigned to Gertrude Petri, 
wife of Johan Jost Petri, and contained eighty- six acres. 

At the election of town officers in March, 1809, the following persons 
were chosen : 

For supervisor, Hen i-y Staring; town clerk, Melger Fols; assessors, Melger Fols, 
George Smith, Melger Tlmm ; collector, George Fols ; constables, George FoU, Adam 
Bauman; commissioners of highways, Peter F. Bellinger, John Demiitli, Jacob N. 
Weber; overseers of the poor, Henrv Staring, George Weber, jr., Michael Myers; 
overseers of highways, Marx Demuth, Philip Helmer, Adam Hartman, Hannes De- 
muth, Peter Weber, Philip Herter, Hannes H.\\ts. jr., Hannes Eiseman; pound- 
raasters, George AVeber, jr., Peter Barky, Hannes Demuth, Nicholas Hilts, Hannes 
Schell. 

From 1725 to the close of the Revolution the foregoing county his- 
tory comprises very little of general moment that did not take place in 
this town and German Flats. Fort Dayton was a small stockaded fort 
erected on the site of the village of Herkimer ^ and within its limits was 
included the land on which the Reformed church and the court-house 
now stand. 

' Regarding the name o£ " Herkimer " as applied to this town, Gen. F. E. Spinner wrote in 1878 
as follows : " The present nomenclature came about by a most singular misunderstanding between 
Hon. Simeon De Witt, then surveyor-general of the State, and Dr. William Petry, the maternal 
grandfather ot Judge Earl, of Herkimer. The doctor was one of the most intelligent of the set- 
tlers of the upper Mohawk valley, and having previously for several years been a member of the 
State Legislature, was sent to Poughkeepsie, where the Legislature then sat, in regard to the 
erection of new towns in the then county of Montgomery. This was in 1788. The names ot Ger- 
man Flats and Herkimer had been agreed upon, but the location of the two was not understood by 
the surveyor-general. That officer had his survey maps by patents before him. He asked the 
doctor as to the situation of each. Viewing the ground from his standpoint, below the mouth of 
the Mohawk, looking up that river, he answered that Herkimer was on the if/i and German Flats 
on the ri^/tt. The surveyor-general supposed that the doctor meant the right and left banks of the 
Mohawk as the river flowed ; so wrote the names on his map, and so the error was enacted into a 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 215 

Previous to the Revolution the German settlers looked upon the site 
of Herkimer village as desirable for a business center, as it rose grace- 
fully above the surrounding lands, and was early known as " the Stone 
Ridge." This site was embraced in lot 17, assigned, as we have said, 
to Gertrude Petri. On account of its desirable features for compact 
building, the settlers complained to some extent that it had been 
granted to one person. In consequence, Mrs. Petri, or members of her 
family, executed a deed dated July i, 1765, to forty-six of the Burnets- 
field lot owners, and the deed ran to those persons whether they were 
then dead or living, and conveyed sixty-two and three fourths acres 
lying southwardly from an east and west line running just north of the 
present Palmer House. Mrs. Petri retained the part of her lot lying 
north of this line, and there the court-house, the Reformed church, and 
other buildings now stand 

Little was done until after the Revolution towards making this site 
a center of close settlement. In 1793 steps were taken for the divi- 
sion of the tract into small lots, and Evans Wharry, Isaac Brayton, 
and Phineas Gates were the commissioners for the task. The strange 
proceeding was then witnessed of granting lots principally to dead 
persons and seventy years after the lots in the original patent had been 
assigned to them. The sixty-two and three-fourths acres were divided 
into two sections, the present Main street being the dividing line, and a 
street was run through each section parallel with Main street. They 
then laid out the land into half acre lots, bounding the same on the 
three streets that are now known as Main, Prospect and Washington 
streets, and making forty-six lots in each division. A map was made 
showing the numbers and positions of the lots, and the forty-six names 
were written on slips of paper and placed in a hat to be drawn out, the 
first drawing being written on lot No. i, and so on through the whole 
list. Each person, dead or alive, whose name was read in the proceed- 
ings, was assigned two lots of the same number, one in each division. 
Nicholas Feller, who received lots No. 4, was dead before the deed was 
executed by which the sixty-two and three- fourths acres were granted. 

law, and the reversal of the names was not known until too late, and so they have remained ever 
since. The old and true German Flats, which are situate in the angle formed by the confluence of 
the Mohawk with the West Canada Creek, were by thisj mistake placed on the opposite side of the 
Mohawk, and Fort Herkimer was oarrried by force of law to the German Flats." 



216 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

John Jost Herkimer was assigned lots 45, and he, too, was dead long 
before the division was made; and the same might be said of most of 
the others. It is under this partition that titles to the village lots have 
since been held. The title to the portion of the Stone Ridge retained 
by Mrs. Petri, with the exception of the acre belonging to the Reformed 
churcl), passed into the hands of Gen. Michael Myers soon after the 
Revolutionary War, and from him the title to all that part of the village 
site is held, including the title to the land on which the county build- 
ings stand. The original map made by the commissioners contains 
the following names of those who received lots, given with the original 
spelling : 

Mary Catharine Coen, Lodwick Richet, Jurgh Dox.stater, John Adam Staring, 
Michael Edick, Johonas Pownrad, Adam Michael Smith, Nicholas Woolver, John 
Vanderline, Wendriclv Myer, John Jurfrh Smith, John Casler, Johona.s Bellinger, Law- 
rence Harder, Nicholas Staring, Lendert Helmer, Lodwick 'Pears, Godfrey Reele, 
Jacob Weaver, Dedrick Tamouth, Christian Felmer, John Jost Herkimer, Hendrick 
Orendorf, Nicholas Wever, Johonas Miller, Frederick Bellinger, John Jurgh Kast, 
jr., Peter Bellinger, Rodolph Korsing, Jurgh Herkheimer, John Michael Edigh, 
Widow M. Folts, Hendrick Spoon, John Jost Petrie, Peter Spier, Johonas Boar- 
man, Thomas Shoemaker, Philip Helmer, Conradt Richet, John Adam Helmer, 
Frederick Staring, Anna Catharine Land, Nicholas Feller, John Adam Bowman, 
.Johan Jurgh Kast, Johanas Hess. 

It need hardly be stated that numerous descendants of these families 
are still living in the town of Herkimer and in other parts of the 
county. 

Here and on the opposite side of the river on the flats the settlers 
had, before the outbreak of the French and Indian war, made for them- 
selves comfortable homes, built mills and churches, and were living in 
contented peace. 

The building of the stone church and a mill south of the river is 
described in the preceding history of the town of German Flats ; these 
were the first in the present limits of the county. Then followed the 
erection of the church on the site of the Reformed church in Herkimer 
village, described a little further on. A grist- mill that was burned in 
the invasion of November, 1757, was situated about half a mile north 
of the turnpike, near the residence of George W. Pine, on lands of the 
late Hon. I'rederick P. Bellinger. This mill was built shortly after the 
year 1733 by Jacob Weber, to whom was assigned lot No. 10 in the 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 217 

patent on the north side of the river. He bought, July 2, 1733, an acre 
of land in lot No. 11, adjoining his lot, to make with his lot a con- 
venient mill site. In 1769 Dr. William Petry, then a prominent and 
leading German in the valley, took a bond from Jacob Weber and his 
son, George Jacob Weber, for a deed of this mill site. The condition 
in that bond shows that it was the site of a former mill, and is as fol- 
lows : 

The condition of this obligation is such that if the above bounden George Jacob 
Weber and Jacob Weber, Senior, their heirs, executors, administrators, or any of them, 
do will and truly deliver for the first of Jacob Weber, Senior, one acre of land in the 
clove of Christnian's mill Kill, and in Frederick Reegle's House place, where the oldmill 
was, and then together out of their own House place near by above this acre the land 
lying on the same Kill from one hill to the opposite one when he finds necessary for 
the use of a mill unto said William Petry, etc.l 

This extract shows that there was a mill on this site before the 
burning of 1757. It was one of the grist-mills mentioned in the ac- 
count of that disastrous event. There is a tradition that John Christ- 
man had a mill, probably a saw- mill, on this creek. On the site men- 
tioned in the bond above referred to, Dr. William Petry erected a grist- 
mill, a potashery, dwelling house and other buildings. These were all 
burned at the time of Brant's invasion in 1778. 

The following petition throws light upon the history of Fort Dayton 
(Herkimer), after the Revolution, and indicates that the Legislature 
gave some needed relief to poor widows whose husbands were killed in 
the war: 

To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of New Fork our humble petition 
sheweth : 

We the subscribers humbly beg to take in consideration our poor circumstances, it 
has been pleased to grant ten of the poor widows occasioned by the enemy, the Legis- 
lature by the session of last spring, some provision where Peter Tygert, Esq., should 
have the charge of, we never have got anything yet until this moment, and have 
spended the chief parts of our clothes and effects for the maintenance of our farailys. 

We therefore humbly beg to order this provision to be issued to us by Peter Tygert, 
Esq., to be forwarded so that we may in our distress be supported. Then further, 
since the petition of us has been grant four other families have shared the same fate 
with us and Catharine Demood, Anna Colsh, Catharine Reigel and Anna Lents, where 
two of their husbands had been killed and two taken prisoners. 

1 Samuel Earl's papers. 
28 



218 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

So we humbly beg to grant us some support wberefore we shall ever pray and call 
ourselCs your honours' most obedient humble servants. 

Fort Dayton, March .'id, 1787. 

Elizabeth Ayres, Catharine Rinhill, 

Catharine Demood, Stbilla Dinis, 

Eva Keller, Anna Colsh, 

Ijertrand Steinway, Margareth Olementz, 

Catharine Reigel, Maria Skikk, 

Susan Otd, Anna Lentz, 

Maroareth Brown, Magdalein Snek.' 

Nicholas Feller, who has already been mentioned as receiving a lot 
in the division under Gertrude Petry's deed, and who also had posses- 
sion of a tract in German Flats, was assigned lot No. 7, lowland and up- 
land, on the north side of the river. The upland lot was, according to 
the late Samuel Earl, " the house place and is the next lot cast of the 
paper-mill in the village of Herkimer. There he lived and died. He 
made his will in 1734, one of the witnesses to which was John Jost Petri, 
his nearest neighbor, then living on the adjoining lot No. 8, whereon 
stands the paper-mill of Messrs. Miller & Churchill. In his will he 
gives his lot to his daughter, Maria Elizabeth, wife of George Hilts. 
The lot was afterwards owned by George Hilts's son, Nicholas Hilts, and 
he was succeeded by his son, George Hilts, who died in 1857." This is 
one of the few lots that remained in possession of descendants of the 
original holder until very recent years. Another lot that may be men- 
tioned as remaining in the family during a number of succeeding gener- 
ations was that of the Doxtaders, about a mile west of the court-house on 
the turnpike, lot No. 20. On this lot John Doxtader, father of Frede- 
rick, was wounded by the Indians in August, 17S0, while at work with 
his brothers on the lowlands near the river. Frederick Doxtader lived 
to a great age, and the lot passed to his daughter, wife of Alexander M. 
Gray, who occupied it. 

Before the War of the Revolution Dr. William Petry- purchased lot 
No. 1 1, lowland and upland. On the southerly end of the upland stands 
the Samuel Earl homestead, which is still in possession of the family. 
William Smith, also, still occupies the home of his ancestors. Members 
of the Smith and Shell families occupied until recent years the farms on 

' Samuel Earl's papers. 

' For sketch of Dr. Petry see Chapter on the Medical Profession, 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 219 

the east side of the West Canada Creek where their ancestors lived and 
died. 

The original Jacob Wever drew lot No. lo in the Burnetsfield assign- 
ment ; the upland lot, upon which he settled and lived, is at the head 
of Main street, in the village. After his death it passed to his sons, 
Peter and George Jacob, the latter getting the western half This land 
remained with members of the family until recent years. 

The emigration into the county after the Revolution took place chiefly 
between 1785 and 1800, and consisted largely of shrewd New Eng- 
landers. Between this Yankee element and the German settlers there 
was considerable rivalry and antagonism for some years, but ultimately 
the former became dominant, and the Germans gradually relinquished 
the conduct of affairs and supremacy in manufacturing and commercial 
matters. Brief sketches of a few of the settlers follow : 

Henry Ellison came into Herkimer soon after the county was created 
and settled on the West Canada Creek, some miles north of the village, 
where he engaged in farming and tanning. He was an intelligent, pro- 
gressive man and occupied several positions of trust ; was presidential 
elector in 1836, and held minor offices. He died at his home leaving 
an ample estate to his posterity. 

Dan Chapman was a native of Connecticut and came into the county 
at an early period, settling at the Stone Ridge in the village, where he 
engaged in mercantile pursuits and afterwards adopted the legal pro- 
fession He was admitted to the bar previous to 1804, was appointed 
surrogate in 1803, re-appointed in 1808, and held the office until 1816. 
He removed to Oneida county about 1820. 

Joab Griswold settled at Herkimer village, coming from Connecticut, 
his native State, early in the history of this county. He was an active 
politician and for his services in the Federal party was given the office 
of county clerk in March, 1798, which he held six years. Although a 
lawyer by profession, Mr. Griswold followed farming while he lived at 
Herkimer. Some of his descendants lived in Herkimer many years 
after the death of their ancestor. 

Elihu Griswold was a member of the medical profession, but did not 
follow it after he settled in Herkimer before the beginning of the pres- 
ent century. He was appointed county clerk in April, 1804, and held 



220 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the office six years; was superseded, but reappointed in i8ll and held 
the office until his death in i8i2. He was succeeded by hisson-in law, 
Aaron Hackley, jr. Mr. Griswold was born in Herkimer August 17, 
1756, and Idied here January 12, 1812. He was educated and accom- 
plished ; a man of energy of character, courteous, generous and social. 

Philo M. Hackley was a native of Connecticut, and came with his 
father, Aaron Hackley, to the town of Salisbury in 1795. Philo re- 
moved within a few years to Herkimer village and engaged in mercan- 
tile operations, which he continued nearly twenty years. He was an 
honorable and high-minded man ; was a Federalist in politics and be- 
longed to that energetic and " talented body of men who early estab- 
lished themselves at the county seat, and during several years exerted 
a potent influence in the county." ^ He was appointed surrogate 
of the county in 1807, but a political revolution displaced him in the 
following year; was appointed sheriff in 1810, but another change re- 
moved him from that office. At the spring election of 18 19 he was 
chosen member of Assembly, with James Orton and Jacob Markel!, 
" three old fashioned and highly respected Federalists." Mr. Hackley 
lived several years in Little Falls and died in Michigan, whither he had 
removed. 

Henry Hopkins was one of the early merchants of Herkimer. He 
came hither at an early day; was appointed sheriff in 18 13, held the 
office two years, and in 1815 was elected to the Assembly; was a can- 
didate in 1816, but was defeated. He died at Herkimer in 1827. 

Michael Myers has been mentioned in connection with the history of 
this town. He was a native of New Jersey, and of German descent. 
He was not of the original Palatine emigrants, but his ancestors may 
have been among those who came here in 1722. He was wounded at 
Johnstown in 1781, and was then about twenty-eight years of age. 
Upon the organization of the county courts he was appointed one of 
the judges and a justice of the peace in February, 1791, and was sev- 
eral times reappointed ; was elected the first member of Assembly 
after the erection of the county and re- elected the following year. He 
was elected to the Senate in 1795 and served four years, and was for 
many years a prominent and influential politician in Herkimer county. 

' Judge Benton's writings. 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 221 

He was a man of great energy and acquired a large fortune. He died 
at Herkimer February 17, 18 14, at the age of sixty-one years, leaving 
numerous descendants. Peter M. Myers, appointed county clerk in 
1 8 10, was a son, and he also left descendants in the county. 

Ephraim Snow lived and died at Herkimer village. He came from 
Connecticut some time before 1800 ; was appointed sheriff in 1806 and 
held the office only one year. He was a respected citizen. 

Chauncey Woodruff was a Herkimer merchant for many years. He 
was appointed sheriff of the county after its erection, under date of 
March 19, 1798, and held the office by reappointment until 1802. He 
died in Herkimer in 1810. 

Sketches of many other residents of the town will be found in cliap- 
ters relating to the legal and medical professions. 

For a few years succeeding the opening of the Erie Canal the out- 
look for growth in the village and town of Herkimer was not very 
promising ; but a few years later, when the Utica and Schenectady 
Railroad passed directly through the village, and the construction of 
the hydraulic canal was consummated, Herkimer seemed destined to 
take its proper place as one of the leading towns of Central New York. 
The farming community promptly and energetically entered upon the 
dairy industry and soon placed the town well up among the foremost in 
the manufacture of cheese and butter. 

The opening of the Herkimer and Poland Narrow Gauge Railroad 
in 1 88 1 brought down to the village a considerable volume of northern 
trade, adding its strength to the welfare of the village ; and this road, 
now just transformed into a first class railroad, extending directly across 
the northern part of the State, is surely destined to add greatly to the 
wealth and growth of this town and village. 

Following is a list of supervisors of Herkimer, with date of their 
incumbency : 

Henry Staring, 1789, '90; John Porteous, 1791-95; Chauncey Woodrufi, 1796, '97; 
Jacob Griswold, 1798; John Meyer, 1799, 1800 ; Matthias B. Talmadge, 1801 ; Evans 
Wharry, 1802, '03 ; Ellihu Griswold, 1804, '05 ; Jost D. Petrie, 1806-09, 1816 ; Eben 
Britton, 1810; John McCombs, 1811-13 ; Winsor Manard, 1814, '15; Philo M. Hack- 
ley, 1817-19; Jacob Small, 1820-25; Jacob N. Petrie, 1826, '27; Frederick P. Bell- 
inger, 1828-32, 1835, 1848; James B. Hunt, 1833, '34; Aaron Hackley, 1836, '37; 
Nicholas Smith, 1838; Frederick Dockstader, 1839; Ezra Graves, 1840, '41 ; Alex- 



222 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

anderM. Gray, 1842, '43, 1862-66; Peter C. Helmer. 1844; Robert Ethridge, 1845, 
'40; E. H. Williams, 1847; Robert Earl, 1849, 1861 ; Frederick A. Helmer, 1850, '51; 
Peter Countryman, 1852 ; John D. Spinner, 1853 ; Charles Spmner, 1854-58 ; Marcus 
W. Rasbach, 18G9, 1881-83, 1891 ; James A. Suiter, 1860, 1872; William Smith, 1867, 
'68; C. C. Witherstine, 1869-71, 1878; Erwin A. Munson, 1873; George P. Folts, 
1874; Clinton Beckwith, 1875; George W. Smith, 1876; Joab Small, 1877; Henry 
AlDeimel, 1879, '80, 1885; J. Horatio Huyck, 1884; Lewis B. Jones, 1886, '87; Adam 
J.Smith, 1888, '89: WiUiam B. Howell, 1890; William Horrocks, 1892. 

THE VILLAGE OF HERKIMER. 

The village of Herkimer is the oldest in the county, and was incor- 
porated April 6, 1807, Geneva, Cooperstown and Utica then being the 
only villages west of Herkimer, and the two former antedated Herki- 
mer by only a few days. The population at the date of incorporation 
was probably about 300. In 1820 it was 547 ; in 1872, 2,000, and at 
the present time about 4,000. 

The village records as they exist at present begin at the year 1841, 
since which time the following presidents have been chosen : 

1841-44, C. Kathern; 1845, Ezra Graves; 1846, Peter F. Bellinger; 1847, Christian 
F. Spinner; 1848-50, C. A. Burton; 1851, '52, A. H. Laflin ; 1853, Charles Spinner; 
1854, J. D. Spinner; 1855, A. M. Gray; 1856-8. George W. Pine ; 1859, Samuel Earl ; 
1860, George W. Pine ; 1861. Byron Laflin ; 1862, '63, Wm. H. Barter ; 1864, B. Laflin ; 
1865, Robert Earl; 1866, William Smith; 1867, Jeremiah L. Haner; 1868, D. J. 
Curtiss: 1869, George W. Pine; 1870, J. G. Bellinger; 1871, George P. Folts; 1872, 
J. D. Spinner; 1873, William Smith ; 1874, D. M. Devendorf ; 1875, A. T. Freeman ; 
1876, J. D. Henderson ; 1877, Clinton Beckwith ; 1878, 79, H. M. P. Uhlee ; 1880, C. R. 
Snell; 1881, Clinton Beckwith; 1882, J. H. Huyck; 1883, J. D. Henderson; 1884, '89, 
Harvey Huyck; 1886, John D. Moore; 1887, Wm. B. Howell ; 1888, Charles G. Grosve- 
nor; 1889, L. B. Jones; 1890, '91, A. B. Steele; 1892, William Witherstine. 

In the year 1841 the village was small and few improvements had 
been made. There were no sidewalks, or almost none, except gravel, 
and the streets were mere graded roads. In that year $1 1.50 was paid 
for rental of the lot on which the engine-house stood. But the village 
had a brass band in those days, and a subscription paper is on record 
in 1842, showing that more than $150 was subscribed for the purchase 
of instruments. From about 1850 onward improvements in streets and 
sidewalks and the opening of new streets progressed rapidly. 

The usual provisions were made in early years for protection from 
fire, in which all citizens were required to share ; but it was not until 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 223 

one or two destructive fires occurred that thorough effort was made for 
the organization and eqiupment of a company. Those fires were the 
one of 1834, which destroyed the old Reformed church, the court- 
house and other structures, and that in 1838, which burned nearly all 
of the north half of the block where now stands the Waverly Hotel and 
the opera-house. In early years all owners of buildings were re- 
quired to keep a certain number of buckets on their premises, the num- 
ber based upon the size and height of the buildings. It is not now 
known just when the first engine was provided ; but a new one was 
purchased on June i, 1841, and among those who soon afterward were 
made firemen were the following: 

James Trumbly, Henry Clark, David Weber, Asa G. Kelsey, William Howell, jr., 
Michael SchafFner, jr., Gideon Dodge. Albert Webb, James A. Suiter, David P. Crosby, 
Philander A. Ford, Jeremiah Petrie and Charles W. Swift. 

A few months later the following were constituted Fire Company 
No. i: 

George Lake, Harvey Huyck, Gaylord Griswold, Philander A. Ford, Charles H. 
Hopkins, Gideon Dodge, Thomas Fetterly, Henry Clark, James Trumbly, Christian F. 
Spinner, Asa G. Kelsey, John P. De GraflT, Warren Caswell, jr., Benjamin Harter, 
Jeremiah Petrie, William Look, David Weber, William F. Hayes, Franklin Draper, 
Charles W. Swift, William Howell, jr., Alonzo B. Benedict, William F. Smith and 
Humphrey Williams, jr. 

At the next meeting of the trustees the following persons were ap- 
pointed firemen to Engine Company No. 2, viz. : 

Alexander M. Gray, Charles Spinner, James Hoffman, Peter L Lepper, Hubbard H. 
Morgan, Smith Colyer, Grant Davis, Albert S. Howell, Alonzo Hall, Henry Shaw, 
James Dolan, Hiram Campbell, George M. Harter, Charles Smith, David Bowers, John 
Bowers, Samuel Earl, Harvey H. Lewis, William Weber, 

Late in the same year a hook and ladder company was formed, of 
which the first members were : 

Nathan Esterbrooks, Joseph Bowers, Kellogg Hubbard, Willard A. Gray, Alfred P. 
Peck, Frederick A. Helmer, William A. Caswell, Peter F. Bellinger, John Vincent, 
Mark Batchelder, and William B. Houghton. 

There was a reorganization of the department in 1866, and $300 were 
raised " for equipping the late reorganized fire department." Under 
the stimulus of a destructive fire in 1S75, the department was again re- 
organized and steps taken to purchase a steam fire engine. Previous 



224 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

to this time and for many j-ears, the "Conqueror" engine and com- 
pany had served the village and was the only company^here. After 
the great fire this company was reorganized with the other changes, 
and it continued in active service until a few years since, when the 
completion of the public waterworks rendered it comparatively useless, 
and the company was disbanded. 

The steamer purchased in 1876 was of the Button make and has 
proved in the eflficient hands of the company one of the most powerful 
machines ever built. It is called Fort Dayton Steamer No. 2. The 
first officers of the company were : 

Isaac Mason, foreman; Joseph Palmer, first assistant foreman; W. H. Wilson, sec- 
ond assistant foreman; L. A. Lawton, secretary; H. A. Marckres, treasurer; H. M 
Qnackenbush, engineer. 

This steamer has for three years past held the state championship. 
The present officers of the company are as follow : 

Byron D. Small, foreman ; Charles P. Warburton, first assistant foreman ; Jacob 
Ackler, second assistant foreman; Edward Small, president; Thomas H. Allen, vice- 
president ; Albert Putnam, .secretary ; Albert Ertman, treasurer. 

Active Hook and Ladder company (now Excelsior) was first organ- 
ized July 28, 1874, with the following charter members: 

W. C. Stewart, J. V. Mallery, Charles A. Paul, William W. Barse, John H. Dresher, 
M. M. Draper, Howard C. Harter, James A. Clark, and John D. Moore. The officers 
were: Charles A. Paul, foreman; John H. Dresher, first assistant; Howard C. Harter, 
second assistant; W. C. Stewart, secretary; John D.Moore, treasurer. 

After organization the company removed to the old Conqueror (now 
Fort Dayton) engine-house and took charge of the old hand engine, 
continuing in that capacity until 1875, when they dropped the name of 
Active Engine Company No. 2, and took the name of Active Hose 
Company. In June, 1877, a hook and ladder truck was purchased and 
placed in their charge. The present officers of the company are : 

President, William Witherstine ; vice-president, William H. Whitmore; foreman, 
John D. Moore ; first assistant foreman, George W. Nellis, jr. ; second assistant fore- 
man, John Bowman; secretary, Thomas A. Byrnes; financial secretary, Irving Lynch; 
treasurer, William G. Smith. 

Fort Dayton Hose Company No. 2 was organized September 22, 
1875, when the steamer was purchased, and was incorporated Decem- 
ber 7, 1875. The first officers were : 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 225 

Foreman, George Susholz; first assistant, E. A. Brown; second assistant, A. B. 
Steele; secretary, W. C. Prescott; treasurer, W. C. Stewart. 

Tlie company now consists of twenty-eight members, and has the 
following officers : 

Thomas W. Grosvenor, foreman ; W. H. Bencliley, first assistant; M. A. Deimel, 
second assistant ; Cliarles W. Prescott, secretary ; Glen P. Munson, treasurer. 

The public supply of water to the village is owned and controlled by 
the village authorities and consists (1892) of fifty- two driven wells, 
from which pure and wholesome water is pumped and supplied in pipes 
by the Holly system. The supply was installed in 1888, at a cost of 
over $60,000. The money was raised on bonds of the village. 

For a considerable period after the close of the late war Herkimer 
village was especially progressive. New streets were rapidly opened, 
sidewalks multiplied, the fire department, as before explained, was in- 
creased, and general extension and prosperity prevailed. In 1875 the 
village adopted the act of 1870 for the incorporation of villages, giving 
the authorities broader powers. The police force as at present consti- 
tuted was organized in 1887, with Sylvester Wilson as chief He was 
succeeded by the present official, John T. Manion. There are two uni- 
formed patrolmen. 

The receipts from the various funds for the year ending March i, 
1892, were as follows: Ordinary fund, $8,013.73; highway fund, 
$6,(59.42 ; electric light (on hand February 18), $1,885 H ! police and 
fire, $5,721.78 — a total of $21,780.04. The village has no debt, ex- 
cepting the bonds for water and lights. 

Following are the village officers for 1892 : President, William Witherstine ; trustees, 
J. D. Moore, Lewis Turnier, Jacob G. Bellinger, James H. Walrad, Robert Barl 2d, 
C. D. West. Police Justice, E. B. Mitchell. Marshal Rice, chief of fire department. 
Police and Fire Commissioners, Charles Bell, Dr. Cyrus Kay, W. P. Munson, C. R. Snell. 
C. C. Spinner is secretary, and W. I. Taber, treasurer of the Light and Water Commis- 
sion. 

THE CHURCHES OF HERKIMER. 

It is not known precisely when the first church was built on the 
north side of the river in the limits of this county ; but it was previous 
to 1757. The stone church on the south side was already erected, as 

29 



226 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

appears in the history of tlie town of German Flats. "Although at 
that time the inhabitants in this valley were few and could not have ex- 
ceeded eight or ten hundred on both sides of the river, yet there were 
good reasons for having two church edifices. At times, and especially 
in the spring of the year, it was impossible for the people to go from 
one side of the river to the other, on account of the floods, and as the 
people were a church- going people, there was a necessity for a place of 
worship on both sides, so that at such times as they could not all meet 
at one place, they could meet in separate places for worship. And in 
the absence of their clergyman, some one of the congregation would 
read service. Dr. William Petry was often called upon to do this, and 
so was John Christian Shell, the hero of Shell's Bush and the Chevalier 
Bayard among the people. In the absence of the clergyman it is said 
that Dr. Petry published his own bans. He was married in 1766."' 
The ample evidence of the existence of the church on the north side of 
the river, and where the present Reformed church now stands, on Main 
street, exists in the following old German document (translated by the 
late John P. Spinner) which reads as follows : 

" Germanflats, August 20, 1770. 
I, on the end undersigned, testify hereby that I have given an acre of land for a 
High Dutch Reformed church on the stone ridge ; but whereas, the church, with all its 
writings, in the devastation of this place by the Indians anno 1757, in an unfortunate 
manner has been burned away; and whereas, I have this land wherein this acre lies 
transferred to my son, Dietrich, and the same likewise did precede me to eternity, I 
John Jost Petrie, testify that the oldest son of the deceased Dietrich must give other 
writings as soon as the same comes to his years, and a new church, with my consent, 
on the same acre of land build again. Such do I attest with my own hand and seal. 

his 
John Jost x Petkie. [l. s.] 
In presence mark 

Marcus Pptrie. 

This first church in the village was burned in 1757 and another built 
on the same site. 2 The latter was burned in 1834, and the present brick 
edifice erected on the site. 

■ Samuel Earl's writings, 1876. 

'^ The great difference between the social habits of that early period and those of the present are 
shown in the toUowing account rendered by a committee appointed by the church to go to Albany 
and transact some business in lyg; : 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 227 

Important clianges took place in this church during the ministry of 
Rev. John P. Spinner (1801-1841), owing largely to the gradual acces- 
sions to the Yankee element in the population. "The New England 
influence was asserting itself, and presently a style of doctrine and a 
form of worship were required that should be more in accord with New 
England, or perhaps we should say, with American ideas. To the 
descendants of the Puritans and to those in general who came of 
English stock, and who were beginning now to settle here and else- 
where throughout the county in considerable numbers, the German 
service and the prevailing customs and usages of the German people 
were not at all congenial. Besides, the English language was coming 
more and more into general use, so that some change in the manage- 
ment or at least in the mode of conducting ecclesiastical affairs, was 
rendered necessary by the changed condition of the church and of the 
community. Add to this the fact of Mr. Spinner's opposition to new 
men and measures and the feeling of estrangement which had sprung 
up to some extent from other causes, even among his old German 
parishioners, and the result may be easily accounted for In 1827 the 
old pastor was led through stress of circumstances to abandon his pul- 
pit for a time and maintain himself in some other way than by the 
ministrations of the gospel." ^ Mr. Spinner's absence at length attracted 
the attention of the classis, and he was cited before that body, where he 
was exonerated from blame in the matter. The resolutions of the classis 
were accompanied by wholesome advice to both pastor and people, and 
the church work was soon resumed. But strange to say it was soon 
afterwards resolved by the consistory that a subscription paper be cir- 

1797- 

Feb'y 7— To liquors at different places, £><^ 4 o 

8 Paid John Fonday for 3 sup., 3 quarts cider, 3 lodgings & ^ gill gin o lo 6 

9 Paid Johnson, Schenectady, i grog, i lodging, i supper, i glass bitters, 7 I 6 and 

stage to Albany S I o 15 o 

To and in Albany, 2 dinners, I glass punch - o g o 

To cash paid Barber the printer 3 .^ o 

To cash paid Myers for getting the papers from New York 080 

From loth to 16th included, to sundries in liquors 080 

To 7X day's boarding and liquors at Crane's, in Albany, as per receipt.. 5 11 o 

To bread and cheese for on the way home, 2 I. Liquors to Schenectady 046 

At Alsober's, .Schenectady, for liquors and lodgings 030 

To expenses in liquors from Schenectady to home 070 

J History of the Reformed church at Herkimer, by Rev. H. M. Co.x. 



^28 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtJNTlf. 



f 



culated for the support, not only of Rev. Mr. Spinner, but also of tlie 
Rev. Henrj M. Snyder. (Mr. Snyder had preached in the pulpit dur- 
ing part of the absence of Mr. Spinner, and was not in favor with the 
latter.) In other words, an effort was to be made to unite the German 
and the English speaking elements in one congregation. This action 
was taken in 1830. Prior to that, however, a second Reformed church 

had been organized, with 
the view of meeting the 
needs of that portion of the 
community that could not 
understand the German 
tongue. It was incorpo- 
rated August 21, 1824, un- 
der the title of " Tlie Uni- 
ted Dutch Church of Herki- 
mer and German Flats." 
This society existed until 
1833, and was served during 
that period by Revs. Sam- 
uel Center, Isaac S. Ketch- 
um, J. Boyd, J. Morris and 
J H. Pitcher. 

After the burning of the 
church in 1834 the congre- 
gation worshiped about a 
year in the village school- 
house, while the present 
building was in course of 
erection. The first sale of 

^ I pews in the new church oc- 

. curred on February 5, 1835 ; 

_ . . j, I'.vRNKD Jan. 25, 1S34. ■' -" -'-' ' 

but the church soon found 
itself in straitened circumstances, while the old controversies w^hich had 
led to the organization of the second church continued to come to the 
surface. This led to a kind of reorganization and active efforts to re- 
lieve and preserve the church. Many members of the disbanded society 




,£EfcEir 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 229 

pledged their co-operation to the new movement, which included a 
provision for employing a second minister to preach in the English 
language. The result was the engagement of Rev. James Murphy, 
then of Manheim, who remained as colleague of Mr. Spinner from 1837 
to 1842. During his pastorate, which continued alone after 1842 until 
1849, the church was furnished, a bell purchased, and other improve- 
ments made. In 1838 the church officers resolved to erect a consist- 
ory house to cost $250. This amount proving insufficient, $400 were 
expended for the purpose and the building was erected. 

After four years of experience with the two pastors it was seen that 
the expense was more than the members could bear, and steps were 
taken to make a change. This was opposed by Mr. Spinner. At the 
same time negotiations were opened for a dissolution of the relations 
which had so long existed between the churches at Herkimer and 
German Flats, which was accomplished on the 26th of April, 1841. 
After that date Mr. Spinner confined his attention almost wholly to the 
church at Fort Herkimer. 

" In 1875 the interior of the church building was remodeled at an ex- 
pense of about $7,000, and we owe it mainly to the enterprise and 
liberality of Mr. Consaul that the money for that purpose was obtained 
and the work accomplished which has ever since afforded so much com- 
fort and satisfaction to those who worship within these courts."^ 

The Reformed church is now in a prosperous condition, with a 
thriving Sunday school. Following is a list of its pastors with the 
dates showing their terms of service : 

Rev. Abraham Rosekrants, 1765-9G; Rev. D. Christian A. Pick, 1798-1800; Rev. 
John Peter Spinner, 1801-41 ; Rev. James Murphey, D. D., 1837-42 as colleague of 
Mr. Spinner, and 1843-49; Rev. Cornelius S. Mead, 1849-59; Rev. Hugh Brodie Gard- 
ner, 1860-64 ; Rev. Jeremiah Petrie, 1864-68, as stated supply ; Rev. Gansevoort D. 
W. Consaul, 1869-77 ; Rev. Ralph Watson Brokaw, 1877-82 ; Rev. Henry Miller Cox, 
1882-91; Rev. John G. Gebhard, November, 1891. 

Following are the officers of the church : 

Elders. Henry Churchill, Clarence L. Avery, Abram S. Brush, Edwin B. Mitchell ; 
deacons, Clinton M. Batchelder, George Hessler, John Gettley, Charles H. Burrell, 
Charles B. Morris, George Henderson. 

' Rev. Mr. Cox's history of the church. 



230 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — Methodism in Herkimer dates back to 
1827, when the first class was formed by Revs. John Ercanback and 
Calvin Hawley, who were then preaching in the Herkimer circuit. In 
September, 1832, a legal organization was effected by the election of 
Abijah Osborne (one of the first members), Warren Caswell and 
W. Usher, as trustees. The name was " The Methodist Episcopal 
Church in the Village of Herkimer." This name was changed in 1865 
to "The First Methodist Episcopal Church in the Village of Herkimer." 
The first permanent church edifice was built in 1839, at a cost of 
$1,300, and served its purpose until 1872, when a larger church be- 
came a necessity. The old house, corner of Washington and Green 
streets, was sold to the Catholics, and a building committee was ap- 
pointed consisting of Hon. Warner Miller, chairman ; Zenas Green, 
secretary ; George P. Folts, Charles Barse, lilisha Washburne, Berth- 
waite Patrick, Aaron Snell, Spellman Falk, and Joseph Folts. Under 
their direction and through the generous liberality of the people the 
present beautiful brick church was erected at a cost of $39,000. The 
corner-stone was laid in June, 1873, and the church was dedicated 
April 23, 1874. The following pastors have served the church : 

Joliii Ercanback and Calvin Hawley, 1827 and 1828; Jonathan Worthing and D. H. 
Kingsley, 1829; Jonathan Worthing and Earl Fuller, 1830; Henry Halslead, 1831: 
Allen H. Tilton and Darius Simons, 1832; J. Puffer, H. Chapin and B. Mason, 1833; 
H. Chapin, 1834; E. Wheeler, 1835 and 1836; E. Whipple, 1837 ; Charles H. Austin. 
1838 and 1839; Franklin Hawkins and Stephen H. Fenton, 1840; Eleazer Whipjile 
and A. Blackman, 1841 ; George C. Woodruff, 1842 ; David Chidester and John Thomas, 
1843; John Slee and R . Lewis, 1844 j John Slee, 1845; Jesse Penfield, 1S46 and 1847; 
James E. Downing, 1848 and 1849; EUjah Smith, 1850; Ward I. Hunt, 1851; D. 
Barnard. 1852; J. H. Lamb, 1853 and 1854 ; J. Billings, 1855; C. H. Austin, 1856 and 
1857; James Wells, 1858 and 1859; B. L Diefendorf, 1860; Daniel Fulford, 1801 and 
1862; S. E. Brown, 1863 and 1864; Charles Baldwin, 1865 and 1866 ; William Jones, 
1867-69; Charles T. Moss, 1870 and 1871 ; W. R. Cobb, 1872 and 1873; W. F. Mark- 
ham, 1874-70; S. 0. Barnes, 1877 and 1878-9; W. Dempster Chase, 1880-82 ; Horace 
M. Danforth, 1882-85; Isaac S. Bingham, 1886-91; and Wm. C. Davidson, the present 
pastor. The church membership is nearly 500. 

In connection with this may be properly mentioned the " George P. 
Folts Training School, for home and foreign mission work," which is to 
some extent an outgrowth of this church. Through a generous gift of 
George P. Folts this school is founded at a cost of $45,000, and a hand- 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 231 

some building erected in 1892, for the accommodation of about forty 
students, a matron, servants, etc., with conveniences for boarding all 
the inmates. Tlie board of trustees is chosen by the Northern New 
York Conference, and the school is held by them in trust for the church. 
Tuition is free and members of any sect are admitted. 

Protestant Episcopal Church. — On the 26th of January, 1833, a meet- 
ing was held in the school-house and articles of incorporation signed 
for the organization of an Episcopal church in Herkimer. Andrew A. 
Bartow and Frederick Bellinger were chosen wardens, and John Brown, 
Robert Shoemaker, Elias Root, Ira Backus, Flavel Clark, James B. 
Hunt, Simeon Ford and James Ferman, vestrymen. The name of" St. 
Luke's Church, German Flats," was adopted. A futile attempt was 
made to erect a church at the Flats, between the two villages, and the 
society finally united with others in building a union church at Mohawk, 
which was subsequently transferred to the Presbyterians. Services 
were then begun in Herkimer and a new organization was substituted 
for the old one. On the 23d of March, 1839, a meeting was held, 
articles of incorporation were signed and the following officers chosen : 

Andrew A. Bartow and Matthew Myers, wardens ; Charles Kathern, Erwin A. Mun- 
son, Bloomfield Usher, Theodore A. Griswold, Benjamin Barter, Homer Caswell, An- 
son Hall and Robert Ethridge, vestrymen. 

The name adopted was " Christ's Church, Herkimer." Services were 
held for several years in the court-house, in the Methodist church and 
elsewhere. Land was secured and a beginning made to erect a church 
on the site of the Catholic church; but this was given up and a lot 
taken on the corner of Mary and Prospect streets. Here a corner- 
stone was laid by Bishop Onderdonk and a building partly erected ; but 
embarrassments again stopped the work. A new organization was 
effected February 20, 1854, at a meeting presided over by Rev. Owen 
P. Thackara. Byron Laflin and Samuel Earl were chosen wardens, and 
Hubbard H. Morgan, William Howell, jr., Benjamin F.Brooks, Beek- 
man Johnson, George \V. Thompson, Jacob Spooner, Charles Kathern, 
and Elkanah T. Cleland, vestrymen. The former title was retained and 
ground was purchased for a building on July 10, 1854, corner of Main 
and German streets. A contract was made with Alexander Underwood 
for the building of a chapel. The building was consecrated on the 4th 



232 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

of October, 1855, by Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, bishop of the diocese of 
New York, During this period the parish was under charge of Rev. O. 
P. Thaclora, a missionary for the section which embraced this locality. 
During the latter part of his charge he stationed Rev. I. N. Fairbanks 
over this parisli. Mr. Thackara established a large boarding and day 
school, with several teachers. In October, 1857, he resigned his charge 
of this district and shortly afterwards Mr. Fairbanks withdrew. The 
Rev. Marcus N. Perry was then engaged as minister and remained un- 
til October 10, 1858. There were then only thirteen communicants. 
On the 29th of November, 1858, the Rev. J. M. Hedges was called to 
the rectorship and remained until 1861, when he was succeeded on the 
17th of March by Rev. Edward Pidsley. He resigned in the latter 
part of 1862, and Rev. Mr. Hedges, who then lived in Herkimer, offici- 
ated once in two weeks. In September, 1864, Rev. H. G. Wood became 
the rector and during his term of service a school- house and a rectory 
were built adjoining the church. March 8, 1871, Rev. J. D. Morrison 
was called to the church, and was succeeded in August, 1875, by Rev. 
William Bogert Walker, who remained until October, 1S84. The pres- 
ent rector. Rev. Charles C. Edwards, assumed charge of the parish 
January i, 1885. 

Soon after Mr. Edwards's installation a movement was started for 
the building of a new church. On the 1st of July, 1886, the lot on the 
corner of Main and Mary streets was purchased for $5,500. Active 
measures for raising funds were adopted and in August, 1888, the 
vestry ordered the erection of the present edifice after plans by R. W. 
Gibson, of New York. The corner-stone was laid October 1st, 1888, 
and the church was consecrated November 7, 1889. The rectory is a 
part of the church building. This is one of the finest small churches in 
Central New York and cost about $35,000, all of which has been paid. 
Its memorial windows are not surpassed anywhere, two of them costing 
about $2,500, while the interior arrangement of the building is a model 
of harmony and beauty. 

St. Francis de Sales Church. — In October, 1874, tlie Roman Catho- 
lic families of the town, numbering about thirty, joined in the purchase 
of the churcli building on Washington street, formerly occupied by the 
Methodists. It was dedicated on the 9th of June, 1875, ^y Rev. Francis 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 233 

McNierney, bishop of Albany, and given its present name. An addi- 
tion was made of forty-two feet in the rear in 1888, for the accommo- 
dation of the growing membership, which is now about 140 families. 
The parsonage was purchased in 1890. The founder of the church was 
Rev. William Howard, then of Ilion, who remained and faithfully 
worked for the upbuilding of his church until 1885, when he was suc- 
ceeded by the present pastor, Rev. J. H. Halpin. Under his effective 
administration the church is flourishing. 

First Baptist Church. — While for a great many years the Baptist 
sect was not numerous in Herkimer, yet there were representatives in 
the town who attended, as a rule, the church at Mohawk. In recent 
years the church at that village declined, which led to the organization 
of a society in Herkimer. This took place on the 17th of February, 
1888, the persons organizing being Dr. E. G. Kern, Alonzo Rust, 
William Goodall, Edgar L. Jackson, and their wives, and Mrs. Mary 
Robinson and her daughter Electa. The first preaching was by George 
B. Lawson, as a supply, while he studied at Hamilton College. Nor- 
man Burd was ordained here and preached as the first regular pastor 
one year. The next pastor was Charles B. Alden, who preached one 
year, while continuing his college studies. The present pastor. Rev. 
W. D. Lukens, came to the church on the 1st of January, 1892. Pre- 
vious to the erection of the church the services were held in the court- 
house and the Y. M. C. A. rooms. The church was erected and dedi- 
cated on the 17th of February, 1890 Its value is about $5,000. The 
present deacons are A. Rust, William Goodall. Superintendent of the 
Sunday-school, E. G. Kern. The membership of the church is seventy- 
three. 

Free Methodist Church. — This society was organized in 1881, the 
first pastor being Rev. George Storer. Pastors who have since supplied 
the church have been the Revs. L. H. Robinson, D. J. Santmyre, Mr. 
Carpenter, L. H. Robinson, Mr. Warren, M. S. Babcock, G. S. Coons 
and T. C. Givens. The church is situated on Liberty street, and was 
erected in 1885. The church membership is fifty-two. 

Schools of Herkimer. — Little is known at the present time of the 
very early schools ; but intelligent readers are familiar with the general 
common school system of the State in early times, and the disad- 

iO 



234 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

vantages surrounding tliose who attempted to secure even a simple 
English education. The first school in the village of Herkimer is said 
to have been taught by a man named Robinson. In the year 1836 the 
meager school accommodations became insufficient, and to meet the 
difficulty a brick school-house was erected on Washington street on the 
site of the present commodious and beautiful Union school building. 
This building served its purpose until 1878, when the present building 
was erected, at a cost, with its appurtenances, of $17,500. Previous to 
1865 the schools were common district schools, but in that year the 
union free school system came into operation. In 1878, when the new 
building was first occupied, a graded school was established. 

Benjamin F. Miller was employed as principal, and the trustees were 
Zenas Green, Ward P. Munson, and Hienry Churchill. Seward D. 
Allen was principal from January, 1880, until H. R. Jolley assumed 
the position in 1882. He was succeeded by Erastus Crosby in 1884, 
and the present principal, A. G. Miller, came in 1887. 

In 1888 a new brick school building was erected in the south di- 
vision, corner of Smith and South Washington streets, at a cost of about 
$16,000. The first school was held there in September of that year. 
Two rooms are also leased in outside buildings for school purposes. 
The present board of trustees are, Ward P. Munson, president ; William 
Witherstine, and E B. Mitchell. Following are the names of the 
teachers for 1892 : 

High School, A. G. Miller, principal; Jean Du Bois, first assistant; Jessie A. Beach, 
second assistant. Grammar School, Margaret Lynch, Finette Bigelow. Intermediate 
Schools — North Division, Alice Baldwin, Clorinda Otis; South Division, Madge Tiiger. 
Primary Schools — North Division, Nellie Enos, Mary E. L3'nch, Nellie S. Kent ; 
South Division, Madge Burns, Emma Lansing, Lina 0. Holmes. Sadie Littlejohn and 
Frances Wilson are also primary teachers employed by the board. 

MANUFACTURES. 

We have already alluded to some of the early mills, asheries, etc., of 
Herkimer. Besides the usual shops of the blacksmith, the wagonmaker, 
the shoemaker, and the tinner, who were for many years to be found in 
most hamlets, there was very little manufacturing in the county for 
a long time after its settlement, if we exclude the saw-mills and grist- 



'town of HERKIMER. 235 

mills. The West Canada Creek supplies excellent water power at Her- 
kimer village, and its current was utilized for mills at a comparatively 
early day. Soon after the War of 1812 a man named Price built a mill 
within the corporation limits, which was used exclusively for flouring 
purposes. It was afterwards burned and rebuilt, and for a time was 
operated by a Mr Van Home. In the year 181 1 a grist-mill with three 
runs of stone was built on the West Canada Creek about where the Cen- 
tral Railroad crosses it by Windsor Maynard and Simeon Ford ; con- 
nected with the mill was a distillery and saw-mill. This mill subse- 
quently passed to the possession of the Manhattan Company of New 
York, on a mortgage, and that company sold it to the Hydraulic and 
Manufacturing Co. It was subsequently abandoned, and in 1836, after 
the hydraulic canal was built, the mill now operated by E. Washburne 
and G. M. Helmer was erected by F. P. Bellinger. Mr. Washburne 
purchased this mill in 1866 and has continued to operate it ever since. 
It is used now principally for grinding corn. 

A spirit of manufacturing enterprise was developed in Herkimer in 
i8j3, which culminated in the organization of the Herkimer Manufact- 
uring and Hydraulic Company, and its incorporation with a capital of 
$100,000. The principal object of this company was the construction 
of a dam across the West Canada Creek for the production of available 
water power; they intended also to manufacture cotton and woolen 
goods, machinery, sell surplus power, etc. About $40,000 was ex- 
pended in this undertaking, and nearly the whole volume of the creek 
turned into a side canal at a point about two miles up the stream, thus 
gaining a head of thirty- seven feet of water. It was calculated by the 
engineer that this canal would produce power equivalent to what would 
be required to run 138 runs of fifty-four inch mill-stones. While it can 
scarcely be said that this project has met the expectations of its more 
sanguine projectors, yet it has been of great importance to the village, 
and within the past ten years has been still more extensively utilized in 
supplying power to the numerous manufacturing enterprises that have 
been started, to the great benefit of the community. 

On the site of the paper-mill J. B. Morse once carried on the manu- 
facture of hats; but the property was transferred to A. H. Laflin, who 
changed it into a paper-mill. In 1865 the property passed into the 



236 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtNTY. 

possession of Warner Miller 8: Co., the company being Henry Churchill, 
sen., and Charles Hutchinson. The establishment afterwards (1875) 
became the Herkimer Paper Company, limited, with Warner Miller as 
president, and Henry Churchill, secretary. The original building 
owned by Mr. Laflin was burned in 1867, and a part of the present mill 
erected. In 1868 Mr. Miller bought the interest of both his associates, 
and on the ist of January, 1869, took in Henry Churchill, jr., the name 
of the company remaining the same. Within the past five years the 
capacity of the mill has been quadrupled and the buildings correspond- 
ingly enlarged. The product is almost wholly newspaper, and about 
sixty hands are employed. 

The Mark Maimfactiiring Company. — This is the largest industry in 
Herkimer and manufactures all kinds of knit goods. The original 
building on the canal near the railroad was erected as a hoop skirt 
factory in 1870. About two years later the manufacture of knit goods 
was begun on a very small scale by Mark & Elias. The business grew 
rapidly and in 1878 additions were made to the buildings. In 1883 
Mr. Mark bought his partner's interest, paying for it a price that indi- 
cated the great value of the industry. He carried on the business 
alone until 1889, when a stock company was formed with Morris Mark, 
president; Robert Earl, vice president; A. K. Marsh, secretary. In 
December, 1891, Mr. Mark purchased Marsh's interest, and James G. 
Johnson became secretary and treasurer. Judge Earl still remaining 
vice president. About 300 hands are now employed in this factoiy, 
and it is a source of great benefit to the place. 

On the site of the Standard Ftirniture Company was formerly the 
sash and blind factory of E. C. Munson. It had still earlier been a 
broomhandle factory and a cheese- box factory. The Standard Com- 
pany began business here in 1886 for the manufacture of typewriter 
cabinets for the Remington people, and roller-top desks. The business 
has grown enormously, with the increase of sales in the tj-jjewriter 
works, while at the same time the desk business has been pushed with 
energy and success. The buildings have been greatly enlarged. The 
members of the company are William Horrocks, president ; M. Foley, 
vice-president ; F. T. Lathrop, treasurer. Water and steam power are 
used and 150 men employed, with 155 in a branch in Kentucky. 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 23? 

The Gem Knitting Company v/as, formed and began business in 1888, 
using water power, by H. A. Deimel, C. R. Snell, M. A. Deimel, and 
J. H. Evans. The product of the factory is ladies' underwear of cotton 
and wool and 150 hands are employed. 

The Herkimer Manufacturing Company, also situated on the canal, 
was an offshoot of the Bedell Manufacturing Company, in 1881, and 
was started by Deimel & Snell, George E. Bedell, and M A. Deimel. 
Four years later M. A. Deimel and C. R. Snell took its control. Sub- 
sequently the interest of Mr. Bedell and H. A. Deimel was purchased 
by the other members of the company. Spring beds, mattresses, fancy 
chairs, etc., are made, and about forty hands employed. 

The prominent woodworking establishments of the town are the sash, 
door and blind factories of Deimel & Snell, and W. D. Lyons. 

In the spring of 1871 H. M. Quackenbush began the manufacture on 
Prospect street, in a small frame building, of toy air pistols under his 
own patents. The demand for his goods was prompt and large, and in 
the fall of that year he removed into a larger building and put in steam 
power. In the summer of 1874 he was forced to make another enlarge- 
ment, and a building was erected on the opposite side of the street. 
The first articles manufactured were followed by the Eureka .scroll saw 
and in 1876 by the improved air rifle, both of which have an enormous 
sale. In 1877 he erected a two- story brick building and put in a 
thirty-horse engine In 1890 he built his present factory, which is one 
of the most complete and convenient industrial buildings to be found 
anywhere. Eighty men are employed and a seventy-five horse Corliss 
engine supplies the power. The safety cartridge rifle and an amateur 
lathe have been added, among other articles, to the output. It is one 
of the most thriving industries in Central New York. 

Charles A. Lee began making chairs under his own patents in 1889, 
in a small way, employing three men. His patents cover valuable im- 
provements in reclining and platform rockers. In 1891 he removed to 
his present factory and now employs twenty hands. His chairs are 
shipped throughout the country. 

Banks. — Herkimer has suffered from several bank failures ; but they 
were not due to any financial stress of a general character. The 
county and the village being largely dependent upon agriculture as a 



238 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

source of wealth, the failures incident to mercantile and manufacturing 
operations have not been numerous ; while the communities have 
passed through the great periods of financial panic which caused wide- 
spread ruin in large commercial centers, almost unscathed. The first 
bank in Herkimer was called the Agricultural Bank, and began business 
in 1839, just after the panic of 1837-8, with Harvey Doolittle as presi- 
dent, and Gen. P. F. Bellinger cashier. In 1845 ^^^- Bellinger left the 
bank and Benjamin Carver was made president ; C. T. E. Van Horn, 
vice-president; Harvey Doolittle, cashier. This bank failed in 1857, 
through causes that need not be explained here; but some of the losses 
were grevious ones and resulted in prolonged litigation. 

The Bellinger Bank carried on business a few years after the failure 
of the Agricultural. Peter F. Bellinger was president and H. Bellin- 
ger cashier. It closed its affairs in 1866. Then followed the Messinger 
Bank, which was one of several started by Hiram J. Messinger, then of 
New York ; it was organized in the fall of 1867, «*nd went down in the 
general crash of all of Messinger's institutions in May, 1868. 

Herkimer Bank. — This institution was established many years ago 
as a private bank, but was organized under a charter under the 
State banking laws in 1885. The present executive officers (1892) 
are as follow : 

President, William Smitli; vice-president, J. AV. Vrooman ; cashier, W. I. Taber ; 
and Robert Earl 2d, assistant cashier. The board of directors consists of Messrs. 
William Smith, H. M. Quackenbush, C. W. Palmer. Hon. Robert Earl, W. W. Mosher, 
B. Washburn, Morris Mark, J. W. Vrooman, E. S. W. Thomson, C. E. Snyder, E. M. 
Burns, L. T. Du Bois, P. B. Myers. 

The following summary giving an idea of the business is taken 
from the statement of March 19, 1892: Capital, $75,000; surp»lus, 
$10,000; deposits, $223,860.20; loans and discounts, $256,636.86, and 
total resources, $325,104.10. The management has been character- 
ized by a conservative regard for the interest of its customers, which 
fact has gained for the bank a well founded faith in the financial 
strength and influence of its recognized vocation for usefulness. 

First National Bank. — This bank was organized by H. G. Munger, 
Henry Churchill, P. M. Wood and others, in 1884. Among the 
stockholders are many of the leading business men and capitalists of this 
county. The capital stock is $50,000. Henry Churchill was chosen 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 239 

president of the bank upon its organization and has discharged the 
duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of the stockholders ever 
since. The same may be said of A. W. Haslehurst, who has been 
cashier of the bank from the beginning. The statement of the bank 
dated May 17, 1892, shows surplus and undivided profits of more 
than $20,000, and individual deposits of $224,21 1.29. The board of 
directors, 1892, is as follows: Henry Churchill, H. G. Munger, C. R. 
Snell, George P. Folts, R H. Smith, G. H. Watson, A. W. Haslehurst. 
The bank was placed in its present handsome and convenient 
quarters on Main street in July, 1891. 

The Herkimer Press. — The character of the press of any community 
is an indication of its intelligence and enterprise. The progressive vil- 
lage or city always gives its newspapers liberal support, and as a result, 
the papers are made, as a rule, worthy of such support. The first news- 
paper in Herkimer county was published at Herkimer village very early 
in the present century, and was called the Telescope ; its proprietor was 
Benjamin Cory, and it supported the Federal party. Mr. Cory sold out 
in 1805 to David Holt and J. R. Robins, who changed the name of the 
paper, or started a new one under the title of the Farmer's Monitor, 
which was discontinued in 1807. Mr. Cory started another paper in the 
interest of the Federal party, which he published until 18 10. 

In January, 18 10, J. H. and H. Prentiss started the Herkimer Ameri- 
can, which was published by them several years, and until 183 i by other 
persons, William L. Stone being at one time a partner. In December, 
1813, Thurlow Weed obtained employment in the office of this paper, 
being a "jealous Republican." (See page 2)1,, Life of Thurlow Weed, 
Vol. 1.) Edward P. Seymour was its last publisher. 

A paper called the Bitnker Hi/l was commenced some time in 1810, 
with G. G. Phinney at its helm. Mr. Phinney also published a paper 
called the T/ie Honest American about the year 18 12. Both of these 
journals died before 1821. 

In 1828 the Herkimer Herald made its appearance under direction of 
John Carpenter, and was devoted to the interest of General Jackson and 
his policy. Then followed the Republican Farmer s Free Press, an anti- 
Masonic paper, printed by David Holt and edited by B. B. Hotchkin. 
Its life was not much longer than its name. 



240 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The Herkimer County Journal wa^s started in December, 1837, ^s a 
Whig organ. It was owned by a company, and at first was edited at 
Herkimer by J. C. Underwood and printed by Edward P. Seymour. 
About a year later O. A. Bowe took charge of the paper and pubHshed 
it six years. During various periods it was edited by R. U. Sherman 
G. W. Smith, and A. H. Prescott. In 1849 Orlando Squires took 
charge of the paper and removed it to Little F"alls. 

In the fall of 1842, J. M. Lyon and W. B. Holmes started \.he Frnnk- 
fort Democrat, at Frankfort, which was afterwards removed to Herkimer 
village. In 1848 Judge Earl became the sole proprietor and editor of 
the paper. In 1850 C. C. Witherstine acquired an interest in the estab- 
lishment, and in March, 1854, became its sole proprietor. In Septem- 
ber of the same year Jacob Hayes was associated with Mr. Witherstine. 
and the firm was Witherstine & Hayes until the death of the latter in 
1856. In June, 1859, the paper passed from possession of IMr. Wither- 
stine to Henry G. Crouch, who continued to publish it until 1864, Mr. 
Witherstine in the interim being engaged in the West. In the year last 
named Mr. Witherstine returned and again became the owner of the 
establishment. In May, 1856, the Z////^/^a//.y Crt^^//^ was merged with 
the Democrat and the name changed to the Herkimer Democrat and 
Little Falls Gacette, un\.\\ the fall of 1876, when the clumsy title was 
changed back as before to the Herkimer Democrat. In October, 1875, 
H. P. Witherstine was given an interest in the establishment and in 1880 
the firm name was changed to H. P. Witherstine & Co., the same per- 
sons constituting the firm. Januarj' 4, 1892, C. C. Witherstine sold his 
interest to John M. Comings, who, with H. P. Witherstine, still publishes 
the paper. With the exception noted, C. C. Witherstine was connected 
with this journal for fifty years and is one of the oldest journalists, in 
point of continuous service, in Central New York. His son has devel- 
oped a peculiar aptitude for the publishing business, while his partner 
has already acquired valuable experience in the same direction as editor 
of the Petin Van Democrat. Under their management the Democrat 
wields a large influence among the intelligent people of this and ad- 
joining counties. 

The Herkimer Citizen was started September 30, 1884, by George 
W. Weaver and Charles S. Munger. This continued until January 1, 





a//M 



TOWN OF HERKIMER. 241 

1889, when A. T. Smith and F. E. Easton purchased Mr. Weaver's 
interest in the Ilion Citisen and Herkiinej- Citizen, and they, with C. S. 
Hunger, formed the Citizen Publishing Company. The papers are both 
printed at Ilion, with a job printing office at Herkimer. The paper is 
Republican in politics and is an excellent journal. Mr. Hunger had 
e.xperience in the office of the Camden Journal, where he succeeded his 
father. Messrs. Easton and Smith left the county clerk's office after 
many years' service, to take up the publishing business. (See history 
of Ilion.) 

The Herkimer County Record \s a new paper started in 1888, by its 
present publisher, George W. Nellis, jr. The Record is an enterprising 
paper, independent in politics, and has attained a good circulation. 

Hotels. — In the old staging days hotels in country villages, and along 
the turnpikes, possessed a degree of importance to traveling men that 
can hardly be accorded them at the present time. In these days, if 
every hotel in half a dozen villages on the line of a railroad were simul- 
taneously burned, the traveler could still stay another hour in the train 
and reach a farther station where he would find accommodations. 
Such a calamity happening when the stage or the canal was the best 
mode of travel, would have caused great inconvenience. 

One of the important houses on the old Mohawk turnpike is still re- 
membered as the Talcott House in Herkimer, which at first was built 
of logs, and stood near the site of the present paper-mill. Good au- 
thority credits this with being the first public hotel in Herkimer county. 
When the original house became too small to accommodate the in- 
creasing number of guests, the proprietor built a more commodious 
structure at a point where the bridge crosses the canal below the paper- 
mill. When this site eventually became inconvenient, the proprietor 
built another house on Main street, which now constitutes the south 
end of the Mansion House (long known as the Popper House). The 
Hansion House is now kept by F. W. Eckle. 

The Waverly House on Main street, now kept by H. Edick, for- 
merly of the Edick House, near the Central Railroad station, stands on 
the site of an old tavern. What was long known as the Tower House, 
stands across from the railroad station, and received its name from J. C. 
Tower who long kept it. It was afterwards called the Edick House 

31 



242 HISTORY OF HERKTMER COUNTY. 

and was bought in 1892 by John Nelson, who has greatly improved it. 
A short distance east of this hotel stands the Allman House, of brick, 
kept by Theodore Allman. Mr. Allman built this house in 1875. It 
stands also on the site of a former hotel. 

In 1 891 the Palmer House was erected by C. W. Palmer. It is 
not only one of the handsomest structures in the village of Herkimer, 
but is admirably designed on modern ideas for a first-class hotel. It is 
kept by George A. May, and is thoroughly well managed. 

Herkimer Post-office. — John A. Rasbach was one of the early post- 
masters at Herkimer, and was succeeded by Harvey Doolittle in 1840. 
Mr. Rasbach had the office another term and was succeeded by James 
A. Suiter, who served under General Taylor's administration. Mr. 
Suiter was succeeded by H. H. Morgan, who held the office eight years, 
and was succeeded in 1861 by Warren Caswell. He held the office un- 
til the appointment of F. A. Gray, who for two years preceded the 
present incumbent, S. W. Stimson, who assumed the office July i, 1889. 



CHAPTER XII. 
THE TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 

THP2 town of Little Falls was set off from the towns of Herkimer, 
Fairfield, and German Flats in pursuance to an act of the Legislature, 
passed February 16, 1829. On account of its comparatively recent 
formation, therefore, the history of the town organization must neces- 
sarily be brief and relatively unimportant. The town embraces parts 
of Glen's purchase, Staley's first tract, Guy Johnson's tract, Vaughn's 
and Fall Hill patents, six lots in Burnetsfield, and small triangular 
pieces of L'Hommedieu's and Lindsay's patents. The town was sur- 
veyed by William De Wolf, of the town of Columbia, and the follow- 
ing described boundaries given to it : " Beginning on the middle or 
base line of Glen's purchase, at a point where the line between lots 
numbers five and six in said purchase unites with said base or middle 
line, and running thence south along said line to its southern termina- 




".-■ "fyF-GiC!min,N-Y 




TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 243 

tion ; thence on the same course continued to the south bounds of the 
town of German Flats ; thence along the south bounds of said town to 
the southeast corner thereof; thence along the eastern bounds of the 
towns of German Flats and Herkimer to the southeast corner of the 
town of Fairfield ; and from thence by a straight Hne to the place of 
beginning." 

In common with other portions of the Mohawk valley in Herkimer 
county, this town was first settled by Germans long previous to the 
Revolution. Mr. Benton says: "There were German inhabitants in 
nearly every direction around the present village [of Little Falls] be- 
fore the Revolution, but only one habitable dwelling and a grist-mill 
within the present corporation limits." (See map.) The dwelling men- 
tioned stood on the west side of Furnace street and near Elizabeth 
street, north of the old canal. It was occupied in early years by John 
Porteous, the Scotch pioneer. It was removed by the late William 
I. Skinner and converted into an ice-house. Most of these early Ger- 
man settlers have been sufficiently noticed in the preceding general 
history, and in the histories of the towns from which Little Falls was 
formed ; and others will be mentioned a little further on in the history 
of the village. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of Robert Hinchman, 
on the site of the present Hardin & Wheeler block, on the south side 
of Main street, in 1829, and the following officers were elected : 

George Petrie, supervisor; Richard N. Casler, town clerk; G-ardeus Deyor, Jolin 
Klocls, Leonard Eaton and Richard M. Casler, assessors; James T. Rankins, Jacob 
Petrie and Parley Eaton, commissioners of highways; Thomas Smith, overseer of 
poor; Calvm G. Carpenter, Solomon Petrie and Bernard L Wager, commissioners of 
common schools ; Walter H. Ward, Calvin W. Smith and Jacob Guywitts, inspectors 
of common schools; John McMitchell, collector; Richard Winsor, John Phillips, John 
MoMitchell, Daniel Dygert, Joseph Eysaman, John Eaton, Peter Van Vost, Shired 
Vincent and Jacob Osburn, constables ; Martin Easterbrook, Adam Petrie, Bernard I, 
Wager, William Sponenburg, and John I. Bellinger, poundkeepers. 

The commissioners of highways appointed the following overseers of 
highways : 

John Casler, John C. Bellinger, Jeremiah Pulver, Cornelius Skinkle, Nathan Russ, 
Melchert Rankins, John Christman, John I. Bellinger, Thomas Rankins, Samuel S. 
Boyce, Jacob Bellinger, John Bort, Robert Johns, Morgan E. Case, Charles Smith, An- 
drew G. Weatherwa.x, Benjamin P. Churchill, John Tucker, William Bucklin, Benja- 
min C. Weatherwax and George Harter. 



244 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

These lists contain the names of aiany of the early families of the 
town. 

On the 5th day of May, 1829, the following persons made applica- 
tion for license to keep public houses in this town, nearlj' or quite all of 
them being in the village: Thomas S. Willard, Peter Walrath, Robert 
Hincliman, Isaac Churchill, Leonard Eaton, and William Sponenburg. 
The commissioners of excise were George Petrie, C. P. Bellinger, and 
William Brooks. 

The principal occupation of the farming community, particularly 
during the past fifty years, has been dairying, which finally resulted in 
the establishment of the celebrated market at Little Falls village, now 
one of the most important interior markets for the sale of dairy products 
in the world. As a cheese producing district Little Falls ranks among 
the best in the country, and the fact that this industry found its local 
center here was largely due to a resident of this town, the late X. A. 
Willard, whose writings on the subject have a national reputation. 
Sketches of many of the leading farmers and others of the town are 
given in a later department of this volume. 

The surface of this town is broken upland, divided by the deep, nar- 
row gorge of the Mohawk River. A range of hills extends north and 
south from the village, rocky and precipitous near the river, but less 
rugged on the north and south borders. The soil is a sandy and grav- 
elly loam, is well watered, and quite well adapted to grazing. 

In connection with the agricultural interests of this town, the Little 
Falls Grange, Patrons of Hasbandry, should receive due credit. It was 
organized in December, 1889, with thirty- five charter members, and is 
now the largest grange in the county, numbering about two hundred 
members. Its object is the general advancement of agriculture in all 
its branches ; the social, fraternal and educational uplifting of its mem- 
bers, and the uniting and harmonizing of the agricultural classes. The 
officers of the grange are : Philo W. Casler, master ; Richard L. Ran- 
kins, overseer ; Joseph Rice, lecturer ; George H. Bradford, secretary. 

Following is the list of supervisors of Little Falls from the organiza- 
tion of the town to the present time : 

George Petrie, 1S29, '30 ; Solomon Petrie, 183], '32; Peter B. Casler, 1833, '34; 
George H. Feeler, 1835, '36 ; Abraham G. Rosecrantz, 1837, '38; Jacob Petrie, 1839, 



Town of little palls. 



245 



'40 ; William L Skinner, 1841, '42 ; Charles Belong, 1843, '44 ; Richard N. Casler, 1845, 
'46; Jorara Petrie, 1847; James Moyer, 1848; Harvey D. Colvin, 1849-54; Henry 
Thompson, 1855; Edmund G. Chapman, 1856; Sylvenus J. Waters, 1857-59; Leonard 
Boy. r. 1860-62; Zenas C. Priest, 1863-06; George Keller, 1867-69; Peter A. Star- 
ing, 1870-72; Albert Story, 1873; John P. Sharer, 1874-81; Rugene Walrath, 1882- 
88; Hadley Jones. 1889; Joseph W. Baker, 1890, '91 ; Benton I. Cooper, 1892. 



THE VILLAGE OF LITTLE FALLS. 



The lands on the south side of the Mohawk River on the site of Lit- 
tle Falls village are a part of the patent granted in 1752 to Jchan Joost 
Herchkeinier (as spelled in the records) and one other person, and known 




as the Fall Hill patent. The lands on the north side of the river are 
embraced in Burnetsfield patent granted in 1725 to Johan Joost Petrie 
and other Palatines, while those lands farther back in the town are cov- 
ered by the patents before mentioned. 

The site of the village was evidently not adapted by nature for the 
purpose to which it has been devoted by man, unless we consider it 
solely from an esthetic standpoinL The Mohawk River breaking through 



246 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

wh;it was once a mountainous barrier of rock, has created a deep gorge 
with precipitous sides, at the bottom of which the clear waters of the 
historic stream rush and tumble over rapids, the power of which has 
been utilized to turn scores of wheels and which have really led to the 
founding of the village in such a romantic spot. As a consequence of 
this unfavorable natural condition, the village has been forced to expend 
a vast amount of money and energy in the creation of streets, bridges, 
and other public improvements ; but these obstacles have been boldly 
met by the inhabitants, and through their well-directed efforts the 
village has grown into one of large proportions and picturesque beauty 
not often found. 

Of the first days of the village Mr. Benton wrote as follows: 

" The grist-mill destroyed during the Revolution was located on the river near the 
bed of the old canal, and was fed by Furnace Creek and the river. The dwelling house 
(mentioned below) was occupied by John Porteous, proprietor of the mill, and his 
assistants, and probably afterward by persons occupied at the carrying-place. Tlie 
road or path used for taking boats and their cargoes by the river falls was located very 
nearly on the site of the old canal. The red grist-mill, to supply the place of the one 
destroyed, was erected in 1789, and the old yellow house west of Furnace Creek and 
near the north bank of the old canal, was built a short time before that period. John 
Porteous came to this place in 1790 and established himself in mercantile business. 
He occupied the yellow house, then the only dwelling within the present village 
limits." 

The old octagon church, a description of which is given a little 
further on, was erected in 1796. 

The destruction of the little settlement at Little Falls in June, 1782, 
was caused by a party of Indians and tories, and was of the same 
wanton and fiendish character which marked many other similar out- 
rages committed in the valley. The mill was of great importance, not 
only to the immediate vicinity, but to the garrisons at Forts Herkimer 
and Dayton. The enemy fell upon the mill in the night and found in 
the building Peter WoUeaver, Christian Edick, Frederick Getnian, 
Marks Rasbach, Thomas Shoemaker, Lawrence Hatter, Jacob Petri, 
Daniel Petri (wlio was killed), and Peter Orendorff; Gershom Skinner 
and F. Cox, who were millers ; and a sergeant and six men from Cap- 
tain McGregor's company. Two of the soldiers escaped and five were 
taken prisoners. There does not seem to have been much resistance 



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248 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

oflered to tlie assault. In the few shots fired, Daniel Petri was killed. 
When the Indians entered the mill the occupants made their best efforts 
to escape. Cox and Skinner secreted themselves in the raceway, under 
the water wheel, and thus escaped captivity and probably death. 
Christian Edick and Frederick Getman jumped into the raceway, but 
the light from the burning mill disclosed their hiding place and they 
were captured. 

Among the persons who settled at Little Falls between 1790 and 
1 8 10 and remained permanently were, John Porteous, William Alex- 
ander, Richard Phillips, Thomas Smith, Joel Lankton, Richard Winsor, 
William Carr, William Moralee, Washington Britton, Alpheus Park- 
hurst, John Drunimond, Eben Britton, and Josiah Skinner. In this 
connection the accompanying map and explanation are of deep interest. 
The map is the property of Watts T. Loomis, and the references were 
furnished by him after much research. 

The accompanying map, left among the papers of John Porteous, the 
pioneer of Little Falls (now in possession of William G. Milligan), 
shows the lands acquired by Mr, Porteous, and other interesting feat- 
ures. Other documents left by him show that he came from Perth, 
Scotland, in 1761. He passed about ten years in the Indian trade in 
the vicinity of Detroit, and later was in business in New York until 
1783. He then went to Nova Scotia, where he had acquired land, and 
in 1784 returned to Scotland. A \'ear later he came again to New 
York, went again to Nova Scotia and soon after became connected with 
Alexander EUice and settled at Little Falls about 1790. Here he built 
the red mill on the site of the first mill, and other structures, was active 
in the construction of the first canal and in making early roads and 
bridges. He was supervisor of the town of Herkimer in 1791-96 and 
conspicuous in all affairs of that period. He was grandfather of Mrs. 
William G. Milligan. Mr. Milligan placed in the hands of the late 
Dudley Burwell some years ago a mass of the papers of Mr. Porteous, 
for his investigation. In 1873 Mr. Burwell reported to Mr. Milligan 
what he had found of interest. He said among other things: "I 
think he [Mr. Porteous] was somewhat musical, as he had a violin. He 
seemed to have read many books and to have profited by them. From 
the letters addressed to him, one judges that he was very amiable. He 




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Ul. 



■i^ /^^ vC<i^^ 



/''^^ i^ ^ ^^^i 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 



dressed genteelly, judging from his wardrobe — swore terrifically — en- 
tertained itinerant preachers, drank toddies, etc. He died t!ie 20th of 




March, 1799" He left a will appointing Colonel Hendrick Frey and 
William Alexander (who married his daughter) his executors. 



250 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

William Alexander was a native of Schenectady and settled at Little 
Falls soon after Mr. Porteous, at whose instance he became a clerk, and 
was several years connected with him in business. He was an intelli- 
gent and honorable merchant and labored for the growth of the place. 
He married a daughter of Mr. Porteous, a highly educated and accom- 
plished young lady, and died January 13, 181 3. William Alexander 
left a daughter, Mary Porteous Alejjander, who married first a Mr. 
Bowen, and second Robert Lockwood, of Little Falls. William's son, 
Henry P., was a merchant and president of the Herkimer County Bank. 
He was a partner of William Girvan several years, and died February 
22, 1867. His son Porteous was drowned young, and William second 
died many years ago. His daughter, Jane G., married Jesse C. Dann ; 
Catharine M. married Frederick Lansing, of Little Falls, who was a 
prominent merchant and at one period agent of the Ellice property. 

Following William Alexander, came here his brothers, Robert, John 
and James. Robert was a farmer of the town of Fairfield, and father of 
Robert, \\ iliiam, Samuel H. and James, and had two daughters, Jane 
and Catharine. Descendants of this branch still live in Little Falls. 

John Alexander had a son Thomas. The former was a merchant on 
the site of the Cronkhite Opera House. He died in Little Falls. James 
Alexander removed west and became wealthy. 

William Girvan, early a prominent citizen of Little Falls, married 
the widow of William Alexander. He was a native of Scotland and 
came here as clerk for William Alexander, who was his cousin. After 
the death of Mr. Alexander (1813) Mr. Girvan carried on mercantile 
business in Little Falls for many years. His children by the widow of 
Mr. Alexander were Charles A., deceased ; Elizabeth Ann, who became 
the wife of William G. Milligan and is deceased. Mr. Girvan married 
second Mrs. Mary Milligan, widow of William Kerr Milligan, father 
of William G. Milligan and they had children : Mary, living and un- 
married ; George Frederick, living in Little Falls ; Edward, living in 
Lowville, N. Y. ; Agnes, married Charles E. Teal, of Little Falls ; and 
Catharine, married George Hewison, of New York. 

Eben and Washington Britton were brothers and came from West- 
moreland, N. H. Eben settled here in 1792, was a tanner for many 
years and died August 28, 1832, leaving him surviving: Mary, who 



fOWN OP LITTLE FALLS. 251 

intermarried with a Mr. Hannas ; Sarah, married Judge N. S. Benton ; 
another daughter, who became the wife of Judge Elisha P. Hurlbut ; 
Rebecca, married Harmon Ten Eyck and is Hving in Albany; Susan, 
married Henry McKay, an early merchant of Little Falls. Mr. Britton 
was owner of the Girvan House site. Skinner Opera House site, the 
Milligan & Wheeler block site and other lands, which were devised to 
his children. Washington Britton died many years earlier. 

William Feeter (formerly Veeder) was one of a family who, with the 
exception of himself, followed Sir John Johnson to Canada. He was 
an ardent patriot in the Revolution, soon after which he settled in Little 
Falls, cleared a large farm and successfully cultivated it more than 
fifty years. He had a family of five sons and seven daughters and his 
descendants are still residents of the town and county. He died May 
5, 1844. 

Down to the year 1800 the village of Little Falls had shown little prog- 
ress. Rev. Caleb Alexander made a missionary tour through the State 
in 1 801 and here is what he wrote of this place : 

November, 1801. — Monday 23d, set out from Fairfield on ray journey homewards. 
Cold weather. Rode .south seven miles to the Little Falls with a view of taking a boat 
at falls down the river to Schenectady. Found the river covered with ice ; then rode up 
the river seven miles to German Flats to take the stage. Finding that the stage did not 
run until to-morrow I crossed the Mohawk to Herkimer Court-house, two miles. 
Around the Little Falls the country is hilly and very rocky near the river. On the 
northern bank are seven locks and a canal for the conveyance of boats. Here is a vil- 
lage of forty houses, several merchant stores, mechanical shops and a new meeting- 
house of hexagonal construction. The people are principally English and they seldom 
have preaching. The place abounds in vice, especially profanity. Since my arrival on 
the river I have heard more cursing and swearing, horrid oaths and imprecations than 
in ten years past. They fell chiefly from the lips of boatmen [on the riverj. In some 
taverns were English and Dutch farmers drinking and swearing, and the English 
appeared to be the most abandoned. They regard not the presence of a clergyman, for 
the dominie drinks and swears as much as the common people. 

It is proper at this point to speak of the titles to real property in Lit- 
tle Falls, which were for many years in a peculiar and somewhat un- 
fortunate condition. Alexander Ellice, a Scotch merchant, who had 
been friendly with Sir William Johnson, obtained a patent, through the 
influence of the baronet, to two of the four Burnetsfield lots on the north 
side of the river, and to the whole of Vaughn's patent, granted to Col. 



252 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

John Vaughn in 1770. The titles to the latter, according to Mr. Benton, 
were derived through John Porteous, before mentioned. The same 
authority says: " One of the two lots 12 and 13 Burnetsfield, embrac- 
ing ail of the water power on the north side of the river, was owned, 
before the Revolution by one of the Petrie family, who erected the first 
grist-mill on Furnace Creek and was engaged in the carrying business." 
Alexander Ellice died about the year 1808 and his property descended 
to his children. Among them was Edward Ellice, who purchased the 
shares of the other heirs, and continued the owner of the property here 
until 1 83 1. The policy adopted by the elder Ellice to secure a revenue 
was peculiarly English, was successful for his interests, and paralyzing 
to advancement at Little Falls. It consisted in a steadfast refusal to sell 
either lands or water power, and to insist on leases of the same, gener- 
ally for long periods. The efifect of such a policy upon an American 
town and American energy may be readily inferred. Men of means 
and brains in this country are unwilling to make improvements upon 
lands they do not own — absolutely — however long a lease or how low a 
rate of rental may be demanded. Hence, while the unrivaled water 
power could and did prove sufficient attraction to some enterprising 
men (as amply shown in the account of the early manufacturing opera- 
tions a few pages further on), there still existed for many years, and until 
the Ellice title was extinguished, a sense of insecurity that put the place 
back a quarter of a century. Barent and John R Bleecker, of Albany, 
were for many years the agents direct of the Ellice estate, and in Little 
Falls George H. Feeter acted as agent for the Bleeckers for a consider- 
able period. It was not a very enviable office, all things considered. 
The agent, in order to do justice by his employers, was often forced in- 
to antagonism with his fellow-citizens. Up to the year 1825 there were 
some seventy or eighty lots let on what were termed " durable leases " 
to fifteen or twenty individuals. The leases were in perpetuity and for 
each lot 60 x lOO feet in area, a rental of three Spanish milled dollars 
a year was charged. In the earliest of these leases was a clause pro- 
hibiting the establishment of stores for the sale of goods, this business 
being reserved as a perquisite for the benefit of Ellice's agents. The 
water power was also held under restriction, and would be neither sold 
nor let. The Ellices owned the grist-mill and saw-mill, which they 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 2S3 

leased for a large price, and wanted no competitors. This policy could 
not be otherwise than detrimental to the growth of the village. In later 
years, however (about 1820), a lease was granted for a site for a fulling- 
mill, and in 1824, another to Sprague & Dann for a paper mill, both on 
what is now Mill street ; these manufactures and others are described a 
little further on. In 1825 a few dwelling sites were sold — one to San- 
ders Lansing, one to Nathaniel S. Benton, and one to David Petrie ; and 
occasional lots were sold from that time onward. Most of the early 
lessees had several lots. The principal proprietors before the year 1825 
were Eben Britton, Thomas Gould, Thomas Smith, Robert Hinchman, 
Samuel Smith, Solomon Lockwood, the heirs of William and John 
Ale.x-ander, and those of John Pr'otheroe and William Morallee. The 
accompanying map shows the condition of the early village, its streets, 
and the lessees of many of the lots. This map is also the property of 
Watts T. Loomis. 

The Ellice titles were almost wholly extinguished in i83i,as indi- 
cated on the accompanying map, showing leased and sold lots and the 
names of many of the owners. This map was made in 1831 for Peter 
Gansevoort, James Stevenson, Charles L. Livingston, Mordecai Myers, 
James Monroe, Aaron Remer, and John H. Webb. The lots printed 
black in the engraving indicate those that had been leased or sold by 
the Ellice interest. Those printed white had come into possession of 
the above named proprietors. Of these white lots, sales had been 
made at the time the map was drawn (1831) to the following persons 
who had bought the numbers accompanying their names: 

Lot.'; 53-54, to P. Eaton. 55, J. Petrie, 56-81-84-86-87, Lansing. 57-82-83, 

B. Galloon. 58-59, Dr. Green. 60-61-62, D. Burwell. 63-64, Shepard. 65 to 

68 inclusive and 73-76-77, C. Sharer. 74-75, Mordecai Meyers. 72, Peak. 78- 

79, and 15.5-6-7, Ann street, Parley Eaton. 88-89, and 59 Church street, James 
Monroe. 90 to 93 inclusive, Solomon Petrie. 98 and 58 on Church street, Peter 
Gausevoort. 7 Third street, and No. 3, corner John and Fourth street, and C and D 
John street, C. L. Livingston. 5 Third street, B and F John street, 161 Church street, 
A. Loomis. 3 Third street, A. Case; 4, corner of Third and John street, Mcin- 
tosh. 153-2 Ann street, Beardsley. 154 Ann, James Monroe; also 168-9 south 

side of John. 170-71 John, John H. Webb. 172, 178-9, 183-84 John, Aaron Remer. 
174-5, John K. Bremner. -176-7 John, C. L. Livingston. 182, John C. Sharer. 13- 

17-19, north side of John, Stevens, 21, nortli side of John, James Monroe. 

28-29, John, H. P. Alexander. 45-47 John, and 41-42-44 and 40 Albany, D. Burwell. 



254 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

48 All)any, J.,H. Webb. 50 Albany, A. Remer. 17-19 Alljany, north side and ]i .",, 
corner of William and Albany, Peter Gansevoort. 166-7 Albany, A. Remer. 38 run- 
ning through from Albany to Catherine (now Main), B. Lewis. 39 Albany, C. B. 
Griffin. 40 Albany, Robert Stewart. 35 Main, A. Loomis. 36 Main, John H. Webli. 

9- 10-'_>9-l 9-20-21 and 115. Bromner. IIC Garden, M. Myers. 122 Garden. J, II. 

Webb. 27 Garden, John Dygert. 13-14-15 Garden, Burwell & Alexander. 

Mr Benton wrote: " The paralyzing policy of the proprietor, who 
was an alien, in limiting his alienations to leases in fee, requiring an 
annual rent, and refusing to make only a few grants of that description, 
to whicli he affixed the most stringent conditions and restrictions in the 
exercise of trade and the improvement of the water power, kept the 
place nearly stationary until 1831, excepting that part of the present 
village on the south side of the river, not subject to the dead weight of 
non-alienation. Upon the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, the only 
erections in that part of the village were a bridge, and a toll house at 
the south end of the bridge; the Bellinger grist-mill and a small dwell- 
ing, for the miller's residence, and the Vrooman house." As bearing 
upon the condition of the village just before the completion of the canal, 
we quote as follows from the People s Friend, one of the early news- 
papers of the village, under date of June 19, 1822 : 

•'This [inland navigation] has become a pleasant subject. The general liveline ■ 
which has prevailed on our streets since the commencement of the regular trips of ti 
packets between tlii.'i and Utica is really cheering. But the interest of the thing is 1 
no means confined to these: an unaccountable number of other boats of various fern 
and dimen-sions continue to crowd both the river and Erie Canal. On the IGlh, we a; 
told, thirty boats were together on the river at the landing place half a mile aboM' 
Little Falls, while a number more lay in the canal close by." 

In 1 83 I, as before noted, Edward Ellice sold out his real estate here, 
and within a few years it came into possession of Richard R. Ward and 
James Munroe, of New York, but not as joint owners. No sale of the 
water power in separate lots or privileges was made before Mr. Ward 
became the sole owner of all that portion of the original purchase of Mr. 
Ellice. When these were brought into market, General Bellinger, the 
principal owner of the water power on the south side of the river, 
also placed his property in market and numerous mills, factories and 
other industries were soon established, as shown further on. In 1830 
the population of the town was 2,539, about 1,700 of which were with- 
in the village limits. 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 255 

Meanwhile, in 1811, a village charter was granted; but there seem 
to be no records of public business under that charter, the existing 
records beginning with the year 1827, when a new, or amended charter 
was adopted. Under this the corporation was authorized to open 
streets which had been dedicated to public use, as laid down on a map 
made by the proprietor in 181 1. Mr. Benton says : 

The power given was executed in the first instance, by opening Albany, Garden and 
Second streets, at the expense of the owners of the adjoining lots. This touched the 
proprietor's purse, and he consented to sell in fee the lots on those streets. This, how- 
ever, did not reach the water power, which was not improved, neither would the pro- 
prietors on either side of the river consent to sell lots and water rights, but the alien 
owner adopted the plan of making short leases, by which he anticipated a rich harvest 
on the falUng in of the reversions. The people of the village were not slow to per- 
ceive the fatal effects of this policy, and applied to the Legislature for the passage of 
an act to prohibit the alien proprietor from making any grants or leases, except in fee. 
These were the conditions on which he was authorized to take, hold and convey lands 
in this State. The act passed the Senate at the session of 1831, and was sent to the 
Assembly for concurrence. The agents offered to sell the whole proprietary interest in 
the village for $50,C00, and active negotiations were set on foot by several parties to 
make the purchase. The bill was finally acted upon in the House, and rejected. Al- 
most simultaneous with that rejection, the sale was effected to several members of that 
body and other parties, and the purchasers in a short time realizad a net $50,000 on 
their purchase, or very nearly that sum. Whether there was any connection between 
the defeat of tne bill, and the sale, I never sought to know. The sale accomplished all 
that the village desired, because we believed the purchasers had bought with the in- 
tention of selling out, as fast as they could ; but the proprietor, Mr. EUice, had a large 
interest at stake ; he was the owner of other considerable tracts of land, not only in 
this county, but in different parts of the State ; it was important to him, therefore, to 
get rid of the restrictive provisions of the bill in respect to his other lands. His agents 
in this country were well satisfied that the applicants for coercive but just measures 
would not rest quietly under one defeat, and that his interest would be damaged in pro- 
portion to the duration of the controversy. 

The new proprietors made immediate arrangements to bring the property into 
market, and effected large sales by auction and private sale, in the year 1831, and in 
the course of a few years, what remained of the original purchase, with other lands of 
Mr. Ellice on the north side of the river, came into the hands of Richard R. Ward and 
Col. James Munroe, of New York. 

Going back to the little village in 1816, we learn that it then con- 
sisted of only two streets. These were the turnpike, now known as 
Main street, and Western avenue, which then extended on the present 
line no farther than to cross Furnace Creek, where it turned down east 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. Ihl 

of the yellow house, thence over the old canal, and along between the 
old lock canal and the river, to the head of the falls. The other road 
was what is now called German, Bridge, Ann and Church streets, cross- 
ing the river from the south and leading to Eatonville.( These roads 
can be readily followed by reference to the maps.) There were not more 
than forty dwellings in the village; the octagon church had not been 
finished; there were the stone school house,' two taverns, two black- 
smith shops, five or six stores and groceries and the mills. The open- 
ing of the canal of the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company in 
1795-96 gave something of an impetus to the growth of the village ; 
but the resulting growth was not very marked, and the village remained 
in nearly the condition above described until about 1828. 

Under the charter of 1827 the amount authorized to be raised by tax 
for all purposes could not exceed $300 annually. The highway tax 
was left to the jurisdiction of the town authorities. The first election 
held under that charter for village oflficers resulted as follows : 

President, Nathaniel S. Benton; trustees, Christopher P. Bellinger, William Girvan, 
Sanders Lansing, James Sanders, Gould Wilson, and John McMichael ; fire wardens, 
Robert Stewart, Jacob Osborn, and John Phillips ; treasurer, Henry P. Alexander ; 
collector, Jeremiah Eaton. 

Newspaper files, those invaluable records upon which the historian 
must so largely depend, are very incomplete in this town in early years. 
The People's Friend, from which we have already quoted, was in ex- 
istence for a few years after 1820, but there are only a few numbers of 
it now accessible. In 1824 it was published by Edward M. Griffing, 
who doubtless found it difficult to sustain his enterprise. There are 
a few advertisements in the paper. Gould Wilson was a cabinetmaker. 
William Brooks sold groceries, hardware, paints, crockery, etc., on 
Catherine street, two doors west of the store of A. Fuller (now Geo. H. 
Failing's block). He appears to have been getting desperate, for he 
announced that he was " determined to discontinue this long-winded 
credit business," and called for 40,000 bushels of ashes. Charles At- 
kinson had lost his Newfoundland dog. William Talcott was the hat- 

' The old school-house is still standing on the west side o£ Church street and used as a dwelling. 
The bell of the old house is now in use on the engine-house on Ann street, at rear of the Milligan 
& Wheeler block. 



258 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ter of the place one door west of Hinchman's Inn (W. A. Pepper & Co.), 
and the " Green Store " (southwest corner Third and Main streets) 
was kept by Burritt & Tonilinson, on First street. D. Petrie and J. 
Petrie had a general store (southeast corner Main and Ann streets) and 
Mather & Waldo were tinners and sold stoves. D. & E. Sprague oper- 
ated the paper-mill and also carried on a store Chauncey Marshall 
sold dry -goods and J. McComb had a tobacco factory (Amos Keller's 
block). Wendell & Jenkins were merchants and E. Hathaway & Co. 
carried on the Little Falls bakery, corner of Second and Garden streets. 
Smith & Hamilton had a drug store and Martin Bettinger was a saddler. 
The Union Library had been in existence, but it does not appear to have 
been very thriving, as the books, etc., were offered for sale at auction 
by David Benseley and David Petrie, treasurer and librarian. The 
" Aquatic Bookstore" passed through the place on the canal, a unique 
evidence of enterprise by some Yankee, and in December there was a 
call in the paper for a local bank. These notes give a glimpse of the 
business interests of the village at quite an early day ; and we have no 
files to which to refer after that year until 1836, when the Mohawk 
Courier was in existence. From that paper we learn that the Utica 
and Schenectady Railroad was in process of construction. It will be 
remembered that this was the beginning of one of the various periods 
of financial stringency from which the country has suffered. On the 
30th of June the editor wrote : 

" Notwithstanding the severity of the times our village is enhvened as usual by the 
traffic and industry of our enterprising citizens. From recent changes in proprietorship 
of real estate we have reason 'to believe that the natural and artificial advantages of 
this locality will be improved, as our people have long and patiently hoped." 

The editorial then alludes to the unexcelled water power, the canal, 
the railroad, and the market facilities of the village. On the 25th of 
July the paper records that " a locomotive and two beautiful carriages 
in train passed over the whole line of the road from Schenectady to 
Utica and returned the same day." The latter trip, we are informed, 
was made in four hours and fourteen minutes. 

In August of this year (1836) the paper notes that the water lots and 
real estate on the north side of the Mohawk, bounded north by Canal 
street and Western avenue, and extending from the head of the falls to 



fOWl'I OF LITTLE FALLS. 259 

the foot of the basin, were purchased in the previous week by A. 
Loomis of Richard R. Ward for $50,000. A flour- mill was then in 
process of construction by " Mr. Durky " (Rodney Durkee), and a 
woolen factory was soon to be started by S. P. Fuller. These are evi- 
dences of the increasing thrift and enterprise which were beginning to 
develop in the village. 

Before his death Hon Arphaxed Loomis wrote the following account 
of how the aqueduct and basin at Little Falls came to be built : 

" In 1 82 1, when the Erie canal was in progress of construction on the 
south side of the river, no part of the village proper existed on the 
south side of the river, and no streets were on that side except the road 
leading from the river bridge to German Flats, but it was a rocky waste 
covered with shrubbery. The local agent of Mr. Ellice, Mr. George H. 
Feeter, and the citizens of the village, were alarmed and feared that the 
business of the village would be seriously impaired for want of im- 
mediate connection with the canal. A feeder at Little Falls to be taken 
from the south side was the plan then in contemplation. The canal 
commissioner was requested by Mr. Feeter and other citizens to take 
the feeder from the old canal on the north side of the river which 
the State had purchased from the Inland Lock Navigation Company, 
and connect it by an aqueduct across the river with the Erie Canal. 
This project of feeding would be more expensive than that in contem- 
plation by the canal commissioners. A negotiation was had, and 
finally an arrangement was made by which it was agreed between 
Henry Seymour, the commissioner on the part of the State, and the 
agents of Mr. Ellice and the citizens of the village, that the State would 
adopt the aqueduct plan, provided the stone requisite for the work 
should be furnished and delivered free of expense to the State and the 
work of construction should be done by the State. The Bleeckers, the 
principal agents of Mr. Ellice at Albany, were seen, and it was agreed 
that the interests of the proprietor were so seriously involved that by 
their direction Mr. Feeter entered into a contract with Henry Heath to 
deliver the stone required for forty- five cents a perch. The contract 
was performed by Mr. Heath, and a disagreement as to the quantity 
and payment having arisen, a lawsuit ensued, in which the history of 
the whole transaction was placed in evidence, and thus the history of 



2G0 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the building of the aqueduct at the joint expense of the State and of 
the owners of the land and citizens on the north side, and of the con- 
struction of the basin on Mr. Ellice's land at his own expense, was pre- 
served. The basin itself was the private enterprise of Mr. Ellice and 
the citizens. A subscription of about $2,000 was raised by the citizens, 
beside a contribution of Mr. Ellice, to effect what was then deemed an 
improvement of great importance to the interests of the village. Since 
that time long ago the village has extended across the river and the 
canal, the aqueduct is now in the midst of it, and the storehouses and 
business connected with it are now its borders," 

As a further indication of the growth of the place between 1824 and 
183S, the following facts from advertisements are taken from the Cou- 
rier : 

M. Richardson was a surgeon dentist and jeweler on Catharine 
street, opposite Hinchman's Hotel. William H. Grant announced that 
the Railroad Exchange " near .the depot of the railroad is now open for 
company." The Herkimer County Mutual Insurance Company was in 
existence, with James M. Gray as agent, and William Chase advertised 
village lots for sale. Franklin Adams was a bookseller and book- 
binder (and is still vigorously prosecuting his business), and Benjamin A. 
Feeter had just opened a saddle, trunk and harness shop one door south 
of William Girvan's grocery; while Benjamin Snell carried on the same 
business in the shop formerly occupied by John Beardslee, corner of 
Catharine and Ann streets. Sylvanus J. Waters had just taken the old 
stand one door east of the Little Falls Hotel for the sale of groceries and 
liquors. The " Little Falls Cash Store " was situated at No. i Phoenix 
Row; this was the building, a part of which is now (1892) occupied 
by Aldridge & Co., corner of Main and Second streets, the middle part 
standing as it did at that time, and now occupied by L. R. Klock. 
James Wilcox carried on the " Cash Store." A " new wholesale stove 
establishment" was advertised by D. & J. Petrie & Co., the firm being 
David and Joram Petrie and Horace H. Johnson ; the store had pre- 
viously been occupied by Brown & Bradley, corner of Catharine and 
Ann streets. J. H. Prentiss was a jeweler, and Dr. D. Belknap was a 
dentist, as well as a physician. Ezekiel Morris said : " I have com- 
menced the axe-making business at the west end of the village near the 




^^^^»^<-L ^/^ 



TOWN OP LITTLE FALLS. 261 

Mohawk furnace." T. & H. M. Burch sold stoves, and the Rockton 
flour-mill was run by Durkee & Eaton. Peter Boyer sold stone lime, 
and L. R. French had begun making the " patent screw bedstead " on 
the south side of the river. H. & S. Parnialee had a general store on 
the south side, and O W. Couch kept the Little Falls Hotel. The 
Little Falls Temperance Society was in operation, and J. C. Dann, P. 
Staring, and R. N. Casler, who were the town committee, advertised a 
Republican meeting at " the house of Leigh & Dygert " A meeting 
was called for February 19, 1838, to "re-establish the village library." 
" Previous to the disastrous fire of January, 1836," said the notice, " a 
successful effort had been made to organize a Library Association here." 
The first library was burned. In September, 1839, President Van 
Buren visited the village and the event was properly celebrated. An 
address was delivered by Arphaxed Loomis, and Col. A. G. Rosecrantz 
was chief marshal of the parade. The assemblage gathered at the 
Little Falls Hotel at 8 A. M, and proceeded thence to Herkimer as an 
escort for the distinguished guest. The president reached Little Falls 
on the 1 2th; a hundred guns were fired, and in the parade he was es- 
corted in a barouche and four white horses, in company with N. S. 
Benton, George H. Feeter, and Solomon Petrie. In the same year a 
correspondent wrote of the visible improvements in the place; that the 
population was exactly 3,000; that there were the academy, a paper- 
mill, one church, one furnace, one woolen factory and seven stores, 
which had been added during the year 1839. New streets had been 
opened, and there were also in operation two saw- mills, two flour- mills, 
one custom grist-mill, three paper mills, one plaster- mill, one carding- 
mill, two furnaces, one sash and blind factory, one machine shop, one 
distillery, one brewery, two malt houses, two bakeries, one trip ham- 
mer, two tin shops, one tannery, and another woolen- mill, a paper-mill, 
and a furnace in process of construction. There were twenty mercantile 
establishments and one bank, A Mechanics' Association was organ- 
ized in December, which continued in existence several years. 

A glance at the village records for the period of which the foregoing 
treats, down to the year 1840, shows that public improvements had 
kept pace with private enterprise. As early as 1829 a committee was 
appointed from the trustees to locate two fire cisterns; Garden and 



262 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Manheim streets were opened, and the committee on fire department 
was authorized to " fix on a suitable location as nearly central as may be, 
pursuant to the permission of the Ellices," for the fire engine house. 
In 1830 Albany and William streets were improved; and also, Second, 
Mary, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Church streets, were further opened 
and improved, while suitable extensions were made to the village side- 
walks. In 1 83 I Barent and John R. Bleecker (agents of the Ellice in- 
terest) offered to file a bond for $1,000 and to make and complete First 
street according to the ordinances. The offer was accepted. Fifteen 
dollars was fixed as the price of licenses, and R. N. Casler, James F. 
West, J. P. Casler, Margaret McDonald, Thompson Parkhurst, Orin 
Searl, Jacob Osburn, John Dygert, Elisha Bateman, Richard S.Thomp- 
son, Andrew A. Oliver, Edward Dann, Nicholas Harder, Mrs. Milligan, 
Franklin Barnes and James Plack, took out licenses — sixteen in all. 
As D. Burwell had already offered a resolution that $60 be raised for 
corporation purposes, it would seem that the license fund of $240 
would have left a considerable profit. A special meeting was held in 
December to consider the extermination of prevailing small pox, and 
Drs. Lester Green, Hosea flamiltoii, and Calvin W. Smith were ap- 
pointed a board of health. 

During the period from 1830 to 1835 extensive improvements were 
made in the village streets, including First (now Main), Albany, Mary, 
Catharine (now Main), Canal, John, Ann, Second, Mohawk and Bridge 
streets ; and German, Jefferson, Bellinger and Mohawk, on the south side, 
were declared public highways. The cholera raged throughout this 
country in 1832-33, and attention was called to the matter in the board 
of trustees, by ordering thorough cleaning of premises and abatement of 
all nuisances; but there was very little of the disease in this village, as far 
as shown by the records. A census was ordered in 1832, which showed 
that there were 246 families in the village, with a population of 811 
males and 791 females, 436 of whom were on the south side. In 1834 
a fire company was organized for the south side, an engine house was 
built at a cost of $192, and a hook and ladder company was attached 
to engine company No. i. In 1835 Martin W. Priest and J. C. Dann 
were authorized by the trustees to purchase two new engines and a 
hose, and to dispose of the apparatus on hand. It is of interest to pre- 




SS^'C^.i^i 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 263 

serve the names of tlie early fire companies about this period on both 
sides of the river, for it will be seen that many of the leading citizens 
were members They were as follow : 

Fire company o£ May, 1830: Amos Parkhurst, James Sanders, Robert Stewart, 
Andrew Oliver, Elijah Case, jr., William Taloott, diaries Ellis, James Smith, Charles 
Smith, Moses Drake, Washington Van Driesen, Thompson Parkhurst, Gordon Steven- 
son, Samuel Alexander, Richard S. Thompson, Hoiace Johnson, Henry Meloy, Josiah 
Lockwood, John Beardslee, Henry P. Alexander, Jesse Styles, Truman Fox, Harman 
G-. Ten Eyok, Orange Angell, John Phillips. 

Fire company on South side in 1834 : Henry Thompson, William L Skinner, John 
J. Taylor, Amon J.French, Henry Hastings, Martin W. Priest, William Page, Samuel 
Miller, Martin L. Basterbrooks, Charles Ellis, Henry Secknor, Barney H. Ellis, Leander 
Britton, J. S. Hayes, Simon Marcomb. H. H. Petrie, Eli Holden, David Labau, S. W. 
Shepard, Wra. Walradt, Robert Casler, Henry C Loucks, Joseph Lee, Gaylord Heath. 

Hook and ladder company, 1834: Ezra C. Southworth, James 0. De Grush, Samuel 
P. Fuller, Ferdinand P. St. John, Charles B. Eddy. Jeremiah Gurney, Charles A. Gir- 
van, Norman Tryon. 

During the period from 1S40 to the breaking out of the civil war 
advancement in the village was rapid and of a permanent character. 
The grievous lease system had been wiped out and a greater degree of 
confidence was felt by investors and tradesmen. New streets were 
opened and many new industries established. The village ran in debt, 
of course; that seems to be the natural result in all corporations of a 
municipal character. By 1847 the debt had reached about $6,000 and 
a charter amendment meeting was called at the stone school-house for 
April 12, to consider means for the extinguishment of the indebted- 
ness The result was the raising of the amount of annual tax in 1850 
to $800, $500 of which was to be applied annually to debt-paying pur- 
poses. While this action sufficed for that time, it did not prevent the 
after accumulation of another burden of a similar character. 

On the 9th of June, 1848, a special election was held to vote on the 
question of raising and appropriating $950 to pay for piping water from 
the cistern in the public square to near the intersection of Catharine 
(now Main) and Ann streets for fire extinguishing purposes ; the 
measure was carried. In the following year (1849), the inhabitants 
were affected by the prevailing cholera scare, but the village and its 
vicinity were not destined to suffer severe affliction from that disease. 
In 185 1 $300 were appropriated for improvement of the fire engine 



2G4 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

houses, and a like sum for an addition to the cemetery. In 1852 a 
watch-house was ordered built on the north side of Main street, about 
opposite Fifth street. The committee were Asa Wilcox, Joseph K. 
Chapman, arid Thomas Dale. It was built by the late Col. Leonard 
Boyer for $186, and the materials of the old watch-house. Gas was 
introduced in the village in 1853 and A. G. Story was given the ex- 
clusive privilege of laying pipes in the streets for that purpose. In the 
same year $1,000 were raised for improvement of the fire department. 
By this time the general village fund had reached nearly $3,000 an- 
nually, and it stood near tliat for a number of years. The charter was 
again amended in 1857, making the trustees the assessors and commis- 
sioners of highways, fixing compensation of the clerk and street com- 
missioner, etc. 

Among the prominent residents of Little Falls, many of whose names 
have been mentioned, it is proper at the first to give a brief account 
of the careers of Zenas C. Priest, Harry Burrell, and William I. Skin- 
ner. 

Gen. Zenas C. Priest was born in the town of Fairiield, April 18, 
1806. When seventeen years of age he began business on his own ac- 
count, remaining in his native town until 1824, when he removed to the 
village of Little Falls and became a clerk, and acted as such until he 
acquired an independent business as owner and manager of several 
bakeries in the valley. In 1835 he was deputy sheriff, and in that and 
the following year aided in acquiring the right of way in this vicinity 
for the Utica and Syracuse Railway Company, and in July, 1836, he 
became one of its three conductors, acting also as trackmaster between 
Little Falls and Utica part of the time. From 1840 to 1847 he had 
charge of the western department of the road, and upon the consolida- 
tion of the several roads into the New York Central in 1853, he was 
made superintendent of the Syracuse and Utica division; in 1867 his 
division was extended to Albany. Thereafter his division included the 
Troy and Athens branch. He enjoyed the confidence of President 
Erastus Corning, Commodore Vanderbilt, President William H. Van- 
derbilt and his son, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and other executive officers 
of the road down to and including Hon. Chauncey M. Depew. Com- 
modore Vanderbilt and his son and grandson so highly appreciated the 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 265 

general's services that they contributed $500 every six months extra 
compensation in each year down to and including the year of his death; 
the last $500 being handed over to the executors of the general's es- 
tate, in token of their appreciation of his faithful, earnest and effectual 
services to the road. In 1835 1^^ was appointed major in a Herkimer 
county militia regiment, and in i860 he was promoted to the rank of 
brigadier general. When the war broke out he became a very energetic 
war Democrat, and by voice and purse and numerous efforts aided the 
Union cause like the consistent patriot that he was during the whole 
struggle. He was for many years vice- president of the National Herki- 
mer County Bank, and subsequently became its president, which office 
he held at the time of his death, which occurred December 4, 1887, when 
in his eighty-first year, having been ill only a week. Having been in 
the service of the railroad for more than fifty years, he was familiar with 
all its needs, and was distinguished by being pre-eminently a good 
railroad man. He was a kind, liberal man, using his best judgment to 
protect the interests of the employees of the road. He was at one time 
president of the village, and several years represented his town in the 
board of supervisors ; was a presidential elector, and well deserved and 
received the confidence of the community in which he was so long 
an active and valuable citizen. For many years he was a conspicuous 
Mason, Knight Templar, and his funeral was conducted by that order 
and attended by President Depew, the directors and superintendents of 
the New York Central Railroad, and a large concourse of j>eople, the 
services being conducted in the Baptist church, to which he was many 
years attached and to which he was a very liberal contributor. 

The late Harry Burreli was so long and so conspicuously connected 
with the farming and dairy interests of the county, that a proper defer- 
ence to those industries demands a record of his life and business career. 
He was born in Sheffield, Mass., November 28, 1797, and was a son 
of Jonathan and Lucinda Burreli. His parents moved into the 
town of Salisbury in the year 1804. Upon the death of his father 
he succeeded to the possession of the old homestead known as the 
Hackley farm. About that period the business of dairying began 
to attract the attention of the farmers of Herkimer county, and when 
he was about twenty years of age, at the solicitation of his neighbors, 

31 



266 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

he took charge of their dairy products, which were drawn to Albany on 
wagons and thence transported to New York in sloops. He early com- 
menced the purchase of cheese and other dairy products for the New 
York market, and soon after engaging in that enterprise became the 
largest buyer in the country. As his business increased he established 
a house in New York city under the firm name of H. Burrell & Co. His 
son, Seymour Burrell, was at one time connected with him, and sub- 
sequently his son, David H., became a purchaser for the house. At 
the suggestion of Erastus Corning and others he commenced the busi- 
ness of exporting cheese, having formed reliable connections with for- 
eign houses, and he was probably the first shipper of dairy products 
from this country to foreign markets ; he continued a buyer on a large 
scale and shipper until near the close of his life. Mr. Burrell acquired 
a high reputation for integrity and sagacity and met with exceptional 
success. At the time of his death he was the owner of several farms in 
Salisbury and other towns, which passed by virtue of his will to his 
children, who still continue to own the same. In 1854 he removed 
to Little Fails where he built a handsome residence at the corner 
of William and Main streets, which he occupied until the time of 
his death, and the same now remains in the possession of his widow, 
and son Edward J. Burrell. His sons, David H. Burrell and Ed- 
ward J. Burrell, acquired from him a knowledge of the business 
of handling dairy products, which to a greater or less extent they 
have continued to carry forward until this time; Edward J. Burrell 
giving especial attention to that branch of the numerous kinds of 
business carried on by the firm of D. H, Burrell & Co. Harry Bur- 
rell was a member of the Presbyterian Church from the early years 
of his life until the time of his death, and contributed largely to 
its success in Salisbury and Little Falls ; he was for many years presi- 
dent of its board of trustees, and was several years a trustee of the Lit- 
tle Falls Academy. He died at Little Falls March 5, 1879. 

William L Skinner was born in 'the town of Little Falls on the 24th 
of October, 181 2, and was the son of Josiah H. Skinner, who came 
from the State of Connecticut some years prior thereto. Mr. Skinner 
was elected sheriff of the county in 1848, having prior thereto served 
several times as a deputy. In 1859 he was elected canal commissioner 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 267 

and served until 1866, acquitting himself creditably in the office, as he 
had practical knowledge of the affairs of the canal, had many years 
been a contractor, and was able to deal with many of the practical ques- 
tions arising in respect to the canals which came under the review of 
the canal commissioners. He was president of the village, on sev- 
eral occasions was elected one of its trustees, and at one time 
cliief of the fire department. He was a member of the memorable 
committee of twelve citizens who investigated the facts relating to and 
recommended the construction of the present system of water works. 
He was by an act of the Legislature named as one of the Board of 
Water Commissioners, was elected president of the board, and his 
practical judgment and industrious attention to the afifairs of the system 
were valuable in securing the proper construction of the works. In 
1869 he erected the Skinner Opera House at the corner of Main and 
Second streets. At the time of his death he was a director of the 
National Herkimer County Bank. In all the relations of life he exhib- 
ited strong common sense and good practical judgment; he formed 
correct opinions of men and measures, and during his seventy-nine 
years residence in Little Falls contributed largely to its prosperity. 
He died February 13, 1891, leaving three sons and two daughters sur- 
viving him. 

Turning again to the newspapers of the period from 1840 to the 
war we learn of other events and changes which deserve mention. The 
winter of 1842 witnessed a great temperance agitation in this section 
and fifteen hundred signed the pledge in Little Falls. Early in Febru- 
ary of this year (1842) occurred a very destructive freshet which on the 
first day swept away a dwelling below the " Railroad Hotel," and on 
the following day carried off the new paper-mill of A. Loomis, and the 
saw-mill, axe factory, grist-mill and flouring-mill were greatly dam- 
aged. On the south side the barn of S. W. Shepard was carried away 
and the stalls for hogs at the distillery were inundated. Colonel Leigh's 
mills and the iron works of Shepard, Babbitt & Co. were badly dam- 
aged. William Paige's large paper-mill was wrecked in the lower story. 
The damage amounted to about $8,000 ; and in June of the same 
year this disaster was followed by another of similar nature in which 
the creek through the village caused damage to the amount of $15,000. 
These losses caused much depression among the inhabitants. 



2Gg HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtJNTt. 

In 1845 we again find the editor expressing congratulations as fol 
lows : " The constant, rapid, yet sound growth of our village must be a 
subject of high gratification to its citizens. Our prosperity is based 
upon the sure foundation of capital, labor and rational enterprise. 
Fancy stocks have never been in demand here." He wrote further of 
this being the commercial center of a very large district on both sides 
of the Mohawk, with great thoroughfares running cast and west ; its 
extensive water power, etc., and concluded by designating Little Falls 
as "The Lowell of the Empire State" — which we must admit was de- 
cidedly bright. 

By the year 1850 the debt before mentioned had become a decided 
bugbear to many citizens, and its payment, with other charter changes 
was demanded. The newspaper commented freely upon the folly and 
burden of such a state of affairs, spoke of the former small debt incurred 
mainly for the fire department, and deplored the fact that the corpo- 
ration credit had become depreciated to about ninety cents on the dollar. 
These conditions led to prompt and radical changes. An entire new 
charter was adopted, providing for raising $5,300 on village bonds, in- 
creasing the annual tax to $800 and paying off the debt at the rate of 
$500 annually (as before described). The new charter was a great im- 
provement on the former ones, and most of its important provisions are 
in force to-day. It being on record in numerous places, we need not 
quote from it here. Another important change was made, which in 
some respects seems at this day to have been the result of thoughtless 
folly, although many good citizens advocated it at the time. This was 
the changing of the name of the village to " Rockton." The most im- 
portant reason advanced for the change was, that the village had 
become of sufficient importance to have a name of its own, and not 
longer exist under the title of the whole town. The name was 
changed ; but much to the dissatisfaction of many of the older citizens, 
and in less than a year their influence was such, and the general defer- 
ence to their wishes so pronounced, that the old name was restored. 

In July of 1850 a terrible flood occurred which exceeded that of 1842. 
Buildings were inundated by the overflowing of Furnace Creek; John 
Miller's house and barn were swept away, with the dwelling of Joseph 
lioyer, and many others were damaged. The loss was about $15,000. 




f^c 



cc /i A *^y*-t^-^ 



z^ 



tOWN OP LITTLE FALLS. 26^ 

Meanwhile, as we have intimated, the business interests of the place 
increased in the most satisfactory manner. Plank roads had been built 
in several directions from the village between 1847 and 1851, during 
which period almost the entire State was covered with a network of 
those useful, but short lived highways. While they were in use, at a 
time when ordinary roads were worse, if possible, than now, they gave 
the farming community means for getting their produce to market and 
were certainly instrumental in building up commercial centers like Little 
Falls. A Hst of the principal business houses in the place in 1850-51 
will be of value as indicating the growth of the village. The list is made 
up from the advertising in the newspapers, and probably embraces most 
of the principal establishments : 

S. N. Foote, dry goods ; H. M. Heath, furnace and plows ; Mrs. S. 
A. Fox, and Miss A. J. Swift, milliners ; Jones & Hinds, agents for rub- 
ber goods ; J. C. Kellogg, dentist ; Herkimer County Insurance Com- 
pany; Reddy & Cunningham, furnace; Gordon Stevenson, cabinet 
maker; B. W. Franklin, dentist; Henry W. Fox, tailor and ready- 
made clothing; C. P. Hunt, Little Falls drugstore; A. W. Golden, 
cabinet maker in the green store ; Harris & Houghton, sash and blind 
factory ; F. Adams, bookseller ; Usher & Caswell, flour, etc. ; Cook & 
Petrie, hatters; Pratt & Company, boots and shoes; Jones & Hine, 
tailors; T. Burch & Company, stoves and general merchants; William 
Taylor, clothing and tailor ; J. C. Clarke, meat market ; J. W. Helmer, 
crockery, etc. ; John St. John, tailor ; G. B. Young, furniture ; W. H. 
Cressy, stoves and hardware ; Ford & Waterman, John H. Wooster, 
Nolton & Lake, Loomis & Griswold, and William Brooks, lawyers. 

In 1852 the editor of the local paper said : " There are few villages 
in the country whose streets exhibit a busier or more cheering aspect 
than this," and followed with encouraging comments on the schools of 
the place, its churches, etc. The fact is, the village enjoyed a good de- 
gree of growth and general prosperity between 1855 and the breaking 
out of the war; streets were opened and improved; miles of sidewalks 
were laid; parks were improved; the academy, incorporated in 1844, 
was in full and successful operation ; and all municipal affairs were 
prosperous. In i860 a local paper said that in no time in a number of 
years had there been so much building, repairing and general activity. 



270 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

All this was, of course, changed by the opening of the great struggle 
for the preservation of the Union. This event paralyzed action in re- 
gard to public improvements throughout the country and turned uni- 
versal attention to war and its hundreds of related activities. The chief 
occurrences in connection with the war, as far as this county is con- 
cerned, are sufficiently noted in the earlier pages of general history. It 
is sufificient for the present purpose to say that Little Falls was the cen- 
ter of military activity for the county during tiie momentous contest, 
and that her leading citizens gave freely of their time and means and 
energy for the success of the struggle. 

The major portion of the history of the village since the war is em- 
bodied in the immediately following pages devoted to the various insti- 
tutions and industries of the place ; and it only remains to sketch briefly 
the more important acts of the village authorities. Business activity 
was renewed at the close of the rebellion ; money was plenty and the 
guarantees of peace inspired all men with hopefulness for the future. A 
somewhat disastrous fire occurred in July, 1866, burning the Hinchman 
House and the stores of seven merchants, and other buildings ; the loss 
was about $45,000. On the following Sunday what was known as the 
Valley House was burned. These fires led to an earlj- reconstruction 
and improvement of the fire department. The general fund of the vil- 
lage had now reached about $6,000, and the population of the town was 
nearl)' 6,000. In February, 1871, a movement was made to organize 
the State Dairymen's Association and Board of Trade; the organiza- 
tion was effected on the 27tli ; Judge George A. Hardin presided at 
and addressed the meeting held for the purpose. A steam fire engine 
had been recently purchased, and in August a meeting was held and 
measures adopted for the purchase of a second one, which was accom- 
plished. The Union Free School system was adopted in the fall of this 
year (1873), and street improvements were numerous about this period. 
In 1 88 1 the fire alarm was introduced, and in the following year a be- 
ginning was made upon the present complete sewer system. At the 
same time the stone crusher was purchased, to be followed in 1892 by 
one of the first-class steam road rollers, and under the present policy the 
streets are being rapidly and effectively improved. The village debt at the 
present time is about $330,000, and the annual general tax reaches 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 271 

the sum of about $40,000. To the progressive citizens of the vil 
lage these figures are not at all appalling, for they realize that owing to 
its peculiar physical situation, Little Falls improvements are necessarily 
costly. They also realize that in order to keep in the front rank in the 
march of human progress, money as well as energy must be expended. 
Following are the trustees of the village from the year 1828 to the 
present time : 

1828, Sanders Lansing, James Sanders, John McMichael. 

1829, Thomas Smith, A. Loomis, Gould Wilson, Moses Drake, N. S. Benton, Alanson 
Ingham. 

1830, Thomas Smith, N. S. Benton, Gould Wilson, A. Loomis, John McKenster, 
Richard N. Casler. 

1831, N. S. Benton, Moses Drake, William I. Pardee, Wm. Brooks, Lester Green. 
Hosea Hani'lton. 

1832, Parley Eaton, Je.sse 0. Dann, Elisha P. Ilurlbut, Daniel Mcintosh, Wm. J. Par- 
dee, Christopher Smith. 

1833, Christopher P. Bellinger, E. P. Hurlbut, Parley Eaton, Henry Heath, Joram 
Petrie, George Petrie. 

1834:, Gould Wilson, C. P. Bellinger, Martin W. Priest, Tliomas Burch, John Bartow, 
John Beardslee. 

1835, \M. W. Priest, Jesse C. Dann, Thomas Barob, John Beardslee, Parley Eaton, 
Richard N. Casler. 

183G, M. W. Priest, J. C. Dann, Albert G. Story, James T. Smith, Flavins J. Little- 
john, Robert Casler. 

1837, M. W. Priest, James T. Smith, Christopher Smith, Henry Heath, Frederick 
Lansing, Jarvis N. Lake. 

1838, Jarvis N. Lake, James T. Smith, Noah Stark, George B. Young, James N. 
Baker, Nicholas Moyer. 

1839, M. W. Priest, James N. Baker, Horace M. Burch, Lauren Ford, Frederick 
Lansing, Amos A. Beardslee. 

1840, R. N. Casler, W. Van Driesen, George H. Feeter, Nelson Rust, Henry W. Fox, 
James N. Baker. 

1841, Hiram Nolton, Nelson Rust, George G. Hall, Frederick Lansing. Moses Drake, 
Henry Heath. 

1842, Henry Heath, M. W. Priest, George B. Young, James Sanders, George Heath, 
William Paige. 

1843, M. W. Priest, R. N. Casler, Zenas A. Hall, William I. Skinner, Edmund G. 
Chapin, James T. Smith. 

1844, William Usher, William Ingham, J. N. Baker, Peter P. Bellmger, Jamas Feeter, 
H. Nolton. 

1845, John Beardslee, William Brooks, jr., Rodney Durkee, Wm. Ingham, William 
Page, jr., Peter P. E. Bellinger. 



272 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

184'i, William P. Hall, Joseph Boyer, Wra. Brooks, jr., James N. Baker, Michael 
Reddy, Henry Thompson. 

1847, R. N. easier, Seth M. Richmond, Nelson Rust, Henry Link, Wm. B. Poughton, 
Henry W. Fox. 

1848, Seth M. Richmond, A. G. Rosecrantz, J. N. Lake, Henry Thomp.ion, Robert 
Stewart, Nelson Rust. 

1849, A. G. Rosecrantz, Samuel S. Whitman, Michael Moyer, Deles Lake, G. S. 
Young, Wm. B. Houghton. 

1850, Re-incorporation of the village under name of Rockton : President, George H. 
Feeter ; trustees, Morris E. Fuller, Peter B. Gilder.sleeve, Henry Link, Leonard Boyer, 
A. G. Rosecrantz, Alvan Richmond, John Bielby, Henry M. Heath. 

1851, Joram Petrie J. N. Lake, Philo Reed, John Feeter, Michael Boothroyd, Michael 
Reddy, James N. Baker, Thomas Dale. 

1852, Asa Wilcox, J. 0. Cunningham, Lorenzo D. Waite, Shadrach Sherman, AVm. 
Fowler, Levi Casler, Joseph K. Chapman, Thomas Dale. 

1853, Henry Link, Thomas Scott, Aaron Carver, H. Thompson, Henry Heath, Ben- 
jamin R. Jones, Robert M. McChesney, Leonard Boyer. 

1854, W. B. Houghton, J. N. Barber, Joseph H. Hinds, S. M. Richmond, Nicholas 
Moyer, A. Rathbun, Samuel F. Bennett, Thaddeus R. Brooks. 

1855, George Heath, John Satterly, Henry Burwell, Eben B. Waite, Ezekiel Heath, 
Wm. M. Dorr, J. W. Helraer, Alvan Richmond. 

1856, George H. Carver, Elijah Wilds, B. R. Jone.s, Enoch R. Nelson, Shadrach Sher- 
man (to fill vacancy). From this date only four trustees were elected annnallj', four of 
the former board holding over. 

1857, Wells Sponable, George Heath, John Satterly, John W. Belhnger. 

1858, James Bellinger, jr., George H. Feeter, Mason S. Van Slyke, Harry Burrell. 

1859, George Ashley, John W. Bellinger, J. N. Baker, Gideon Tillinghast. 

1860, Henry T. Holmes, Sylvester Levee, Wm. S. Tucker, S. T. Smith. 

1861, Robert Casler, Philander G. Potter, J. N. Casler, James Boyer. 

1862, Wm. M. Briggs, Thomas Dale, Warren C. Southworth, Nicholas Moyer. 

1863, Sylvester Levee, Philander G. Potter, C. B. Leigh, Darwin B. Chase. 

1864, Thomas Dale, Thomas W. Dundas, Peter A. Conyne, Wra Briggs. 

1865, Henry Root, George F. Angel, Sylvester Levee, R. D. Casler. 

18G6, Thomas Dale, John W. Bellinger, Wm. H. Weeks, Nathan Basterbrook. 

1867, Henry M. P. Uhlee. P. G. Potter, Charles Benedict, T. A. Burnham. 

1868, Levi Bellinger, Esick Buchanan, Amos Rankin, Patrick Nolan. 

1869, Wm. M. Briggs, Henry M. P. Uhlee, Robert Casler, jr., RoUin H. Smith. 

1870, Frederick H. Phillips, Wm. Nelson, Timothy Comboy, Jonah May. 

1871, Wm. M. Brigg.s, S. B. Casler, James W. Cronkhite, Wm. Clark. 

1872, Albert Story, Thomas Dale, C. B. Leigh, James T. Smith. 

1873, Peter A. Conyne, John P. Harvey, John A. Woolever, Charles Benedict, 

1874, Victor Adams, 1. B. Richmond, Amos Keller, Thomas Sheridan. 

1875, Daniel W. Ladue, Peter A. Staring, Wm. M. Briggs, Charles W. Nellis. 

1876, Alonzo 0. Casler, Edward S. Middlebrook, Andrew Foley, Jacob Stacy. 

1877, John F. Leahy, D. W. Ladue, James Wiswell, Amos Rankins. 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 273 

1878, Irving E. "Waters, Henry Link, George Keller, Thomas Sheridan. 

1879, Amos Rankins, Silas W. Boyer, D. W, Lailue, John McCauley. 

1880, Joseph W. Baker, Henry E. Piper, Richard Levee, Jacob Stacy. 

1881, John Canaman, James McDonald, John Chester, R. Walrath. 

1882, Victor Adams, Albert Story, John L. Palmer, \V. R. Chappie. 
r883, Irving E. Waters, Amos Keller, Peter E. Rankins, John 0. Leahy. 

1884, Chas. J. Palmer, W. Shall, W. R. Chappie, Charles Bailey, Asa Bowen. 

1885, Charles Benedict, D. J. Mesick, Peter A. Staring, Lyman Timmerman. 

1886, Thomas Bf^iley, K Gr. Lower, Thomas McDermott. L. R. Klock. 

] 1887, Eraorj' J. Diefendorf, Warner Edick, Fred M. Kenyon, L. Timmerman. 

1888, Thomas McDermott, Fred H. Gowen, John H. Kane, George H. Goetchiiis. 

1889, Charles N. Le Bart, David P. Broaghton, Frank W. Smith, Halsey W. Warren. 

1890, H. G. Babcock, N. 0. Casler, John H. Kane, Hiram Sharp. 

1891, Richard Levee, J. S. Newell, Halsey W. Warren, Herbert B. demons. 

1892, William Dale, Squire Bailey, Kenyon A. Bushnell, Sylvanns J. Waters, jr. 

Following is a list of the presidents of the village of Little Falls from 
1828 to the present time: 

N. S. Benton, 1828; John Dygert, 1829-30; Arphaxed Looniis, 1831, 1833-36; 
Henry P. Alexander, 1834-3,5; Jesse C. Dann, 183,"; Martin W. Priest, 1838-41, 
1844,1847,1862-60,1872-73; Robert Stewart, 1842; George B. Young, 1843 ; Fred- 
erick Lansing, 1845-46; Richard N. Casler (appointed to fill vacancy), 1847 ; Hiram 
Nolton, 1848; George H. Feeter, 1849-50; Nelson Rust, 1851; William Brooks, jr., 
1852; Zenas C. Priest, 1853 ; Henry Link (appointed to fill vacancy), 1854; Jarvis N. 
Lake, 1854; James N. Barber (appointed to fill vacancy), 1854-56; Thomas Burch, 
1855; J. W. Helmer (appointed to fill vacancy), 1855; James Feeter, 1857; Seth M. 
Richmond, 1858-61 ; Mount M. Abel, 1867 ; John P. Sharer, 1868-71 ; W. A. Staf- 
ford, 1874; Watts T. Loomis (appointed to fill vacancy), 1874; S. Stewart Lansing, 
1875-76; Jonah May, 1877; Isaac B. Richmond, 1878-79; Henry Link, 1880; Isaac 
B. Richmond, 1881, 1883; Kendrick E. Morgan, 1882; J. J. Gilbert, 1384-85; Joseph 
W. Baker, 1886 ; George F. Crumby 1887 ; Isaac B. Richmond, 1888, 1890; Charles 
L. Petree, 1889; Judson J. Gilbert, 1891 ; 1892, Albert Story. 

The officers of the village for 1892 are as follow: President, Albert 
Story ; treasurer, Frank B. Wilcox ; collector, Calvin Van Alstine ; 
trustees, "William H. Dale, Squire Bailey, Sylvanus J. Waters, jr., Ken- 
yon A. Bushnell ; clerk, Wilbur D. Newell ; attorney, H. A. De Coster ; 
street commissioner, James M. Smith ; board of health, John R. Taylor, 
Milton Tryon, Frank W. Smith. 

THE CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS OF LITTLE FALLS. 

Tlie Octagon Church. — This historic building was erected, says Mr. 
Benton's history, about the year 1796, and " attracted the admiring 



276 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtJNTlT. 

were Abraham Neeley and wife, Daniel Talcott and wife, Mrs. Henry 
Rartlett and Mrs. James Kennedy. The first elders of the church, 
chosen May i6, 1813, were Abraham Neeley and Thomas Smith. In 
the early part of 18 1 3 the church entered into ecclesiastical connection 
with the Presbytery of Oneida, and so remained until 1842, when it 
transferred its connection to the Presbytery of Albany. In the re- 
construction of synods and presbyteries in 1870, after the reunion, this 
church was included within the bounds of the synod of Central New 
York by act of the General Assembly, and by act of synod was attached 
to the Presbytery of Utica, with which it has since been connected. 
The congregation originallj' worshiped in the old Octagon church be- 
fore described, which was erected about 1796. In 1832 a brick church 
was erected on the corner of Ann and Albany streets (now occupied by 
D. H. Burrell & Co.). This building served the congregation for nearly 
fifty years, and was several times remodeled and enlarged. In 1879 
the present beautiful and and costly stone edifice was completed. It is 
one of the finest church structures in Central New York and cost more 
than $40,000. 

Tlie Sabbath-school was probably organized soon after the church organization, and 
Rev. H. N. Woodruff was the first superintendent, with the following teachers: Hon. 
N. S. Benton, Ephraim Garter, Josiah Pierson. Mrs. H. N. Woodruff, Maria John.son, 
Sarah Lockwood, and Elizabeth Carpenter. The following per.^ons have served as su- 
perintendents of the school: Rev. H. N. Woodrufl", William Hammill, Hosea Hamil- 
ton, John Dygert, Rev. T. B. Jervis, Thomas Burch, William Rossiter, Jarvis X. Lake, 
J. S. Aldridge, D. H. Burrell, Amos King, Charles King, L. Timmerman, and E. J. 
Burrell. 

The following have served either as pastors or stated supplies of the 
church : 

Rev. James Joyce, 1812-1813 ; Rev. Hezekiah N. Woodrufl; 1813-1822; Rev. Stephen 
W. Burritt, 1822-1827; Rev. Jacob Helffenstein, 1827-1828; Rev. David M. Smith, 
1828-1829; Rev. J. Barton, 1830-1831; Rev. J. H. Martyn, 1831-1832; Rev. James 
F. Warren, 1832-1833; Rev. James I. Ostrom, 1833-1835; Rev. Arthur Burtis, 1836- 
1837 ; Rev. L. P. Blodgett, 1837-1839 ; Rev. A. L. Bloodgood, 1840-1841 ; Rev. J. H. 
Mcllvaine. 1841-1843; Rev. A. G. Vermilye, 1845-1849; Rev. H. W. Morris, 1850- 
1860; Rev. M. L. P. Hill, 1860-1868; Rev. W. B. Parraalee, 1869-1872; Rev. Walter 
Condit. 1873-1875 ; Rev. Arthur Potts, 1875-1881 ; Rev. F. A. M. Brown, D. D., 1882- 
1887 ; Rev. C. S. Richardson, 1888. 

The elders of the church are: 



Town of little falls. 277 

J. S. Aldridge, E. D. Evans, Andrew Van Valkenburgh, D. H. Burrell. The trustees 
are W. G. Milligan, president; E. J. Burrell, C. L. Petree, L. Carryl, F. L Small, J. H. 
Ives, A. W. Shepherd, W. T. Loomis, George G. Stebbins. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — Methodism in the M3hawk valley dates 
from a very early period, certainly previous to the beginning of the 
present century; and while details of the early history are extremely 
meager, we know that Freeborn Garretson and some of his colaborers 
were in Schenectady in 1789, and probably preached as far west as 
Utica. Starkville in this county had a class between 1790 and 1795, 
and Brockett's Bridge (Dolgeville) had one about 1800. Little Falls 
was, of course, visited by those early preachers. William Morrallee 
came to this country from England in 1801 and preached here, and 
Bishop Asbury visited Little Falls in 1807, and baptized Mrs. Phoebe 
Lewis, a daughter of Mr. Morrallee. A legal church organization was 
not, however, effected until November 19, 1832. At the meeting held 
for that purpose in the old stone school- house, Henry Heath presided 
and E. S. Edgerton was secretary. The following persons were elected 
the first trustees : Edmund L. Shepherd, Gilbert Robinson, George 
Warcup, E. S. Edgerton, and Henry Heath. Rev. Darius Simmons 
was then one of the circuit preachers, and eight days later he was ap- 
pointed to visit Troy, Albany and New York and solicit funds with 
which to build a church. He probably failed in his purpose, as only 
$400 were pledged and the project was abandoned until 1837. Again, 
after considerable effort, it was given up on account of the financial 
stress of that time. Finally, in 1838, through the efforts of Rev. 
Charles L. Dunning, a powerful preacher and a man of indomitable will 
and energy, a building was erected, which was dedicated September 28, 
1839. Bishop Hedding preached the dedicatory sermon. The mem- 
bership at that time was fifty- three. Since Mr. Dunning's pastorate 
the following have served the church: 

Revs. C. W. Leet, Charles L. Dunning, S. Orvis, B. L Diefendorf, 0. C. Cole, C. L. 
Dunning, R. B. Stratton, W. L. Tisdale, M. G. Bullock, J. V. Ferguson, Aaron Adams, 
I. L Hunt, Benjamin Phillips, D. Simons, D. M. Rogers, John Loveys, J. D. Adams, J. 
L. Humphrey, W. Jones, J. L. Humphrey, M. R. Webster, James Coote, Samuel Call, 
J. B. Hammond, who came in the spring of 1888. 

The church membership is now about 500. The trustees are S. 
Newell, Titus Sheard, William Dale, C. T. Pooler, S. Cross, William 



280 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Revs. J. H. Harter, T.J. Whitcomb, engaged in Septeml)er. 1851 ; J. H. Hobbs, Sep- 
tember, 18.33; George W. Skinner, November, 1854; B. B. Halleck, June, 1857; J. R. 
Sage, May, 1859; 0. Cone, 1863; A Tibets, December, 1865; Lucius Holmes, Octo- 
ber, 1867; George P. Hibbard, June, 1871 ; H. D. L. Webster. May, 1873 ; H. A. Han- 
aford, April, 1875; E. F. Pember, December, 1877; Selden S. Gilbert, closed Septem- 
ber, 1884; R. E. Sykes, the present pastor, came in April, 1885. The membership is 
about 100. Following are the present trustees: Charles Benedict, George S. Ransom, 
Nelson E. Ransom, John P. Harvey, Addison Eaton, Oscar Taylor. 

Si. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. — Previous to the building of the 
Utica and Schenectady Railroad and the enlargement of the Erie Canal, 
Little Falls was visited by various Catholic clergymen, but during the 
improvements mentioned Rev. Father Burke was appointed pastor in 
this place. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Shanahan. They oc- 
cupied the old Octagon church. For some time after the completion 
of the railroad and the consequent removal of many Catholic families, 
the village was without a resident pastor. During the pastorate of Rev. 
Father Stokes over St. John's church in Utica, his assistant, Rev. John 
Menomy, a young clergyman, was appointed by the bishop as pastor 
of Herkimer, Montgomery, Fulton, Otsego, and Schoharie counties. 
He purchased a lot on John street and erected the first Catholic church 
of Little Falls. It was a comfortable- frame building and was finished 
in 1847 and dedicated the same year under the name of St. Mary's 
church. About the year 1S52 he was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Mc- 
Loughlin, who built the brick parsonage. During his administration 
the church was burned. The pastor was succeeded in June, 1867, by 
Rev. F"rancis Von Campenhoudt. He erected the brick church on the 
corner of Alexander and Petrie streets, which was dedicated in 1869 
by Bishop Lynch, of Charleston, S. C. He was succeeded in 1872 
by Rev. James Ludden, who remained more than ten years and 
was succeeded by Rev. A. P. Ludden, the present pastor. During the 
first Father Ludden's pastorate the church building was condemned as 
unsafe, and in 1874 the new stone church corner of John street and 
Eastern avenue was begun and completed in 1878. In 1889 the sub- 
stantial stone school building was erected, and in 1892 the stone 
deanery was built. The property is now very valuable. 

German Evangelical Church. — In the year 1849 Rev. P. Herlan 
began labor here for the establishment of a church of this faith, which 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 281 

he continued about two years. The place was then included in a cir- 
cuit extending from Albany to Syracuse. In 1852 Rev. E Greuzebach 
and a Mr. Scharfe came to the charge, and in 1855 Rev. L. Herman 
came, and during his ministrations the church was built on Gansevoort 
street. The society was incorporated January 29, 1857. The list of 
pastors cannot be given complete, in the absence of records. 

Schools. — In foregoing pages the stone school -house has often been 
mentioned. It is said that Elijah Case taught the first school in that 
historic structure, and for many years it was the only educational in- 
stitution in the village. Mr. Case called his scholars to study by blow- 
ing a long tin horn. There was little advancement in the schools at 
Little Falls until the incorporation of the academy by the Regents of 
the University of this State October 17, 1844. The trustees named in 
the charter were : 

Nathaniel S. Benton, Frederick Lansing, William 0. Grain, Henry Heath, Harry 
Burrell, Albert G. Story. Thomas Burch, Solomon Petrie, Henry Bysaman, Arphaxed 
Loomis, George H. Feeter, David Petrie, Martm W. Priest, Richard N. Casler, Zenas 
C. Priest, Nathan Brown, Stephen W. Brown, William Ingham. 

The citizens of the village contributed liberally to a fund for the 
erection of a necessary building and the result was the substantial stone 
structure which has so long served its purpose. In December, 1845, 
the reported value of the academic property entire was $14,849.38. 
The school was opened by Merritt G. McKoon, A. M., as principal. 
He was succeeded by the following : 

Daniel Washburne, 1845; Josiah A. Priest, 1848; James H. Maguffin, 1849; Philo 
S. Casler, 1850 ; Avery Briggs, 1851 ; Lawrence Mercerreaux, 1854 ; W. H. W^alker, 
1858; Alonzo Phelps, 1860; John Bell, 1861 ; Levi D. Miller, 1863; Hannibal Smitli, 
1867; D. P. Blackstone, 1869; Eugene E. Sheldon, 1870; W. F. Bridge, 1871. 

This academy subsequently became a part of the free school system 
of the village. 

A resolution was adopted on the 14th of October, 1873 "That a 
union free school, with an academical department, be established in 
this school district," the Board of Education to consist of six trustees, 
two of whom were to be elected annually. The existing Little Falls 
Academy was adopted as the academical department. The first Board 
of Education, elected October 15, 1873, was: Arphaxed Loomis, Jonah 



282 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

May, Seth M. Richmond, Charles G. Burke, James Hart, James W. 
Magill. Arphaxed Loomis was chosen president, and James Hart sec- 
retary of this first Board of Education. The school was divided into 
primary, intermediate, preparatory and academic departments. 

On the 2d of September, 1879, the graded school system was 
adopted, and under the law of that year W. S. Hall was appointed the 
first superintendent of schools. The schools were then divided into the 
Eastern, Western, and Southern Divisions, the academical department 
being continued in the academy building in the Eastern Division. 
The schools are under the supervision of the Regents of the University 
of the State, and the course of study conforms to the requirements of 
that body. Pupils are not admitted to the academical department upon 
examinations by the teachers, but upon the fact of the applicant hold- 
ing a regent's preliminary certificate, obtained upon a regent's exam- 
ination. On completion of the course of study and satisfactory exam- 
ination a graduating diploma is awarded. 

In 1884 a new brick school-house was erected for the Southern Di- 
vision, on the south side of the Mohawk, at a cost of $12,000, and in 
1889 a new brick school building was built on the site of the old struct- 
ure, corner of Prospect and Church streets, at a cost of $22,000. 
This latter building is a model one in its heating and ventilating sys- 
tem and interior arrangement. 

The present Board of Education is composed of the following per- 
sons: 

Rollin""J-I. Smith, president ; Alonzo H. Green, secretary ; William R. Chappie, 
Horace A. Tozer, John Chester, Ivan T. Burney ; superintendent of schools, Thomas 
A. Caswell. 

Academical Department. Marcelhis Oakey, principal ; Miss Mary L. Mills, precep- 
tress; Miss Mary E. Vaughn, as,sistant. 

Eastern Division, Miss Adelaide A. Appley, Miss Ennly A. Oyston, Miss Minnie 
Evans, Miss Maggie D. Ferguson, Miss Mildred B. VanAlstine, Miss Anna P. Hutchins. 

Western Division, J. K. Abrams, principal ; Miss Helena J. Ballard, Miss Julia S. 
Beach, Miss Mary E. Van Deusen, Miss Bertha I. Hagedorn, Miss Ella M. Lewi.s, Miss 
B la R. Groom, Miss Cora M. Sharp, Miss Maggie E. Walcott. 

Southern Division, J. F. Steward, principal; Miss Gertrude Brown, Miss Lucy H. 
Clancy, Miss Lora Houpt. 

The Press of Little Falls. — The first newspaper in Little Falls was 
called the People's Friend, a Democratic paper, started by Edward M. 



TOWN OF LITTLE PALLS. 283 

Griffing in September, 1821. After about ten years of existence sev- 
eral leading Democrats of the village purchased the establishment to 
prevent a forced sale and discontinuance of the paper. Its name was 
then changed to the Mohatvk Courier', and its publication continued by 
Charles S. Benton & Co.; from them it passed to Josiah A. Noonan, 
who sold it to Horatio N. Johnson. He transferred it to Elias G. 
Palmer, but subsequently bought it back, and associated with himself 
Allen W. Eaton. In 1856 Mr Eaton purchased his partner's interest 
in the establishment, and the paper became the county organ of the 
then young Republican party, Mr. Eaton acting as editor. In March, 
1861, Mr. Eaton sold the paper to William Ayer and T. S. Brigham, 
who conducted it until January i, 1864, when it was purchased by 
Jean R. Stebbins, then proprietor of the Journal, and the two papers 
were consolidated under the name of the Journal and Courier. 

The history of the Journal down to its consolidation with the Courier 
begins in 1849, when the Herkimer County Journal was removed to 
Little Falls from Herkimer by Orlando Squires. In 1858 X. A. 
Willard assumed editorial control of the paper, as far as its political and 
literary features were concerned, and Daniel Ayer conducted the local 
columns and the business management. Mr. Willard continued as editor 
about two years. Mr. Ayer injured his health by arduous labor and 
died January i, 1861. On the i8th of the same month the establish- 
ment was purchased of Mr. Ayer's widow by Jean R. Stebbins, who 
continued as its proprietor until the consolidation above described. 

In September, 1866, George G Stebbins purchased an interest in the 
Journal and Courier, 2Lnd from that time until May, 1883, the paper 
was conducted and edited under the firm name of J. R. & Gr G. Steb- 
bins. On the date last named Ivan T. Burney was admitted to 
the firm and the business continued under the firm name of Stebbins & 
Co. until November i, 1886, when J. R Stebbins sold his interest to his 
partners, after a continuous connection with the paper of more than 
twenty-five years. Mr. Stebbins was a forcible and vigorous writer, 
especially on political subjects, and in the broad field of Republican 
politics his journal exerted a wide and powerful influence. Its circula- 
tion was extended and its character and prosperity built up under his 
able administration. Soon after the disposing of his interest to his 



284 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

partners, Mr. Stebbins removed to Watertown, N. Y., to assume the du- 
ties of president of the Agricultural Insurance Company of that city. 
The Journal and Courier since then has been ably couducted by Steb- 
bins & Burney. 

The Herkimer County Neius was started in Mohawk as an independ- 
ent paper in 1868 by Williams & Perkins. In the fall of 1 870, at the 
solicitation of many Democrats in Little Falls, the News was removed 
to this village. In the spring of 1871 it was transferred to L. W. 
Flagg, and in August of the same year was purchased by T; M Chap- 
man, of Canandaigua, N. Y., and W. R. Chappie, of Cleveland, O., 
under the firm name of Chapman & Chappie. The establishment was 
enlarged and the paper given a new impetus. In September, 1874, Mr. 
Chapman sold his interest to H. A. Tozer (Chaf«»afi & Tozer). In De- 
cember, 1877, failing health impelled Mr. Tozer to retire, and since that 
time the paper has been ably conducted on Democratic lines by Mr. 
Chappie. 

The Little Falls Evening Times is the only daily newspaper pub- 
lished in Herkimer county. It was founded May 10, 1876, by the Co- 
operative Printing Company, composed of Robert Currie, Thomas and 
G. H. Highland, J. R. McGuire, and Henry Langdon. The type and 
other materials were purchased of C. A. Tucker, who had previously 
published the Mohaivk Independent. John F. Devlin was the first 
editor of the new daily. In November, 1886, the establishment was 
sold to a syndicate and E W. Pavey was appointed editor. Mr. Pavey 
continued in the editorial chair about one year, and was succeeded by 
John M. Lee as editor and manager. Mr. Lee held the position until 
August, 1889, when Jay E. Klock, of Albany, purchased an interest in 
the paper and became editor and manager. Mr. Klock retired June 
15, 1 89 1, to become editor of the Kingston (N. Y.) Freeman. He was 
succeeded on the Times by John Crowley, jr. Mr. Crowley purchased 
the interest of his partners in July, 1892, and is now editor and sole 
proprietor. The Times is independent in politics, and a bright and ably 
conducted paper. 

The death-roll of newspapers in Herkimer county is a long one, as 
it is in all other districts where numerous journals have been started by 
ambitious publishers and editors. The brief careers of many of these 
wrecks are noted in the history of other towns in this volume. 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 28o 

The Republican Farmer's Free Press was removed to Little Falls from 
Herkimer (see history of Herkimer) and its name changed to the Her- 
kimer County Whig. It was published by Larned W. Smith, and died 
young. 

In 1839 Edward M. Griffing established The Enterprise and con- 
tinued its publication about two years. He then started the Mohazvk 
Mirror, a semi-monthly paper, which expired in 1844 

The Herkimer Freeman was started in Little Falls by O. A. Bowe, 
about 1844, after he had left the Herkimer County Journal, at Herki- 
mer. The Freeman was an abolition organ and lived about six years. 

The Catholic Telegraph was first issued at Little Falls June 8, 1878. 
It was edited by Rev. James M. Ludden and M. J. Ludden. In Janu- 
ary, 1 88 1, the paper was removed to Albany and was discontinued a 
few years later. 

T\\& Dairyman s Record, & semi-monthly, was started February 15, 
1859, by A. W. Eaton. In May, i860, its name was changed to the 
Dairy Farmer and issued monthly. In April, 1861, Mr. Eaton sold 
the paper to Ayer & Brigham, and it was discontinued about a year 
later. 

Water Works. — Little Falls had little water supply in which it could 
reasonably feel pride until very recent years. With pipes in some of 
the streets and indifferent sources to rely upon, the village for many 
years seriouslj' felt the need of a better supply of water for domestic 
and fire extinguishing purposes. The reason given for this state of 
affairs was chiefly the apparently insurmountable engineering difficulties 
to be encountered in the construction of new works, with the.attendant 
expense. For several years previous to 1885 the subject of a better 
water supply had been agitated, and finally on tlie 2ist of May, 18S5, 
the trustees appointed a committee of twelve prominent citizens to act 
with them in investigating the subject. The members of the com- 
mittee were Hon. George A. Hardin, chairman ; Michael Reddy, 
Titus Sheard, J. D. Feeter, R. Walrath, D. H. Burrell, S. M. Richmond, 
Lorenzo Carryl, Watts T. Loomis, Z. C. Priest, William I. Skinner, and 
J. R. Stebbins. This committee visited and inspected all the practi- 
cable sources of supply and procured analyses of the waters. The result 
of these investigations was the selection of Beaver Brook as the best 



286 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

and most available source. The committee reported unanimously in 
favor of the corporation owning the works and on the source selected. 

On the 3d of July, 1885, the Board of Trustees organized themselves 
into a Board of Water Commissioners as follows : J. J. Gilbert, presi- 
dent ; C. J. Palmer, secretary; Lyman Timmerman, treasurer; Victor 
Adams, W. R. Chappie, Charles Benedict, George W. Shall, Charles 
Bailey, D. J. Mesick, commissioners. This board was temporary and 
to be succeeded by a permanent one when the necessarj' legislation 
should have been procured. 

An election was ordered for August 20, 1885, to decide whether the 
village was in favor of adopting the plans of the committee, at which 
429 tax payers voted in favor and iio against the plans; and 864 
electors voted in favor and 141 against. Upon the announcement of 
this result a popular jubilee was held at which the inhabitants gener- 
ally expressed their satisfaction after the customary American pro- 
gramme. October 6, 188.5, the commissioners secured the services of 
Stephen E. Babcock, civil engineer, of Troy, N. Y., and a contract was 
made with him to superintend the construction of the proposed works 
at a salary of $3,000 per annum. Mr. Babcock and his assistants com- 
pleted the surveys of the entire system by December 25, 1885. An 
act was then prepared to transfer the duties of the water commissioners 
of the village to a Board of Water Commissioners, whicli became a law 
on the 1 1 th of February, 1886. Under this act the following commis- 
sioners were chosen : Watts T. Loomis, five years ; William I. Skin- 
ner, four years; Charles J. Palmer, three years; David H. Burrell, two 
years ; all dating from January i, 1886. An act to authorize the issue 
of $250,000 in bonds was passed March 8, 1886. Sealed proposals 
were received up to May, 1886, for constructing the Beaver Creek 
conduit, eight miles long, dam and inlet chamber ; for the construc- 
tion of a distribution reservoir and about one mile of open canals; 
for trenches and laying the system of distribution complete, about 
sixteen miles ; and for the valves and hydrants complete. All of these 
contracts were successfully let to responsible persons. The reservoir 
and conduit were brought into use July 15, 1887; the distribution 
reservoir was not fully completed until October, 1888; but the pipe 
lines were so arranged temporarily that water was delivered after 



I 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 287 

October 28, 1886. An additional feed pipe line was subsequently 
constructed to connect at William street at a cost of $15,000, in order 
to prevent the possibility of ever being without water for a day or two 
through the breakage of the original line. For the completion of the 
great work an act was passed April 18, 1887, authorizing the raising of 
a further sum of $25,000. This sum was still found inadequate, and on 
the 8th of May, 1888, an act was passed authorizing the issue of bonds 
to the further amount of $30,000, making in all $305,000. The cost 
of the works averaged $11,115 P^"" rnile, which was lower than the 
average cost of water works in cities and villages throughout the 
country. The commissioners and the citizens' committee estimated 
that the sum of $21,500 per annum would have to be realized for the 
maintenance of the works and meeting the assumed obligations, as 
follows: Fixed charges of interest, $10,000; cost of maintenance, 
$5,500; for sinking fund, $6,000. A system of rates was established 
in accordance with this estimate, charging $5 each for ordinary stores 
and dwellings. 

No public improvement can be conceived that would confer a greater 
benefit upon Little Falls than has this system of water works, and while 
it has created a considerable debt, the burden is generally cheerfully 
assumed. The present commissioners are : Chas. J. Palmer, president ; 
Hadley Jones, secretary; Rollin H. Smith, Rugene Walrath. 

The Fire Department. — The early action of the village toward pro- 
viding for the extinguishment of fires has been noticed. The first 
company " No. I " was organized in 1808 by Captain Solomon Lock- 
wood, and in 181 1 the following persons were members of this company: 

Solomon Lockwood, captain ; Rufiis Sawyer, Amos Parkhurst. Josiah Hazen, Isaac 
Stevenson, Felix Dutoher, Josiah Perry, Thomas Battle, Benjamin Carr, Thomas Gould, 
Henry Frey, Benjamin Bowen, John O. Mclntyre, Matthias B. Bellows, Thomas Smith, 
William Girvan, Brayton Buckland, John Protheroe, John Phillips, Washington Brit- 
ton, George W. Angel, Charles Hinkley, Wiliiam T. Dodge, Henry Holmes, James 
Beattie, George Plato. The engine liouse then stood a little west of the Girvan Hou-se 
site. 

The organization of Protection Fire Company No. 2 took place June 
19. 1835, and its headquarters were on the north side of German street. 
The first engine was a " goose-neck " hand machine, and later a Button 
steamer. Cascade Fire Company No. i was organized October 11, 



288 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

1853, and reorganized November 29, 1873. The original members 
were as follows : 

Henry P. Alexander, Horace M. Burch, James Feeter, William Usher, James R 
Fisher, Stephen Farnhain, Hiram McChesney, William T. Wheeler, William Beattit-, 
Henry Wiegand, James Strossman, William Ellison, William H. Anable, George Ash- 
ley, John Shaunberg, James Roe, S. J. Galpin, Nelson Rust, John Feeter, A. Rathbun, 
M. E. Fuller, William H. Cressey, Joseph Boyer, jr, James G. Reals, James Churchill, 
James Levee, William Ingham, William Genett and S. Sherman. 

General Herkimer Company No. 3 was organized Jul}' 3, 1857, with 
the following officers : 

J. Satterlee, foreman ; J. B. Eysaman, first assistant ; J. Yosburgh, second assistant : 
H. Fralick, secretary; P. G. Potts, treasurer. 

The fire department, as it exists at the present time, was organized 
under special act of the Legislature May i, 1886, which authorized a 
commission to take control of both the fire and the police departments. 
The property of the fire department consisted of three steam fire engines, 
one hook and ladder truck and appurtenances, and one chemical engine. 
These continued in use until 1888, when the construction of the present 
water works rendered the engines almost wholly unnecessary. The 
companies which had been connected with the steamers were reorgan- 
ized into hose companies, while the hook and ladder and chemical com- 
panies remained as they were. 

Previous to the construction of the water works each company con- 
sisted of a maximum of sixty men. This number is still retained in the 
hook and ladder and the chemical companies, while the maximum of 
the hose companies was reduced to thirty men each. There is a chief 
engineer and first and second assistant engineers, all subject to the con- 
trol of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. The first board was 
composed as follows : 

S. M. Van Alstine, chairman : S. W. Petrie, M. G. Bronner, J. P. Sharer ; W. S. 
Shepard, clerk. The present board is: M. G. Bronner, chairman; D. F. Herlehey, F. 
Senior, J. S Barnet. 

The cost to the village of the fire department is $4,000 annually. 
An electric fire alarm is in use, comprising twenty alarm boxes placed 
at as many proper points. The alarm is sounded by a steam whistle in 
the electric light works, opposite the New York Central depot. 



"TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. . 289 

Police Department. — Prior to the organization of the Board of Police 
and Fire Commissioners, as above described, the poHce department 
was controlled by the village trustees, and changed with almost every 
change of administration. The creation of the Board of Commissioners 
corrected this evil and gave to the department much greater efificiency. 
The police force now consists of six officers including the chief and as- 
sistant cliief. The present chief of police is Earl W. Harris, with 
Daniel O'Brien assistant chief The cost of the department is $4,000 
annually. 

Streets and Sewers. — The control of the streets and sewers of the 
village is vested in the Board of Trustees, through a street commis- 
sioner. Marked improvements have been inuagurated in this de- 
partment in recent years. In 1882 a steam stone crusher was purchased 
and broken stone was thenceforth used to a considerable extent in im- 
proving the roadways. In June, 1892, a Springfield steam roller was 
secured, and a beginning has been made upon a system of macadamiz- 
ing which it is intended shall cover all the streets of the village. 

The natural drainage of Little Falls is exceptionally good and sewer 
construction was not begun until 1882. Since that date about fifteen 
miles of sewerage have been constructed in the principal streets. 

Street Lighting. — The first gas for illumination made in Little Falls 
was by the Little Falls Woolen Company and the Saxony Woolen 
Company, who built a plant and made gas from rosin with which to 
light their own factories. This gas plant was purchased by John W. 
and S. B. Stitt and A. G. Story, and in 1853 pipes were laid by them 
in the principal streets of the village and the gas supplied to consumers. 
In 1863 the works were enlarged and the manufacture of coal gas was 
begun. In 1869 the Little Falls Gaslight Company was formed under 
the general State law with a capital of $25,000. 

The directors were G. A. Hardin, S. M. Richmond, W. G. Milligan, W. M. Dorr, 
Lorenzo Carry), J. J. Gilbert, James Feeter, W. T. Wheeler, and J. R. Stebbius. 

In 1886 a new Board of Directors consisting of William Henry 
White, V. S. Watrous and M. J. Leyden, was elected ; William Henry 
White, president. The capital stock was increased to $50,000. A 
modern system of retorts with a capacity of 20,000,000 cubic feet 
annually, a large telescopic holder, and some five miles of new street 
37 



290 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

mains were added to the plant ; public lamps were placed on all the 
thoroughfares of the village. In the same year electricity was also sup- 
plied for lighting purposes. The present price of gas is based upon a 
sliding scale regulated by the volume used, so that the net rates range 
from $1.75 to $2.25 per thousand cubic feet. 

Little Falls Electric Light and Pozver Co. — This company was or- 
ganized February 29, 1892, with the following officers : 

Watts T. Loorais, president ; Elijah Reed, vice-president; William F. Lansing, sec- 
retary, treasurer, and manager; directors, Watts T. Loomis, William F. Lansing, Nel- 
son R. Gilbert, Elijah Reed, James H. Ives. 

The capital stock is $30,000, which is paid up. The Thompson- 
Houston direct current system and the alternating incandescent 
system are in use. The steam power employed is* 350 horse power, 
and more than lOO two-thousand-candle power arcs and about 500 
sixteen-candle power incandescent lights are in use, and the number is 
rapidly increasing. 

Herkimer County Batik (now National Herkimer County Bank). — 
This is the first regularly organized banking institution in Little Falls, 
though the oldest citizens remember what was called the Aqueduct 
Association which was in existence in 1806, and issued scrip for the 
accommodation of the business operations of that period. The Herki- 
mer County Bank as a safety fund bank was incorporated on the 14th 
of March, 1833, with a capital stock of $200,000 and began business 
in August of the same year, with the following named directors : 

N. S. Benton, Standish Barry, S. W. Brown, Dudley Burwell, A. Loomis, F. Lansing, 
P. F. Bellinger, F. B. Spinner, Benjamin Carver, David Petrie, H. P. Alexander, John 
Stillwell, and Abijah Mann, jr., with Standish Barry as president and Watts Sherman as 
cashier. 

At the expiration of its charter in 1863, the institution was reorgan- 
ized as an associate bank under the law of 1838, with the same amount 
of capital. 

Tlie directors were H. P. Alexander, V. S. Kenyon, A. Loomis, Hiram Nolion, Wm. 
Ingham, G. N. Willard, Z. C. Priest, James Feeter, and A. G. Story, with H. P. Alex- 
ander as president, and A. G. Story, cashier. 

In 1865 the bank was converted into the Herkimer County National 
Bank of Little Falls, with the same amount of capital as before. 



■2011 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

mains were added to the plant ; pub: re placed on 



-;ik!: 


b\- tllr \ 


froii 


Der thousa 


Li:.:. ;-u.7. 




QZ\\\7.fd. Febrii , 




\\ 




rct-H: 




son R. GiUjerL, KlijaU lU 





The capital stock _ 
Houston direct current 
system are in use. t'''- 
and more than lOO 
sixteen-candle power 
rapidly increasing. 

Herkimer County Haitic (nc 
This is the first regularly organ- 
though the oldest citizens ren 
Association which was in exi-!! 
accommodation of the bn^' 
mer County Bank as a sai- 
of March, 1833, with a capital 
in AutriHi of t!ie same \-car, v.' 



•J rciccr Cf.— ibis cunipany 'A 
the following}; officers : 

; William F. Lansii. 
■i, William K. Lansinj 

)aid up. The Thomns 
'ernating incanci'- 

> ,.d is" 350 horse y- 
power arcs and aboiM 

■ use, and the numuci 

County Ben: " 
u in Littl- 
called the Aq: 

■i issued scrip 1 
iod. The 
iiated on ti 

o and began bi. 

: ;nied directors 



Ki)llu'ell, and Abijah Mann, jr., 

cBiiiier. 

At the expiration of its charter in 
ized as an associate bank i-'' - *' — 
of capital. 



istitution was reorgan 



:;ul:on. \Vf. 



H. p. Alt- 



I, 
Bank of Little Falls, with ilie -. 



ity Nation^ 
fore. 




^^■,yr^K...r.frf 




Town of little falls. 291 

Its directors were H. P. Alexander, V. S. Kenyon. Wm. Ingham, G. N. Willard, 
James Feeter, Z. 0. Priest, W. Starr, George A. Hardin, and A. G. Story, with the 
same president and cashier as above mentioned. 

On the 31st of October, 1878, a circular was issued by the bank an- 
nouncing its going into liquidation, and its immediate organization on 
the following day as the National Herkimer County Bank, with the 
same officers and management, and $250,000 capital. The bank con- 
ducted its business in the old Beattie building until the completion of 
its own structure, corner of Albany and Ann streets in 1833, when it 
removed thereto. 

The present directors are Wm. G. Milligan, A. G. Story, Lorenzo Carryl, Sclmyler R. 
Ingham, Geo. A. Hardin, David H. Bnrrell, Titus Sheard, Alex W. Shepard, Jacob Zoller. 

Following are the names of the successive presidents and cashiers of 
the bank : 

Presidents, Standish Barry, N. S. Benton, H. P. Alexander, A. G. Story, Z. C. 
Priest, Wm. G. Milligan. Cashiers, Watts Sherman, A. G. Story, William G. Milligan, 
Albert Story. 

The present vice-president is David H. Burrell ; S. J. Waters, jr., tel- 
ler ; George D. Smith, Gilbert Lyon, E. B. Waite, jr., bookkeepers. 
This is now the largest banking institution in Herkimer county, and has 
adopted a liberal policy toward the business interests of the community. 
Its deposits amount to more than $1,000,000, and it has not failed to 
make regular dividends in the sixty years of its existence. 

Litiie Falls National Bank. — This bank was organized in December, 
1878, and business was begun early in the year 1879 in the block on the 
corner of Main and Ann streets, with the following officers: 

President, Seth M. Richmond; vice-president, E.C.Rice; cashier, Amos A. Bradley ; 
teller and assistant cashier, W. S. Feeter ; directors, S. M. Richmond, James Feeter, 
Isaac Small, B. C. Rice, J. H. Ives, R. H. Smith, A. L. Eaton, William Beattie, George 
Nelson. 

The capital of the bank is $100,000 and it now has surplus and prof- 
its of $42,000. This has been a prosperous institution since its organ- 
ization. The chief officers of the bank remain as at first, with the 
exception of cashier, in which J. D. Feeter succeeded W. S. Feeter, 
who had succeeded Amos A. Bradley. L. O. Bucklin is the present 
assistant cashier, and the following are the directors: 



292 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

S. M. Richmond, Isaac Small, James H. Ives, E. C. Rice, J. D. Feeter, J. H. Bucklin, 
A. L. Eaton, George Nelson, R. H. Smith. 

MANUFACTURES. 

The Stotie Mill. — It is known that a grist mill and saw-mill were in 
operation at Little F"alls durin^^ the Revolutionary War and were de- 
stroyed by the tories and Indians. The old stone mill was erected early 
in the present century, the exact date being now unknown. It passed 
through the hands of many proprietors, and was often repaired and 
improved. It stands on the north bank of the Mohawk River, about fift\- 
rods below the head of the falls. Among the more recent proprietors wa.s 
George A. Feeter. It was for a while in use as a manufactory of 
wooden packing-boxes for knit goods. In November, 1892, VV. Staf- 
ford & Co. leased the building and equipped it with machinery for 
building the Snyder & Fisher rib knitting machine, which they are now- 
manufacturing. 

Another ancient manufactory was the paper-mill, the site of which 
was sold by General Bellinger in 1828 to Sprague & Dann. It stood 
just below the grist-mill on the south side of tlie river, was built of 
wood and the power was supplied by water from the same dam used for 
the grist and saw- mills adjoining it. Among those who at various peri- 
ods occupied the mill were Ezra Sprague, David Paige, M. VV. Priest, 
John Satterly, and Philo and Elijah Reed ; the latter continued the 
manufacture of paper until about 1862, when the building was pur- 
chased by the owners of the cotton factory and converted into dwellings. 

The Henry Cheney Hammer Company. — Occupies 'the site of the Will- 
iam Ingham Fulling and Carding Mill, the first mill site sold in Little 
Falls. In the spring of 1856 Henry Cheney came to Little Falls from 
Otsego county and began the manufacture of hammers, the factory be- 
ing situated on Mill street. About the year 1874 he began the manu- 
facture of axes also, and carried on an extensive business. After Mr. 
Cheney's death in 1879 hammers only were made. In July, i88i,a 
stock company was organized under the above name, which bought the 
property and business from the Cheney estate, largely increased the 
facilities, and added late and improved rnachinery. The capacity of 
the factory is about sixty dozen hammers per day. The officers of 



TOWN OP LITTLE FALLS. 293 

the company are : S. R. Ingham, president; George D. Waterman, 
secretary and treasurer. 

Rockton Knitting- Mills. — A few rods below the head of the falls, on 
the south side of the river, General Christopher P. Bellinger erected, 
about 1810, a small grist-mill, and some years later a saw-mill. These 
two mills were operated until 1844. In 1837 a distillery was connected 
with the grist-mill by Moses Drake, and they were in operation until they 
were demolished to make room for a large stone cotton manufactory, 
four stories in height. It was erected by a company of citizen stock- 
holders, incorporated under the State laws, and was named the " As- 
torogan Cotton Mills." After several years the company failed, and 
the property passed into possession of non-resident proprietors. Gar- 
ner & Co., of New York, were the last to operate it as a cotton factory. 
They manufactured about 1,500,000 yards of print cloths annually. 
On the death of Mr. Garner the mill was idle for a while. W. W. Whit- 
man purchased the property in 1885, and since that time has success- 
fully operated it as a knitting- mill for manufacturing knit underwear 
for men, women and children. Mr. Whitman was formerly of the mer- 
cantile firm of Burrell & Whitman. January i, 1891, R. S. Whitman 
became a member of the firm. From 150 to 175 hands are employed. 

The saw-mill now run by Benton I. Cooper, who leased the property 
of D. W. Ladue in 1892, stands on a small island near the north shore, 
a few rods above the grist-mill, and has, like the grist-mill, had a succes 
sion of proprietors and tenants. The business carried on by Mr. Cooper 
at present consists in the running of a saw- mill, cheese box factory and 
a cider-mill. Mr. Ladue had worked in Ingham's cheese-box factory 
until he had obtained a knowledge of the business, when he bought out 
Mr. Ingham in 1855, and in 1867 he purchased the saw-mill of William 
I. Skinner. Thus the business was combined and has been successfully 
carried on since. In the year 1875 he commenced manufacturing cider. 
In December, 1868, Harvey Schuyler was admitted to partnership, and 
the firm was known as Ladue & Schuyler. Mr. Schuyler subsequently 
retired, and Mr. Ladue continued the business until 1892, when he 
leased to Mr. Cooper, as above mentioned. 

Dettinger & Draper's box factory is the successor of the Little Falls 
box factory, which was purchased in 1890. Wooden boxes for knit 



294 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

goods are largely made, and planing, matching and general carpenter 
work done. 

Sask and Blind Factory. — In the fall of 1846 A. G. Harris, of Little 
Falls, and Clark Houghton, of Eatonville, erected a building and put in 
machinery for the manufacture of sash and blinds. In the ensuing win- 
ter they failed and in the spring of 1847 the building was rented by W. 
B. Houghton, who afterwards purchased it. He and his brother, J. G. 
Houghton, conducted the business until about 1855, when Byron K. 
Houghton was admitted to the firm, the style becoming Houghton & 
Son, which it continued until 1863. Between 1863 and 1868, Guilford 
N. Houghton had an interest in the business. In 1885 Newell & Little 
rented the property from the estate of B. K. Houghton and conducted 
the business until 1892, when Mr. Newell retired. 

Valley Flouring Mills. — These mills were built in the year 1836, by 
Rodney Durkee, the machinerj' being from Utica, where it was manu- 
factured. They have always been operated as flour and feed mills, have 
passed through various hands, and have been idle part of the time. In 
1886 they were purchased by William A. Ingham, and in recent years 
have been greatly improved. They are operated by water, contain 
three runs of stone and all the machinery requisite for a first-class mill. 
The capacity is 1,000 bushels per day. 

The extensive Mohawk Mills, for the manufacture of woolen goods, 
were once an industry of considerable importance. The buildings are 
on Mill street. The plant began by the erection of buildings by 
the Little Falls Woolen Company in 1842; they were succeeded by 
the Wool Growers' Manufacturing Company, whose business was 
closed in 1852. J. W. Stitt & Co., of Philadelphia, purchased the factory 
and operated it twelve or fifteen years and more than doubled the ex- 
tent of the plant. It finally passed into possession of A. T. Stewart & 
Co., the celebrated New York merchants, and is now owned by Albert 
B. Hilton. The buildings have been unoccupied for some time. 

Little Falls Box Factory. — In the year 1872 Victor Adams began the 
manufacture of paper boxes with one assistant, at the corner of Main 
and Ann streets. The present factory on East Mill street was built in 
1879, and comprises a four-story brick building and a two-story build- 
ing, equipped with all requisite machinerj' for the manufacture of paper 




I{^c-/y^ Wat/XL 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 295 

and wooden boxes. A forty five horse power engine and one hundred 
horse power water wheel furnish the power. Over lOO operatives are 
employed. 

Saxony Woolen-Mills. — This establishment is situated on East Mill 
street a little below the bridge. The buildings were erected about 1850 
by TiumbuU, French & Co , the firm being composed of Earl Trum- 
bull, Joseph French, Washington Van Driesen, J. N. Lake, Dexter Al- 
den, and J. S. Aldridge. They first began the manufacture of ingrain 
carpet, which they continued for some years. The property came into 
possession of Seth M. Richmond and Amos and Charles King in 1882, 
and the manufactured product now consists of high grade woolen 
underwear ; about 225 hands are employed. The immediate manage- 
ment is in the hands of Charles King, son in law of Mr. Richmond. 

The MacKinno7i Knitting- Mill. — In February, 1881, Robert Mac- 
Kinnon came from Cohoes, and in company with Robert Ablett and 
Walter Hume, purchased the knit goods business of Greene & Girvan 
and began business under the style of Ablett, MacKinnon & Co., in the 
Loomis building on Mill street. The business grew rapidly, and in 
1887 Mr. MacKinnon withdrew from the firm and purchased the site he 
now occupies, then including wooden buildings, wherein he began the 
manufacture of knit goods. His success was remarkable, and the de- 
velopment of his business was such that in September, 1889, he began 
the erection of his present large brick mill on the same site. The 
building is four stories and a basement and 129x62 feet in area. This 
mill was started in the spring of 1891, and the business under Mr. 
MacKinnon's energetic and sagacious management has continued in ex- 
ceptional prosperity. The mill is one of the most thoroughly equipped 
in the State, lighted by electricity, furnished with automatic sprinklers, 
speaking tubes, etc About 1,000 dozen garments are manufactured 
daily, and the product has an annual value of about $800,000. On the 
pay-roll are 550 names. (See biography of Mr. MacKinnon in later 
pages of this work.) 

Riverside Ktiitting-Mills. — In the year 1881 Robert Ablett came to 
Little Falls and began the manufacture of knit underwear, as a member 
of the firm of Ablett, MacKinnon & Co. This firm was reorganized 
in 1884 as Ablett & MacKinnon, and in 1886 Mr. MacKinnon with- 



296 HISTORY OP HERKIMER COUNTY. 

drew. Mr. Ablett continued alone for a time, after which, until 1891, 
the mill remained idle. In that year Rugene Walrath fitted the mill 
with new machinery and began manufacturing men's fine Balbriggan 
underwear, with success. About 100 hands are employed and 125 
dozen garments are made daily. 

Pork Packing, Etc. — One of the extensive industries of the village is 
that of Jacob Zoller, on East Mill street, who is engaged in packing 
pork and dealing in cheese, butter, eggs, etc. He began in i860, and 
has since steadily increased his business. In 1883 he erected his pres- 
ent extensive building, of stone, three stories high, which is fully 
equipped with all necessary facilities for cold storage and packing. 

J. S. Barnet & Bro. — A tannery has been in existence on the site 
now occupied by this firm for many years, and was built and carried on 
by Nelson Rust. He was followed by Van Vechten & Weeks, and 
later by Gilbert & Weeks, who sold to the present proprietors in 1885. 
In 1887 the capacity of the tannery was doubled, and the product is 
now about i ,000 wax calf skins per day. The firm has a salesroom at 27 
Spruce street, New York, and another in Boston. They also operate a 
large tannery at Gloversville and one at Canisteo. (See biography of 
J. S. Barnet in later pages of this volume.) 

The Little Falls Paper Cotnpatiy — In 1857 the firm of S. M. & A. 
Richmond, associated with E. B. Waite, built a paper-mill on the lower 
falls, which they operated until 1888, when it was sold out to the Little 
Falls Paper Company. The members of this company are chiefly non- 
residents. 

Titus Sheard Company. — On the site and in the building once occu- 
pied by D. & J. Petrie's foundry, corner of Furnace and Main streets, 
is now situated the prosperous knit goods manufactory of the Titus 
Sheard Company. In 1880 Mr. Sheard, who was then manufacturing 
woolen yarns on Loomis Island, across the river, converted the old 
foundry into a knitting mill and began the manufacture of knit goods. 
The business increaseil and in 1881 he built a new mill. In 18S4 George 
White and Frank Senior were admitted to partnership, the firm name 
being Titus Sheard & Co. In 1886 a large store- house was built oppo- 
site the mill, on John and Main streets. In January, 1888, a stock com- 
pany was organized, known as the Titus Sheard Company, with the fol- 



y/U^^^^^r:^^ ^^^^: 




£'v;V-^5-'^-"-"=''^ 




^^,^^:^^£ ^^^^^^^>^^^ 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 297 

lowing officers : Titus Sheard, president ; George Wliite, superintendent ; 
Frank Senior, treasurer ; Wallace Hose, secretary. The company man- 
ufactures knit shirts and drawers, and the mill has a capacity of 60,000 
dozen annually, of an approximate value of $500,000. About 300 
hands are employed. The annual pay roll is $1 10,000, and the mijjl 
consumes about 750,000 pounds of clean wool per year. The produ(it 
is sold directly to the wholesale trade. / 

The Little Falls Knittitig Company — Was organized in October, 1872, 
with Titus Sheard as president, D. H. Burrell, vice-president, and J. J. 
Gilbert, secretary. The original capital stock was $60,000. They 
purchased their building of Mitchell & Bailey, who erected it in 1872, 
and began the manufacture of knit underwear in March, 1873. The 
company now operates twelve sets of cards and employs 250 hands. 
The factory is situated on the north side of the river, at the head of 
the old canal of the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company. The 
officers are Charles Bailey, president; J. J. Gilbert, vice-president; Eli- 
jah Reed, secretary and treasurer; Squire Bailey, superintendent. 

The Pike Knittiftg- Machine Co^npany — Is located on Elizabeth street. 
This business was begun with the late Michael Reddy as a partner in 
the fall of 1886. Mr. Reddy died, and in the spring of 1888 Mr. Pike 
purchased his interest. The business is prosperous and an industry 
of growing importance. 

Chris. Hansen's Laboratory. — This is a branch of the main house in 
Copenhagen, Denmark, which has a world-wide reputation. The 
branch was first established in New York in 1878, but in 1881 was re- 
moved to Little Falls, the center of a great dairying industry. The 
products of the laboratory are Hansen's Butter Color, Danish Rennet 
Extract, Cheese Color, Rennet Tablets, etc. The establishment was 
located opposite the New York Central Railroad depot until 1891, when 
Lock Island, in the Mohawk in the eastern part of the village, was pur- 
chased of the Benton estate and its name changed to Hansen's Island. 
A heavy retaining wall was constructed to protect the western side of 
the island against high water, and a commodious stone building erected. 
The factory is reached by the iron bridge which was built by the town 
in 1892, at a cost of $15,000. This branch was founded by and is un- 
der the management of J. D. Fredericksen, a native of Denmark. The 



298 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

products are shipped to all parts of this country, to New Zealand, Aus- 
tralia and many parts of Europe. 

On Southern avenue is situated the planing- mill, saw- mill and furni- 
ture factory of P. W. Casler, which was established in 1884. A large 
business is carried on and from fifteen to twenty- five hands are employed. 

Superior Furnace Company. — This company was organized in 1889 
with a capital stock of $40,000, and the following officers: Watts T. 
Loomis, president ; Walter W. Whitman, vice- president ; William G. 
Milligan, treasurer ; William H. Switzer, secretary and manager. The 
works and office are on Mohawk street, occupying a large portion of 
the foundry and machine shop of M. Redd}', to which large additions 
have been made. Three styles of heating furnaces are made — for hot 
air, a combination of hot air and steam, and hot water. 

Reddys Machine Shop and Foundry. — A paper-mill was erected in 
Little Falls in 1 830 by William J. Pardee, and after operation for some 
time was conducted by M. W. Priest and William Paige, and was 
burned in 1839. It was rebuilt by S- M. & A. Richmond of wood. 
It was again burned July 13, 1853, and was rebuilt in brick in the same 
year. The Richmonds sold it to Butcher, Lamb & Senior, who used 
the building as a shoddy mill. It was next owned by Owens & Petrie, 
who manufactured starch there. Mr. Petrie sold it to J. J. Gilbert, and 
he transferred it to Michael Reddy. Early in the history of the village 
General Bellinger sold to Alanson Ingham a site for a felting and cloth- 
ing works.. Mr. Ingham erected a wooden building and carried on the 
business several years. The building was then converted into a ma- 
chine shop, and a foundry was established in connection. After pass- 
ing through several hands^it was purchased in 1839 by Michael Reddy. 
This site and the paper-mill property above described, purchased in 
1886 by Mr. Reddy, has been converted by rebuilding and additions 
into the present extensive works. Upon the death of Mr. Reddy the 
property passed to his sons, Robert, James, and P-dward Reddy. Cast 
gearings and other foundry work are now produced, and thirt\- hands 
employed. 

Yarn-Mill. — The old yarn factory on Loomis island, near the Reddy 
foundry, was built by Earl Trumbull between 1845 and 1848, on the 
site of Heath & Barber's foundry, which was one of the very early 



TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS. 299 

manufacturing establishments of the place. It was erected originally 
by Henry Heath and James N. Barber, who had leased the site and 
power from General Bellinger. Trumbull's lease was from A. Loomis, 
who succeeded General Bellinger. The plant was destroyed by fire in 
1853, and Mr. Loomis rebuilt it the same year. From 1851 to 1868 
the mill was operated by Gay & Barber. It was then sold to John C. 
Cunningham, who sold it at the end of a year, and in 1870 it came into 
the possession of Titus Sheard. He successfully operated the factory 
for a number of years. It is now used as a store-house by the Superior 
Furnace Company. 

Rock Island Paper Mill — This mill is situated on Mohawk street, 
south side of the river. It was erected by Arphaxed Loomis on the 
site of a woolen- mill which was built by Erastus Hovey in 1845. It 
was also used as a flax-dressing mill, and finally as a woolen mill. In 
1877 William Kingston & Co. leased the mill of Mr. Loomis and began 
the manufacture of paper, which was continued until i88i. From that 
year until 1883 the mill was idle, and in the latter year it was burned. 
Mr. Loomis erected a new building on the site, and Mr. Kingston 
equipped it with new machinery and again began manufacturing paper. 
The product is now building paper, and the capacity of the mill three 
and one-half tons per day. 

A few rods below the paper-mill on Loomis Island, above men- 
tioned, was in early times a small machine shop which was carried on 
by James Tillinghast and was destroyed by the flood of 1865. On the 
site was erected a last factory which was operated by Kingston & Co. 
It has been unoccupied for several years. 

The Warrior Mower Cojnpany. — This is one of the once prosperous 
industries of Little Falls that has gone out of existence. The company 
was incorporated in 1868 for the manufacture of mowing machines 
under patents to Frank Bramer. A large manufacturing plant was 
erected and business at once begun. The machines were successful and 
for many years found a market in all parts of the world. Three thou- 
sand or more were made annually. The business was given up in 1891 
and the buildings are now used for storage. 

Astoroiiga Knitting- Mills. — In 1858 J. J. Gilbert built a stone fac- 
tory on Seeley Island, south bank of the Mohawk, in the eastern part of 



300 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

the village and began manufacturing starch. Connected with the fac- 
tory was an elevator on the canal about twenty rods distant, which re- 
ceived grain from boats and conducted it to the factory. The business 
was continued until 1884, Mr. Gilbert in the mean time having died. 
In 1885 the building was remodeled by the estate, and, with the Wood- 
bridge ])aper-mi!l, converted into a knitting mill ; it was operated b\- 
(lilbert & Walrath until 1891 when the copartnership expired by limit- 
ation, Mr. Walrath retired, and the business was continued by J. J. 
Gilbert, a son of the founder of the original factory. He manufactures 
a variety of knitted underwear. The elevator alluded to above is now 
in use for elevating and storing grain. 

Shoddy and Wool Extract. — This business was established by Smith 
& Bushnell in 1882, on a small scale, the works being situated on 
Loomis Island. In 1887 the business had so much increased that a 
new mill was built on Moss Island, and at present fifty-five hands are 
employed, and the product is sold throughout the country. 

Hotels. — In early times, on the then famous Mohawk turnpike, where 
the old building now occupied by Ransom & Wilcox still stands, on 
Main street, one Morgan kept a stage-house, and was succeeded by 
John McKinster. A handsome gilt buck's head and horns projected from 
the lintel. Here the four-horse post coaches halted to change teams 
and for meals and other refreshment. After the Erie Canal was com- 
pleted these coaches gradually disappeared from the turnpike road, as 
travelers went mostly by canal. The taverns, which were quite numer- 
ous in the village at that period, were, one by one, discontinued, the 
buildings being converted into dwelling houses or stores. A few of the 
best public houses, however, remained, some of which have been kept 
as such up to the present. 

The Girvan House, corner of Main and Ann streets, is one of the 
landmarks of the village, and was originally erected for a dwelling by 
Eben Britton, father-in-law of Nathaniel S. Benton. Subsequently Mr. 
Benton raised the building one story and added to it on the eastern 
and western ends. It has been kept by various proprietors, and is now 
under the management of James ZoUer. 

A hotel long known as the Hinchman House stood on the ground 
where is now situated the Hardin & Wheeler block on Main street. 



TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 301 

This was burned in March, 1S77, and George W. Shall, who was popu- 
lar as a landlord, converted two stores in the Hinchman property into a 
hotel, and successfully conducted it until 1 891, when Messrs. Lasher & 
Weatherwax leased the property of Mr. Shall, and changed the name 
to Hotel Rockton. On the i6th of March, 1892, Mr. Lasher retired 
from the firm and A. G. Weatherwax became sole proprietor. 

The Metropolitan Hotel, corner of Main and Mary streets, now kept 
by Joseph MuUin, stands on a site that has long been used for hotel 
purposes. In 1882 Mr. Mullin purchased the property, then known as 
the Bradford House, of Mr. N. A. Bradford, and rebuilt it into a hand- 
some structure of four stories. 

The Grand Central Hotel was erected in 1875 on the site formerly 
occupied by the dwelling of the late George H. Feeter, which was 
owned and occupied by Peter J. Casler in 1866. Mr. Casler kept the 
house several years, but it is now used for other purposes. 

There are several other less important public houses in the village 
which do not call for special mention. 



CHAPTER XHL 

THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 

THIS town is situated near the center of Herkimer county, as far as 
relates to the thickly settled southern part, and is bounded on the 
north by Norway ; on the east by Salisbury and Manheim ; on the south 
by Little Falls and Herkimer, and on the west by Newport and Herkimer. 
It was set off from Norway February 10, 1796, and from it a part of 
Newport was taken in 1806, and a part of Little Falls in 1829. The 
surface of the town is a hilly upland, the center rising into a ridge nearly 
one thousand feet above the West Canada Creek. The soil on the up- 
lands is mostly clay and in the valleys it is gravelly. It is quite well 
watered with small streams, and West Canada Creek flows along the 
southwest border. The town comprises the nortii half of Glen's pur- 
chase and the first allotment of the Royal Grant. 



502 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Fairfield was first settled in 1770 by three German families named 
Maltanner, Goodbrodt, and Shaver, who located on the Royal Grant, 
about half a mile northeast of the site of F'airfield village and near to- 
gether. From the first- named family Maltanner Creek received its 
name. Quoting from Judge Benton : 

These people were sent there by Sir William Johnson, to make an opening in his 
Royal Grant. They had never been suspected by the Americans of being friendly to 
their cause; nor could they be charged with disloyalty to the king. In 17^9 a party 
of Indians came to this little settlement, but one of their number being sick, they kept 
shy, as an Indian can, about ten days, to allow their comrade to recover, when, with a 
yell and a whoop, and brandishing their tomahawk.'!, they fell upon Sir John Johnson's 
tenants!, captured two of the Maltanners, father and son, killed a little girl sixteen years 
old. of the Shaver family, and then burned up all Sir John's houses and buildings in 
the settlement. The Goodbrodt and Shaver families and some of the Maltanners es- 
caped to tell the sad story of their bereavement and los.ses to their rebel neighbors. 
The Maltanners were taken to St. Regis by the Indians, where they remained three 
years, and returned in 1782. His majesty's officials in Canada might well suppose the 
two captives, if allowed to return, would not be very hearty and zealous in the royal 
cause, after such treatment; and therefore concluded to detain them. The elder Mal- 
tanner, when he came back, said he met Sir John in Canada, and told him what had 
happened, whereat the gallant knight was exceedingly wrathful, and fulminated big 
words and strong language against the d — d savages, for their conduct in killing, tak- 
ing captive and dispersing his tenants, and burning his houses. He had other tenants 
on the grant, loyal and true, who might be treated m the same way. Sir John no 
doubt felt hurt, not because any tender feeling towards his fellow man had been 
touched, or any law of humanity outraged ; but because tlie same rule of warfare he 
had applied to others, had been, and might again be, visited upon himself. 

There was a German settlement in the town before the Revolution 
near the Manheim line, about four miles north of Little Falls, where 
the Keller, Windecker, Fickert, and other families, who were not of the 
Burnetsfield patentees, settled under the patronage of some of the own- 
ers of the Glen's purchase. Cornelius Chatfield came into Fairfield on 
the 24th of March, 1785, and settled near the site of the village. He 
is believed to have been the first New Englander to arrive after 
the close of the war. Abijah Mann, father of Abijah Mann, jr., came 
in the following May and settled a little west of the village site. These 
were followed by Josiah, David and Lester Johnson, who came from 
Connecticut in 1786; John Bucklin and Benjamin Bowen, from Rhode 
Island; John Eaton, Nathaniel and William Brown, from Massachusetts, 



TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 303 

and Samuel Low in 1787; David Benseley, from Rhode Island, and 
Elisha Wyman and Comfort Eaton, from Massachusetts in 1788 ; Jere- 
miah Ballard from Massachusetts in 1789 ; William Bucklin, the Arnold 
families, Daniel Fenner, Nathan Smith, and Amos and James Haile, 
mostly from Massachusetts, in 1790; Peter and Bela Ward, from Con- 
necticut, in 1791. A large part of these settled southwesterly from 
Fairfield village ; while the Eatons, Browns, Hailes, Arnolds, Bucklins 
and Wards located at what became known as Eatonsville. Jeremiah 
Ballard settled about two miles northeast of Fairfield village. Moses 
Mather, father of Dr. William and Jairus Mather, settled on Bartow 
Hill, but removed to Poland in 1806, where he remained nine years, 
and then returned to this town Jairus Mather is still an influential 
resident of Fairfield. John and Edward Griswold came into the 
town soon after Mr. Chatfield and purchased land on the west of 
the village site. Joseph Teall came in 1788 and bought land of Mr. 
Chatfield, which extended into what is now the village. Robert Nolton, 
father of Judge Hiram Nolton, settled just west of the village. John B. 
Fenner came into the town in 1806. Samuel Green was one of the 
early settlers and probably erected the first grist and saw- mill. Many 
of these pioneers have descendants living in the town, as will appear. 

On Maltanner's Brook there is a picturesque water-fall. In that 
vicinity Daniel Marvin was an early settler and had a small grist-mill 
the'-e at a very early date. Richard Bushnell succeeded Marvin. Mer- 
rell Hudleston came into possession of the farm on which the water- fall 
is situated and improved the grounds about the falls for a picnic resort. 
He gave the place the name of " Cupid's Retreat," which has ever 
since clung to it. Daniel and Amasa Bushnell were prominent citizens 
and had at one time a fulling-mill just west of where the cheese factory 
is located. 

The first town meeting was held April 6, 1796, when the following 
officers were chosen : 

Supervisor, John Comins; town clerk, Stephen Carpenter; commissioners of high- 
ways, Henry Neely, Abijah Mann, Joseph Willard ; assessors, Roger Kinne, Isaiah 
Johnson, Amos Graves ; overseers of the poor, Abijah Mann, John Eaton ; school com- 
missioner.'!, Nathan Smith, Wilham Lapham, Joseph Mason; constables, Luther Britton, 
John McMichael ; poundmasters, David Brown, Roswell Buell ; fence viewers, David 
Brown, Cornelius Chatfield, Joseph Teall ; collector of rates, Moses Mather. 



304 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

At the same meeting the town was divided into twenty-eight road 
districts, and the simple government of the community was established. 

During a considerable period after the first settlement of this town 
the population was greater in number than at the present time. The 
farms were smaller, and grain raising for market at Albany was the chief 
agricultural occupation. Butter and cheese were made for home use, 
but not much more. If grain crops failed, or if, as often happened 
after the canal was opened, prices were very low, money was scarce, 
and the farmers suffered. But the time came to this town, as to many 
others in Herkimer county, when farmers awoke to the importance of 
dairying as a means of bettering their condition. They are among the 
most enterprising to be found anywhere, and embraced the comparative- 
ly new occupation with energy. The result is, that no town in the 
county now excels Fairfield as a dairy center, and years ago it had ac- 
quired the reputation of being the best in the world. 

Joseph Teall has already been mentioned as the first settler on the 
site of Fairfield village. He purchased his land of Abijah Mann, and 
built his dwelling in rear of the old chapel of the academy. The first 
merchants in the village were Nahum Daniels and William Smith, who 
had a store in 1796 ; they were succeeded by Norman Butler, who kept 
a store thirty years or more. Butler also built a saw-mill, and owned 
a grist mill and a distillery, in which Gilbert Dean had preceded him. 
Major Jonathan and Stephen Hallett were early merchants ; Stephen ac- 
quired Jonathan's interest about 1 820, and carried on an extensive 
business both in Fairfield and Norway. He was appointed sheriff of 
the county by the Council of Appointment in 1821, reappointed in 
1822, and in November of the latter year elected to that office, which 
he held until 1826. He died at Fairfield November 19, 1827, aged 
forty years, leaving a wife and two daughters, only one of whom, Mrs. 
X. A. Willard, of Little Falls, survives. Mr. Hallett was succeeded by 
Alexander JI. liuell, who, at the death of the former, assumed the sole 
proprietorship of the business at Fairfield. In connection with differ- 
ent persons, Mr. Buell extended his mercantile business into the neigh- 
boring towns and villages of the county, and his commercial operations 
extended to various parts of the country. He was elected to the As- 
sembly in 1845, and to the Thirty- second Congress from the seven- 



TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 305 

teenth congressional district, composed of Herkimer and Montgomery 
counties, in 1850. He died at Washington, D. C, January 31, 1853, 
aged fifty-two years. F. A. Morey and M. A. Barnes are at present 
merchants in the village. The first frame building in the place was the 
one in which Daniels & Smith had their store. The first tavern was 
kept by Cornelius Chatfield, the pioneer, who was succeeded by John 
D. Waterman; and Israel Jones had a public house which John E. 
Drake now keeps. The first lawyer in the town was William Lapham, 
a native of Ireland, who was here in 1796 ; he became prominent in the 
affairs of the town and combined farming with his legal labors. William 
D. Ford was an early lawyer and became member of Congress ; and 
Hiram Nolton practiced here at an early day, and afterwards rose to 
the bench. A. sketch of his career will be found in the chapter on the 
Bench and Bar. Arunah C. Smith was an early attorney and first 
judge of the county in 1840. 

Col. Charles Willard came with his father from Saybrook, Conn., in 
1793, and settled in that part of the town of Fairfield known as the 
Platform, where he spent the greater part of his life. In the War of 
1 812 he held a commission, and was on duty at Sackett's Harbor when 
peace was declared. Active, energetic and public- spirited, he was 
widely known and identified with movements for the improvement and 
well-being of the town. He died at Newport, July 14, 1862, leaving 
a large family of children. His son, George N. Willard, about sixty 
years ago, was a prominent merchant of Herkimer county. He was 
associated in business with the late Hon. Alexander H. Buell at Fair- 
field and Norway for several years. In 1848 he removed to Newport, 
and subsequently to Utica and Oriskany Falls, continuing in mercantile 
trade at each place. He died at Newport, November 26, 1888. His 
son, Charles P. Willard, is a prominent manufacturer of Chicago. 

Drs. Eastman, Taft and Sherwood practiced medicine here in early 
years, and were followed by Dr. Moses Johnson, Dr. William Mather, 
Dr. Griffin Sweet, Dr. I. N. Willard, and Dr. C. W. Nichols, who is now 
in practice. The present postmaster is W. Lamberson. 

The village of Fairfield has a national reputation as the site of the 
oldest medical college in the United States, and of the oldest academy, 
histories of both of which are found herein. 

39 



306 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Fairfield Seminary. — In the autumn of 1801 Rev. Caleb Alexander, 
a Presbyterian minister residing at Mendon, Mass., came into what was 
then called Western New York, to visit the churches and Indians as a 
missionary. He visited and preached at Norway, Salisbury and Fair- 
field, and during his stay, suggested to the people of the latter place 
the idea of establishing a school of academic grade. The people were 
favorably impressed with the proposition and immediately set about 
raising the necessary funds. Mr. Alexander removed his family from 
Mendon to Fairfield in the spring of 1802, and in connection with 
Captain Moses Mather, became actively engaged in circulating the 
subscription. Sufficient funds were soon procured and on the Fourth 
of July, 1802, the academy building was raised, and in the spring of 
1803 was ready for occupancy. The school was chartered by the Re- 
gents of the University March 15, 1803. The first meeting of the Board 
of Trustees was held April 6, and the school organized April 13, 
with Mr. Alexander as principal. He was an accomp'ished scholar, 
a man of commanding presence and possessed of great tenacity and 
perseverance, and consequently the school was successful and popular 
from the start. 

The Alexandrian Society, an association of students for mutual im- 
provement and practice in extemporaneous speaking, was organized in 
1806, and at the same time the foundation of a library was laid. 

In order to increase the usefulness, and extend the sphere of the 
institution, a building called the " Wooden Laboratory " was erected in 
1808, and Dr. Josiah Noyes employed to give lectures on chemistry 
and the theory and practice of medicine. This course of lectures was 
so largely attended that the building was found too small. 

It was then thought best to erect a larger building and establish a 
medical and anatomical school, so in 1809-10 the stone laboratory was 
built. The new department so increased the number of students in at- 
tendance that another building was required for their accommodation, 
and in 181 1 a stock company was organized which erected the " North 
Building." This building was rented for many years by the trustees of 
the academy and finally purchased by them. 

In January, 18 1 2, Mr. Alexander resigned as principal of the 
academy and Rev. Bethel Judd was elected in his place. During this 



f ' i' 




TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 307 

year the Alexandrian Society was reorganized and tlie name changed 
to Calliopean Society. 

About this time an arrangement was made with Trinity Church, N. Y., 
by which the academy was to receive the sum of $750 annually, on con- 
dition that the principal employed should be an Episcopal clergyman, 
and that four divinity students should be instructed free. From this 
fact the school was sometimes referred to as a " Divinity School." In 
18 1 3 the laboratory was transferred to the Medical College, which had 
been lately chartered. 

In 1 8 14 Rev. Virgil H. Barber was made principal. After about 
two years it was ascertained that this gentleman had changed his re- 
ligious opinions and had become a Catholic. To retain him as prin- 
cipal being therefore in violation of the agreement with the vestry of 
Trinity Church, he was dismissed by the trustees. This Mr. Barber 
was a portly man of fine presence and affable manners, and a classical 
scholar of great acquirements. He had several children, and the Latin 
language was the common medium of conversation in his family. 

The next principal was Rev. Daniel McDonald, under whose ad- 
ministration the school was attended by an unusual number of stu- 
dents who afterwards became eminent in their several professions. 
In 1820 the school received a grant of $5,000 from the State, and with 
this money the stock of the North Building was purchased, the scrip 
being bought up at the rate of seventy cents on the dollar. Dr. Mc- 
Donald left in 1 82 1 to become principal of Geneva Academy, and the 
branch Theological School at F"airfic]d was transferred to Geneva. He 
is said to have been a remarkable man ; was prominent in the organ- 
ization of Hobart College, and for several years its acting principal. 
With Dr. McDonald's departure, the connection of F"airfield Academy 
with Trinity Church was ended. 

Previous to this time frequent efforts had been made to obtain a 
charter for a college at Fairfield, and, in 1816, the Regents granted the 
charter on condition that $50,000 should be raised ; but with the most 
strenuous efforts only about one-half of that amount could be obtained, 
and no college was established. 

A short time before Dr. McDonald's resignation Bishop Hobart was 
earnestly requested to locate at Fairfield a college and theological school 



308 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

which he had in contemplation, and, as an inducement, the whole 
academic property was offered free. The bishop did not, however, 
consider the location sufficiently far west, and the proposition was not 
accepted. The academy had now been in operation eighteen years, 
and, as an educational institution, had acquired a reputation unrivaled 
by that of any similar school in the country ; but its financial affairs had 
not been managed in accordance with strict business principles, the ac 
counts had been carelessly kept and many bills remained uncollected, 
so that the Board of Trustees resolved to try a new method of con- 
ducting the school. In the spring of 1821 Rev. David Chassell took 
charge of the school on the following terms, viz. : He was to receive 
all money arising from tuition and all received from the Regents, ex- 
cept what was necessary to keep the buildings in repair. He, virtually, 
had the whole management of the school, having the use of the build- 
ings free of rent. After remaining three years Mr. Chassell left, and 
Charles Avery took the school on similar terms. At the end of three 
years he retired to accept the professorship of mathematics in Hamilton 
College, when Dr. Chassell again took the school and retained the sole 
management until 1840. 

During all this period of twenty years, since the retirement of 
Dr. McDonald, the school had kept the even tenor of its way, main- 
taining its reputation as one of the very best secondary schools in the 
State. Mr. Chassell was an accomplished scholar, an enthusiastic teacher 
and a rigid disciplinarian ; he inspired his pupils with a love of correct 
and thorough scholarship, encouraged them in their ambitious hopes 
and a.spirations, and aided them in every way consistent with his ability. 
He was something of a terror to the idle and mischievous boys, but 
was always regarded with respect and reverence by the energetic and 
industrious students. 

Mr. Chassell left the school in the spring of 184O and the Board of 
Trustees, assuming control, employed Rev. Henry Banister as principal 
During this year the " Waterman Building," known afterward as the 
" Wood Building," was hired and fitted up, and in the fall term a female 
department was organized, with Miss Julia A. Baldwin as preceptress. 

In the summer of 1844, the trustees of the Medical College granted 
the use of the college buildings to the academy, and the "South College" 



TOWN OK FAIRFIELD. 309 

was occupied as a Female Seminary at the beginning of the fall term. 
From this time the academy continued its usual course without the 
occurrence of any important events to mark its history until 1852. 
During its whole existence no boarding department had been connected 
with it ; the teachers obtained board where they could, the principal resid- 
ing with his family in the village. The students obtained board at private 
houses, formed clubs or brought food from home, cooking it in their 
rooms. These rooms were unfurnished and at the beginning of the 
year often untidy, presenting a cheerless and forbidding appearance 
to the newcomer. In 1852 the " Laboratory Building" was remodeled 
and the first floor converted into a dining hall and parlors, with kitchen 
in the rear; the two floors above being made into two large recitation 
rooms. 

In 1854, inspired by the enthusiastic talk of Rev. L. D. Stebbins, the 
Board of Trustees resolved to erect a new building on. the academy 
grounds, provide facilities for boarding a large number of students and 
advertise the school as a boarding-school, under the name of "Fairfield 
Classical Academy and Female Collegiate Institute," and also make 
several changes in the methods of conducting its affairs. By extensive 
advertising and a thorough canvass of a large portion of the State, many 
students were secured, and on November 8, what is known as the " Big 
School " opened. The buildings were filled to overflowing and the ex- 
pectations of Mr. Stebbins fully realized, but the low prices that had 
been fixed for board and tuition were insufficient to pay expenses, so the 
rates were necessarily raised, which caused a decrease in the number of 
students, yet it was still large. 

On account of the large school, the students found the opportunities 
for society work too limited, and during the fall term of 1854 a debating 
club was organized, which, after a few weeks, developed into the Philo- 
rhetorean Society. 

Mr. Stebbins soon resigned on account of ill health, and Rev. J. B. 
Van Petten became principal. Under him the school continued large 
and prosperous until the beginning of the Civil War, when several of 
the teachers, and many of the students enlisted. From this time the 
academy, though the numbers were less, continued its usual course for 
many years, and until the high school departments of the union schools 
so reduced the number of students that its prosperity began to decline. 



310 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

In 1882 it was decided to obtain money on subscription, pay up all 
debts, repair the buildings and entirely reorganize the school. A stock- 
company was formed, about $5,000 were raised and expended and 
a new charter obtained, in which the name " Fairfield Seminary " was 
substituted for that of "Fairfield Academy." The institution was first 
rented to Gen. Van Petten and afterwards to others at a nominal rent, 
but for various reasons the school was not a success. 

In 1885 the present proprietors, D. D. & F. L. Warne, obtained pos- 
session of the school, and by the application of untiring energy and 
business ability, have restored it to its former standing and popularity. 
Every means has been employed to keep the school in line with 
modern methods of education and render it as efficient and useful as of 
old. In 1 89 1 the War Department detailed an officer to Fairfield for 
the purpose of military drill ; a fine new armor}' was built and a military 
department organized, which promises to add to the success and pros- 
perity of the school. Many persons have been educated here, who 
subsequently became prominent; among them are exjudge Addi- 
son Gardner, ex -Judge Denio, Prof Foster, of Union College, ex- Senator 
A. M. Mills, and Jean R, Stebbins. 

Churches. — Fairfield Central Society of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church was organized P'ebruary i, 1836, with Amos Sherwood, Thomas 
A. Rice, Lina E. Ford, John Green and William Lamberson as trustees. 
Rev. E. W. A. Allen was the pastor. The present house of worship was 
dedicated in July, 1837, and about the same time F"airfield was set off 
from Herkimer circuit, and made a station. Rev. George Gary was 
presiding elder, and Rev. Aaron Adams was pastor at that time, and 
the same persons that composed the board of trustees were also elected 
a board of stewards. The following named clergymen have served as 
pastors of Fairfield station and in the order named : 

Rev. Messrs. Aaron Adams, Isaac L. Hunt, Albert D. Peek, John Loveys, A. W. 
Cummings, F. H. Stanton, L. D. Stebbins, Aaron Adams, J. F. Dayan, Isaac Turney, 
J. C. Vandercook, George G. Hapgood, W. I. Hunt, C. H. Austin, B. E. Whipple, J. 
F. Dayan, Lewis Meredith, Pomeroy Wright, W. H. Anable, Harlow Skeele, W. F. 
Tooke, C. W. Parsons, T. H. McClenthan, J. C. Stewart, Mr. Babcock, M. G. Wads- 
worth, L. B. Gray, J. L. Short, and H. M. Church. The present trustees are : E. C. 
Rice, Milton Ford, Morgan A. Reese, James W. Ford, E. B. Fairchild, D. C. Reese, and 
M. A. Barnes. 





,'^-xn 



TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 311 

A meeting of a number of Episcopalians of Fairfield was held on the 
5th of January, 1807, and the following persons were chosen as officers 
of a society : Wardens, Andrew A. Bartow and Jonathan Hallett ; 
vestrymen, Stodard Squires, Charles Ward, Elijah Blanchard, William 
Wal<ley, Peter Ward, Philip Paine, Joseph Teall and Abiel Burnett. 
The name of " Trinity Church of the Town of Fairfield " was adopted. 
The lot on which the church stands was purchased of Richard Smith in 
September, 1808, and the house was consecrated October 28, 1809. 
The list of pastors is not available. 

The Village of Middleville — Is situated on West Canada Creek, on 
the western border of the town, and extends across the creek into New- 
port; but a large share of the business portion is in the town of Fairfield. 
The land on which this village stands was owned in early times by 
Richard Kimball, and was sold by him to Sheffield Kinyon (or Ken- 
yon) John McMichael, an early settler, erected the first building on 
the site of the present Spellman House; it was kept as a public house, 
and another was kept in 1807 by Samuel Stevens, nearly opposite where 
George Griswold now lives. In 1808 a Mr. Streeter had a blacksmith 
shop on the site of the dwelling and store of W. W. Mosher (the store 
now occupied by H. E. & D. G. Jackson), and about that time Eber 
Stevens also had a shop. The first bridge across the West Canada 
Creek was built in 1810 by Jacob Wiltsie, and in the same year he 
erected a saw- mill on the site where a mill has stood for many years. 
In the same year a grist- mill was also built on the site of the present 
one, by a stock company. The first school-house was built in 1813. 
Under the union free school system the present commodious house was 
erected. The school is now a graded one, with A. B. Crim as principal. 

Kanata Knitting- Mills. — The subscription list for a manufacturing 
company was started January 10, 1814, the company to be known as 
the Herkimer Manufacturing Company, capital $40,000, divided in 400 
shares of $iOO each, to be paid in installments of $8.50 every three 
months until paid in full. The company was organized to manufacture 
wool, cotton, flax, and iron; -the money subscribed to be used in pur- 
chasing six acres of land at $50 per acre, widening canal, repairing 
dam, erecting buildings, buying machinery and stock. The certificate 
of incorporation was dated January 27, 1814, and was filed in the sec- 



312 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

retary of state's office February i, 1814, with the following as stock- 
holders: 

James Haile, George Kretsinger, Bela Ward, Roland Sears, Jed Baldwin, Joseph 
Lawton, Oliver Ellis, John Burton, Clark Smith, Linus Evarts, Richard Buslinell, Wy- 
inan Eaton, Nathaniel Carpenter;- and the following were named as trustees for one 
year: George Kretsinger, Oliver Ellis, James Haile, Bela Ward, Clark Smith, John 
Burton and Nathaniel Carpenter. 

The dam across the West Canada Creek was already built b\' the 
grist-mill company, and a raceway leading from the dam to grist- mill 
furtlier down the creek. The Herkimer Manufacturing Company 
widened the raceway to their property to about double its former width 
and erected a stone building of five stories 60 by ^6 feet, and a wing 60 
by 28 feet of two stories, the end of the wing being used as a store. 
They put in machinery for the manufacture of cotton sheeting, bed- 
ticking, ropes, and bunting; they also made scythes, axes, pitchforks, 
and hoes. The above continued in existence imtil March 18, 1834, 
when it was dissolved by the chancellor of New York State, bj' peti- 
tion of 

William H. Gordon, Varnum S. Kenyon, Alexander H. Buel, Samuel Griswold, and 
John Farmer as trustees; Zina Kelsey, Clark Smith, John Green, Caleb Sheldon, Ste- 
phen Ayres, David Ford, Henry Ellison, Edward T. Cheever, Benjamin Jenks, Silas 
Thompson, Norman Butler, William M. Cheever, John Farrington, executor of Amos 
Farrington's estate; Truman Cole, administrator of John Cole's estate; Stephen F. 
Carpenter, administrator Nathaniel Carpenter's estate ; Catherine Kretsinger, adminis- 
tratrix, and Abijah Mann, jr., administrator of George Kretsinger's estate; and Aaron 
Griswold, executor of Benoni Ford, stockholders. 

James B. Hunt was appointed receiver, and the property was sold by 
him at auction July 5, 1834, to Henry Ellison, J6hn Farrington, and 
Simeon Osborne, for $8,850. John Farrington purchased the interest 
of his partners about the year 1836, and sold out to Varnum S. Ken- 
yon April 8, 1844. The business was now confined to the manufacture 
of cotton cloth exclusively, and in 1865 the mill was enlarged by an ad- 
dition to the main building of 50 by 36 feet, five stories; also an addi- 
tion to the wing, increasing the output about double. Mr. Kenyon 
conducted the business very successfully until his death, which occurred 
in 1873, and the business was continued by the executors of his estate 
for two years after, and May 5, 1880, the property was sold by them to 



' ^ TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 313 

B. W. Nichols and W. W. Montgomery. June 29, 1881, Nichols sold 
his interest to Montgomery. September 18, 1886, the property was 
purchased by Etlwin J. Nelson and Wm. F. Lansing, and the cotton 
machinery was taken out, and after many alterations and repairs, the 
mill was fitted up for a knitting- mill, with woolen cards and all the 
necessary machinery for the manufacture of knit goods. October 6, 
1890, Edwin J. Nelson purchased the interest of Wm. F. Lansing and 
is now conducting the knitting business. The knitting- mills have three 
sets of 60-inch cards, 1,300 spindles, eighteen knitting machines, thirty 
sewing machines, and employ 100 hands. 

One of the early industries of Middleville was the tannery built in 
1 8 14 by John Wood. It was operated by him until about 1840, when 
it passed to possession of George M. Thomas. He continued its oper- 
ation until his death in 1865, when his son, George H. Thomas, became 
the proprietor, and has continued as such to the present time. During 
this long period the establishment has, of course, passed through many 
changes and been greatly enlarged. The annual product is now about 
125,000 calf-skins. 

The post-office was established at Middleville in 18 16 with William 
H. Gordon as postmaster. C. L. Earl is the present postmaster. The 
first store was built by Varnum S. Kenyon where H. E. & D. G. Jack- 
son now carry on trade. In 1828 R. G. Marvin started a clothiery 
where the railroad machine shops are located. The village of Middle- 
ville was incorporated in 1890 with Wallace W. Mosher as the first 
president; he was succeeded by Edwin J. Nelson, and he by Dr. Irv- 
ing S Edsall. 

Churches. — The " Union Religious Society of Middleville" was organ- 
nized April 5, 1825, with the following trustees: Sheffield Kenyon, Will- 
iam H. Gordon, Asahel Harris, Varnum S. Kenyon, and David Ford. 
During that and the succeeding year the society erected a wooden church 
which was dedicated in July, 1827. A committee was appointed to de- 
cide on a time during which the church should be occupied by the vari- 
ous denominations. This church was used as a union church until 
about 1880, services in the latter years being held only at intervals. 
The building finally passed to possession of the Methodists in 1880. 
40 



314 HISTORY OP HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The First Universalist Society of Middleville was organized Febru- 
ary lo, 1835, by Rev. Joshua Britten, and a coristitution and articles of 
membership were adopted. The subscribers were Climena Scott, Daniel 
Post, Betsey Post, Jonathan Potter, Jeremiah Potter, John and Ira 
Farmer, Bela Ward, Abigail Farmer, Benjamin Keeler, Daniel H. 
Eastman, and W. Weeden. The society had a share in the union 
church until it was sold to the Methodists. In 1882 the new church 
was dedicated, its cost being about $10,000. 

The pastors who have served this church are Rev.?. Joshua Britton, M. B. Smith, 
H. Hathavray, T. J. Whitconib, D. C. Toralin8on. Dolphus Skinner, George W. Skinner, 

0. D. Haynes, T. D. Cook, L. Holmes, H. K. White, H. L. Webster, S. R. Ward, R. H. 
Aldrich, E. F. Pember, E. B. Burgess, G. W. Powell, Herbert Wliitney, and Mary T. 
Whitney, who was the last regular pastor. The church for a few years has been sup- 
plied. The officers are: Wardens. A. W. Ford, A. L. Petrie, Henry L. Ward, H. J. 
Hildreth ; treasurer, A. W. Ford ; clerk, M. C. Crist. 

Episcopal services were formerly held in the Union church, as a mis- 
sion of the Fairfield church. As an outgrowth of this a church was or- 
ganized in 1872 under the name of the Church of the Memorial. A 
handsome church was erected in 187 1-2 at a cost of about $10,000, 
and the rectory has a value of about $2,000. The same rectors have 
usually served this church and the Fairfield society, the present rector 
being Rev. Clarence M. Conant. The wardens are John Molineux, 
treasurer, C. W. Hamlin, M. D., secretary, and Geo. W. Griswold. 

The Methodist church of Middleville was organized January 16, 
1836, and incorporated February i, i88i. In 1880 the society pur- 
chased the old Union church building, which they removed, remodeled 
and thoroughly repaired. Services are now conducted in it. 

The trustees are James F. Whiting, I S. Edsall and V. S. Farrington. Stewards, 

1. S. Edsall, "V. S. Farrington, Lansing Chase, D. R. Martin, W. W. Dickens, Edward 
Reese, Herman Stroble. The present pastor is Rev. H. M Church. 

The substantial iron bridge across West Canada Creek was built in 
1888; there had been three preceding wooden ones. 

The grist-mill is owned by Dr. D. M. Devendorf, who leases it to 
Wolcott G. Farmer. The population of the village is about 800 and is 
steadily increasing. 

Following is a list of the supervisors of Fairfield from its organization 
to the present time : 




^^Vr*^ ^ (^^ 



TOWN OF SALISBURY. 315 

1790-97, John Comins, jr.; 1798, Nathan Smith; 1799,1801-4, David Biown; 
ISOO, William Lapham ; 1805-10, An o.s Haile ; 1811-12, Willianj f miih ; 181c-14, 
James Haile ; 1815, John Eaton ; 1816-25, 1830-32, William Giiswold ; 1826-29, Nor- 
man Butler; 1833-34, Hiram Noiton ; 1835-37, Abram H. Seeley ; 1838-41, A. C. H. 
Smith; 1842-43, Thomas A. Rice; 1844, Ale.xander H. Buell ; 1845, 1846, 1849, 
Hiram Ayre.';; 1847-48, Parley Arnold; 1850-51, 1856, Lauren B.Arnold; 1852-53, 
David W.Cole; 1854, Samuel Green ; 1855, Samuel C. Franklin ; 1857, Griffin Sweet ; 
1858-59, Morgan L.Churchill; 1860-Gl, Sideneus Teall ; 1862-63, Alfred E. Varney ; 
1864-65, John Green ; 1866, Albert G. Ford ; 1867, Morgan C. Crist; 1868-70, Eleazer 
C. Rice; 1871-72, Albigenoe W. Ford: 1873-74, Daniel B. Arnold; 1875-78, WiUiam 
W. Mosher: 1879, 1880, Hiram S. Barnes; 1881, 1882, George H.Thomas; 1883, 
1884, Milton Ford; 1885, Thomas R. Petrie ; 1886-88, Seymour C. Bishop ; 1889-91, 
George H. Thomas; 1892, John Fields. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE TOWN OF SALISBURY. 

THIS is one of the largest towns in Herkimer county, having an 
area of more than 68,00O acres. It embraces a part of the Jersey- 
field patent, and portions of the first, second and fourth allotments 
of the Royal Grant. The surface of the northern part of the town 
is rough and mountainous and not thickly settled, while the southern 
part is hilly and well adapted to grazing. The principal streams 
are the East Canada Creek, which forms a part of the east boundary, 
and Spruce Creek, which flows through the southwest and southern 
parts. The soil is generally a sandy and clayey loam. Beds of iron 
ore exist in some parts and have been worked to some extent. The 
formation of the town occurred on March 3, 1797, when it was taken 
from Palatine, and on the 17th of April, 1817, it was annexed to 
Herkimer county from Montgomery county; it lies on the eastern bor- 
der of the county and extends into the great northern wilderness. 

Salisbury received its name from Salisbury, Conn., whence came 
many of the early settlers. Of the early settlement of the town Mr. 
Benton thus wrote : 

This town was peopled before the Revolution, with several families of tories or per- 
sons friendly to the crown, although they may not have committed any overt act of 



316 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

treason against the colonies. Living on the Royal Grant, they were, no doubt, the 
tenants of, or went there under the protection of the Johnson family. They were 
allowed to rtmain unmolested by the Indians and tories during the whole war ; but 
when the couiniissionersof forfeitures, in 1784, claimed the grant as tlie property of 
the State, they may not have esteemed the protection of their royalist landlords as of 
much value, or their titles, if they held any, as securing to them " an indefeasible 
estate of inheritance." One of these people, named Johnson, lived on lot iiumber 154, 
in the first allotment, Royal Grant, on the road between the old Salisbury meeting- 
house and the Four Corners. Daniel Lobdell, another of them, lived in the westerly 
part of the town, about one mile southerly of the old Salisbury meeting-house. 

These parties were conveniently located, to suit the purposes and accompli.^h the 
objects, of those who planted them on the direct route from the Mohawk valley to 
the head waters of the Black River. Here the disaffected could congregate in safety, 
and mature their plans of mischief; and from these points, runners could be dispatched 
to hover round the out-settlements, collect information, watch the movement of troops 
in the valley, and even spy out what was going on at the block-houses and stockades, 
and outside of the principal forts; and here, too, straggling parties of the enemy re- 
ceived aid and comfort and were seasonably notified of whatever was important for 
them to know, and within the power of these people to give. 

Old Mr. Lobdell had four or five sons wlio, at an early period of the war, went to 
Canada with a party of Indians and remained there until after peace was declared. 

A controversy as to some of these lands gave rise to a litigation in 
i860, as appears by the case of McKinnon vs. Bliss, 21 New York 
Reports, 206. 

A few New England families probably located in this town before 
1788, and between that date and 1794 the immigration was quite rapid. 
The Salisbury meeting-house, a historic structure, was erected during 
the last named year. Jabez Ayers built the first frame dwelling in 
the town. The following families were among the early settlers: 
Avery, Cook, Hackley, Hallett, Todd, Hopson, Burrell and Water- 
man. In 1801, according to Rev. Caleb Alexander, who then visited 
the town, the population was 1,694. 

The first town meeting was held April 4, 1797, and the following is 
a record of the proceedings : 

Agreeable to statute, the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Salisbury con- 
vened at the house of Aaron Hackley, esq., on Tuesday, the 4th day of April, 1797. 
Cornelius Humphrey and Aaron Hackley, esqs., superintended the meeting. Polls 
opened and proceeded to put in the town ofiicers, and the following were cho.sen, that 
is to say ; Cornelius Humphrey, esq., supervisor ; Eliphalet Taylor, town clerk ; Abijah 
Ford, Samuel Bennet, Jonathan Cole, assessors; Jonathan Hallett, William Lee, jr., 



TOWN OF SALISBURY. 317 

and Joseph Munson, commissioners of highways; Nathaniel Curtip, constahlc nnd cd- 
lector; Stephen Todd, jr., constable; Reynolds Cahoon and Jabez Ayers, overseers of 
the poor ; Augustus Thorp, Stutley Can and Caleb Bates, commissioners of schools ; 
Eleazer Can, Jabez Tuttle and Joseph Tuttle, fence viewers and appraisers of dam- 
ages ; Joseph Cahoon and Alexander Ayers, poundmasters. The entire town at that 
time contained only thirteen road districts, and one overseer was elected for each dis- 
trict. 

Other proceedings of this and succeeding early meetings consisted of 
the customary regulations for restriction of roving animals, selhng 
liquors, etc. In this connection the following entry is of interest as in- 
dicating who were early merchants and what they had to contend with 
for violating the law : 

Be it remembered that on the 15th day of January, 1798, Jo.seph Cahoon and Isaiah 
Kenyon, merchants of the town of Salisbury, county of Montgomery and Stale of New 
York, were this day convicted before me, Cornelius Humphrey, one of the justices of the 
peace of said county, for retailing, on the 9lh day of this instant — January — and at 
several other times, at their store in the town aforesaid, gin and other spirituous liquors 
by small measure to be drank in their house, without having a license or such permit in 
their house, out-house, yard or garden, or without having entered into such recogni- 
zance as is mentioned in the act entitled "an act to lay a duty of excise on strong 
liquors and for the better regulating of inns and taverns," passed March 1st, 1788. 

Given under my hand and seal the loth day of January, 1708. 

Cornelius Humphrey, J. P. 

Following is a list of the supervisors of Salisbury from its organiza- 
tion to the present time : 

Cornelius Humphrey, 1797-99; Samuel Bennett, 1800; Jonathan Hallett, 1801-02; 
Cornelius Drake, 1803-05; Alvah Southworth, 1806-13; Stephen Todd, 1814, 1820-22. 
'1824; Elijah Ford, 1815; Isaac Sears, 1816; John D. Waterman, 1817-19; Jeremiah 
Drake, 1823, 1825, 1829 ; Abraham Marsh, 1826-27 ; Abial Pratt, 1828 ; Henry Water- 
man, 1830-31; George W. Alton, 1832-30, 1839; Eliakim Sherrill, 1837-38; At water 
Cook, 1840-41; Hiram Hadley, 1842-44; George Avery, 1845; Ira Comstock, 1846; 
Truman Bliss, 1847-48; Harry Burrell, 1849 ; Lorenzo Carryl, 1850; B. Avery, 1851- 
52; Daniel A. Northrup, 1853 55, 1859, 1860; James J. Cook, 1856-58, 1877-78; 
James H. Ives, 1861-64; Milton B. Avery, 1865-66; George L. Byington, 1867-69; 
John Ives, 1870-71; W. P. Burrell, 1872-73; Volney Hopson, 1874; Ormel Leavitt, 
1875-77; J. J. Cook, 1878-79; Frank H. Loucks, 1880-82; Charles L. Ives, 1883-84; 
William H. Cramer, 1885-80; Warren H. Eaton, 1887-92. 

Among the few families who settled in this town during the Revolu- 
tion were John Faville and Cornelius Lamberson, both natives of New 
Jersey. Faville was born in 1749, and in eaily life was engaged in 



318 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

boating on the Mohawk River. He settled in the southwestern part of 
the town on a farm owned in recent years by Harry Burrell. His son, 
William Faville, was born in the town December 19, 1785. In 1795 he 
removed to the northwestern part of Manheim, where he erected a 
grist mill previous to 1800. He was the father of eight sons and four 
daughters, most of wi)om located in Salisbury and Manheim. The 
family has always been a prominent one in the eastern part of the 
county. Cornelius Lamberson settled on the farm owned recently by 
his grandson, Joshua W. Lamberson, in the southern part of the town. 
He reared a family of seven sons and one daughter. He was father of 
Addison Lamberson, now of Dolgeville. 

Major Jonathan Hallett was a revolutionary officer and settled early 
in the town — about 1787, in the western part. His son, Stephen, was 
born in the town in 1787, and remained a resident until 1 820, when he 
engaged in mercantile business in Fairfield. He was sheriff of the 
county from 1821 to 1826. 

Jabez Ayers came to the town from Massachusetts in the spring of 
1792, settling on wild land near the site of Burrell's Corners. His son, 
Stephen, born in Braintree. Mass., February 10, 1770, came here with 
his father, and later settled a mile or more west of him in what is 
now Fairfield. He was a practical surveyor and located many of the 
early roads in this section. He represented the county in the Assembl)' 
in 1836, and died in 1850. 

Stephen Todd came from Wallingford, Conn., in 1792, and settled 
at what is known as Diamond Hill, on the State road. His son, , 
Stephen, jr., came with the family and subsequently studied medicine 
and was for many years one of the leading physicians of the county. 
He also engaged quite extensively in agriculture ; was elected to the 
Assembly in 1821, and died at his home in 1827. 

Nathan Metcalf came from Berkshire county, Mass., and settled in the 
extreme southern part of the town in 1794. Abial Pratt came here in 
the same year and purchased a farm of Alvarius Hopson. A year later 
he returned to Massachusetts, but in 1799 came back to his farm which 
he cleared and improved, and lived upon it until his death at the age of 
ninety-two years. The homestead was about half way between Salis- 
bury and Salisbury Center. He was member of Assembly in 1828. 



TOWN OF SALISBURY. 319 

Jonathan Cole came with Mr. Pratt in 1794, and settled on the adjoin- 
ing farm, where he resided until his death. He was one of the first 
assessors of the town. Abijah Ford settled early in 1794 near Diamond 
Hill, opened a tavern before 1800, and kept it until his death. The 
early town meetings were held at his house. In the same year Asa 
Sheldon settled about two miles west of the site of Devereaux. 

Atwater Cook, a native of Connecticut, settled in Salisbury early in 
1795, locating first at what is known as Ives Hollow, and subsequently 
on a farm just west of Salisbury Corners. His son, of the same name, 
was born in Salisbury, December 17, 1795, and became one of the early 
successful farmers and dairymen and one of the prominent and influ- 
ential citizens of the town. He was for many years a justice of the 
peace; was supervisor, and in 1831 and 1839, was chosen to the As- 
sembly. He died at his home February 14, 1853. His son, James J. 
Cook, was born July 13, 1822, and also became one of the prominent 
citizens of the town. He was sheriff of the county from 1859 to 1861, 
and for many years a member of the board of supervisors. During the 
War of the Rebellion he held the office of United States provost mar- 
shal for this Congressional district, and at the time of his death was a 
member of the committee for the construction of the new county build- 
ings. He died at Salisbury, September 4, 1880. 

Aaron Hackley came from Wallingford, Conn., in 1795 and settled 
at what is now known as Burrell's Corners, where he carried on a store 
and a tavern. He was one of the first justices of the town. 

Silas Thompson was a native of Chesterfield, N H., and for a time 
drove the six yoke teams of oxen in hauling boats on the river around 
the rapids at Little Falls. In the fall of 1795 he came to Salisbury and 
soon afterward purchased the farm now owned by the estate of William 
J.Thompson. He died in 1858. 

Joseph Munson and Moses De Witt came from Connecticut in 1795 
and settled on farms near Salisbury Corners. Other early settlers were 
Cornelius Humphrey, Eliphalet Taylor, Samuel Bennett, and William 
Lee, who became permanent and useful citizens and left descendants. 

Amos Ives was a native of Wallingford, Conn., and came to Salis- 
bury in the spring of 1795, settling about two miles north of Salisbury 
Corners, where he was a successful farmer. He died at the residence of 



320 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

his son at Salisbury Corners in March, 184 1. He was father of seven 
sons and one daughter. Truman Ives was his youngest son and was 
three years old when iiis father settled in Salisbury. He learned the 
trade of wool- carding and cloth-dressing and in 1818 established that 
business about half a mile north of Salisbury Corners, which he success 
fully carried on until i860. He was also an extensive farmer and 
owned a large estate, which he transferred to his sons, John and James 
H., in i860. Anson Ives was an elder brother of Truman, and the fol- 
lowing interesting reminiscences were published by the Little Falls 
Journal and Courier in 1876, in a reference to him : 

He was a son of Amos and Lucy Ives, and was born in Wallingford, Conn., March 
19, 1785. He was the fifth of a family of eight children. Amos, Ambrose, Simeon, 
Lucy. Anson, Orren, Samuel and Truman, all of whom are now deceased except Tru- 
man, tlie youngest, who is in vigorous health at eighty-six. AH lived to a ripe old 
age. This familj- of ten persons removed from their home in Connecticut to this 
county in May, 1795, coming the whole distance in a cart drawn by two oxen and one 
horse. The journey to Little Falls required fourteen days. From this place to Salis- 
bury was almost an unbroken wilderness, the route having to be followed by marked 
trees. They were one day in going two miles, and put up for the night at a tavern 
kepi by a maa by the name of Doxtater, a short distance north of the present resi- 
dence of Chaunoey Cook. On the next day they reached Burrell's Corners and tarried 
over night in the small red house (still standing) just east of the old church which was 
burned fifteen or eighteen years ago. The day following they arrived at the happy 
home of Atwater Cook, the elder, grandfather of James J. Cook, esq., who admitted 
them to a share in his log cabin. Here they resided several months, until they could 
erect a log house of their own on a lot adjoining, purchased of Mr. Cook. They had 
all been neighbors and intimate friends in Connecticut. Anson while yet a boy left 
his father's house and went to Greene county, where he :esided five years. From 
there he went to Onondaga county, N. Y., where he and two other brothers contracted 
to chop eight hundred cords of wood. Here he was drafted into the United States 
service and stationed at 0.swego, remaining there till peace was declared. For this 
service he received a land warrant for one hundred and sixty acres of land and a pen- 
sion of $12 per month to the time of his decease. 

It is from the Ives family that Ives Hollow takes its name, and 
there John and James H. Ives established several industries. They 
became very large land owners, engaged e-xtensively in dairying, owned 
large interests in several cheese factories, carried on mills and also ex- 
tended their business operations into other parts of the country. John 
Ives was twice supervisor of the town and James H. held the same 
office four terms and was sheriff of the county. 



TOWN OF SALISBURY. 321 

Alvarius Hopson came from Wallingford, Conn., to Salisbury in 1793, 
bringing a large family with him. He first settled about a mile west of 
Salisbury Center, but in the following year sold his land to Jonathan 
Cole and Abial Pratt and purchased other property a mile southeast of 
Salisbury Center. There a few years later he joined with Samuel Bish- 
op and built a saw- mill on Spruce Creek. About 1799 he sold his 
farm to John Marsh, and in recent years the place was occupied by the 
grandson of the latter, Abram M. Marsh; it is now occupied by G. A. 
Marsh. Mr. Hopson soon afterward settled permanently a little south 
of Salisbury Center, where he died about 1825. He was the father of 
six sons and five daughters, and his descendants became prominent cit- 
izens of this county. E. R. Hopson, now of Dolgeville, is a great-grand- 
son of Alvarius Hopson. His grandfather's name was David, one of the 
six sons of Alvarius, and his father was James (2d) who was born in 1 800 
and died in i860. The family of E. R. Hopson consists of Elton J., 
born June 30, 185 i ; George D., born December 30, 1855; Mary E., 
born December 13, 1858, now wife of James F. Weatherwax. Mr. Hop- 
son has taken the lead in this vicinity in dairying operations, and when 
the Cold Brook cheese factory was established in 1863, he became part 
owner and sole manager of it. The product of the factory ranked as 
first class. Mr. Hopson enjoys the confidence and respect of the entire 
community. James Hopson was also a son of Alvarius, and came with 
his father to Salisburj'. He was an early merchant and farmer and an 
influential citizen of the town. His son, Cornelius D. Hopson, was a 
farmer and died in 1864. He left four children, all of whom now reside 
in Kansas, except Martha C, who married P. W. Casler, living at Lit- 
tle Falls. Other later members of several of these families have re- 
moved from the town. 

Among others of this town who are worthy of mention in connection 
with its growth and development are Jonathan Burrell, an early settler 
at Burrell's Corners. His son, W. F. Burrell, who was born there in 
1S18, became the proprietor of Burrell's mills at that place and was ex- 
tensively engaged in the manufacture of cheese-boxes, broom handles, 
lumber, etc. He was for years a member of the firm of Burrell, Ives & 
Co., extensive makers of cheese-box material in this State and Michi- 
gan. He was supervisor of the town in 1872 and 1873. 
a 



322 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Orren Tanner was born in Salisbury in 1806, and spent most of his 
life as a successful farmer. He had seven children. His wife was a 
daughter of Alvarius Hopson. 

William J. Thompson was born in Salisbury in 18 19 and was reared 
on the farm on which he passed his life. His father was Silas Thomp- 
son, before mentioned, one of the pioneers of the town. 

Among the pioneers from Connecticut who settled in Herkimer coun- 
ty was Noah Smith. He located in the town of Norway and had a son 
Samuel, who settled in the town of Salisbury in 1822, where he is still 
living at the great age of ninety-three years, in the enjoyment of the 
respect of the community. George W. Smith, the well-known attorney 
of Herkimer, is a son of Samuel, and was born in Salisbury in 1823. 
He left that town in 1844, studied law with Capron & Lake in Little 
Falls and with Judge Graves of Herkimer and was admitted in 1848. 
During the following three years he was editor of the Northern State 
Journal at Watertown, and then settled in Roonville and began practice. 
He was elected county judge of Oneida county in 1859 and in i860 
removed to Utica, but returned to Boonville two years later. He re- 
mained there until 1870, when he settled permanently in Herkimer and 
has been in practice there since. In 1876 he was nominated by the 
Democrats for Congress but was defeated, although he ran ahead of his 
ticket in Herkimer county, and was again defeated for the same office 
in 1886. In 1880 he was a delegate to the Cincinnati convention, and 
in 1882 was elected to the Assembly, where he was distinguished for 
his clear style and eloquent speeches. 

Sketches of many other residents of the town will be found in a later 
department of this work. 

The first mill of any kind in operation in this town was a saw-mill 
built about 1795 by John Garner on Spruce Creek about half a mile 
north of Salisbury Corners, which locality bears the name of Ives Hol- 
low. The site has had a mill ever since, which was in possession of J. 
& J. H. Ives and is now carried on by the latter. The first grist-mill in 
the town was erected about 1800 by George Spencer, near Diamond 
Hill, on a small tributary of Spruce Creek. This mill, although it was 
of great convenience for a time, was not long-lived on account of the 
failure of the stream. A second mill was built not long after the first. 



TOWN OF SALISBURY. 323 

by Cornelius Humphrey, on Spruce Creek about one and a half miles 
north of Salisbury Corners. Zophar Tuttle, from Wolcott, Mass., who 
came herein 1798, was the first miller here and he and Friend Cook 
subsequently purchased it. The mill was operated nearly fifty years. 

About the year 1805 Dr. Stephen Todd started a distillery at Dia- 
mond Hill, taking this means of using the grain that he was forced to 
accept in payment for his services. The business was profitable and, 
as usual in such circumstances, others embarked in it, so that by about 
181 5 there were five distilleries in the town, and all doing a lucrative 
business. As grain raising declined, these industries were abandoned 
and the last one has disappeared. 

The first tavern, kept by Aaron Hackley in 1795 at what is Burrell's 
Corners, has been mentioned ; he also kept the first store there. Abijah 
Ford opened the second tavern at Diamond Hill, and about 1800 
Nathaniel Dibble opened the third about a mile east of Salisbury Cen- 
ter. Joseph Cahoon and Isaiah Kenyon were merchants in the town as 
early as 1797. 

The first road laid out in this town, as shown by the records, was 
under date of May 15, 1797, by Jonathan Hallett, Joseph Munson, 
and William I.ee, jr., commissioners. It is the road now running 
from the west line of the town to Burrell's Corners, Salisbury Cor- 
ners, Salisbury Center, and thence to Devereaux. The State road, 
so called, running from Johnstown to the Black River country, 
crosses the southwest part of Salisbury. The road from Salisbury 
Center north to Jerseyfield Lake and thence to Morehouse, in Hamilton 
county, was laid out in 1845. The Manheim and Salisbury Flank Road 
Company was chartered December 23, 1848, and the charter was 
renewed in 1878 for thirty years more. The road ran from Little Falls 
through the northwesterly part of Salisbury to Gray, in the town of 
Norway. The Little Falls and Salisbury plank road, running from the 
former place through Salisbury Center to Devereaux was built in 1848. 
These roads are substantially abandoned as far as plank toll roads are 
concerned. 

The dairy interest in this town has been and is important, although 
not so much so as formerly. Salisbury is one of the towns claiming the 
introduction of this industry, Atwater Cook and Dr. Todd being the first 



324 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtJNTt. 

to practically abandon grain growing and turn their attention to grazing. 
For many years each farmer made his own cheese, but the era of cheese 
factories came, and in this town they were especially prosperous. The 
Avery & Ives cheese factory, two miles east of Salisbury, was built in 
1862, and for several years its product reached 200,000 pounds. The 
Cold Brook factory was established in the spring of 1863 by E. R. 
Hobson, J. D. Lamberson and the Ives brothers. Cook, Ives & Co.'s fac- 
tory at Salisbury Corners was built in 1865 ; the factory at Burrell's 
Corners in 1869, and the Beaver Creek factory, near Diamond Hill, in 
1873. There are now three factories in operation in the town. 

BiirrelCs Corners. — This locality, once known as " Yankee Corners," 
was in early days the center of business in the town. It received its name 
from Jonathan Burrell, who came from Berkshire county, Mass., and 
permanently located here in 1803, and has already been mentioned. 
Here were situated the earliest business establishments in the town — 
Aaron Hackley's store and tavern, an early grist-mill, and the vicinity 
was more thickly settled than other parts of the town at an early day. 
Jonathan Burrell, and later his sons, carried on various branches of busi- 
ness at the Corners. There is very little here now to distinguish the 
neighborhood from the surrounding country, except a blacksmith shop 
and a cheese factory. 

Salisbury Center. — This little village, as indicated by its name, is 
situated near the center of the town. Business was first attracted to 
the locality by the building of a grist-mill in 1802 by a man named 
Plum (or Plumb), which was followed by another in 18 ID, which was 
built by Cornelius Drake; the second one stood a little below the first, 
and about on the site of the present mill, now operated by William H. 
Elwell. This mill was erected by Edgar Darling in 1846-47. Au- 
gustus Frisbie was one of the early settlers at the Corners, and built 
the first frame house, which he converted a few years later into a hotel, 
the first in the place. Mr. Frisbie also erected and operated the first 
wool-carding and cloth-dressing works in 18 10, and a few years later 
Stephen Avery established similar works. William Peak was an early 
merchant and perhaps the first. The mercantile business of the place 
previous to 1820 was of little importance, but in that year Henry 
Marshall opened a general store and carried on quite an extensive busi- 



TOWN OF SALISBURY. 325 

ness. Stores are kept at the present time by Frank Loucks and Robert 
Hicks. A small tannery was built here in 1 8o6 by Nathaniel Peck; he 
was a shoemaker and tanned his own leather. A larger tannery was 
erected by Sherrill & Reed about 1825 ; these have disappeared with 
the failure of the bark supply, with the exception of the small estab- 
ment now operated by John Deitz. The cloth-dressing works long ago 
disappeared and there is no establishment of the kind in the town. 
J. F. McDougall carries on the saw mill at the Center, with planing- 
niill, shingle-machines, etc., and a shoe-peg factory has been operated a 
number of years by Kingsley Bros, on the site of the tannery formerly 
operated by John C. Pitt. The post-office was established here about 
the year 1825, with Dr. Hiram Hadley as postmaster. R. H. Hicks 
is the present incumbent of the office. Small harness and blacksmith 
shops complete the list of business concerns in the village. 

Devereaux. — This busy little village is situated on the East Canada 
Creek on the eastern line of the town, a part of its buildings being in 
Fulton county. The place was formerly known as " Nicholsville, " from 
Elder Martin Nichols, who was one of the early settlers and came 
before 1800. He erected a frame building for his dwelling, which was 
afterwards enlarged and kept by others as a hotel. He also built the 
first grist-mill here about the year 1800, and a saw- mill was built about 
that time by either Mr. Nichols or Alexander Boyd. Elder Nichols 
also built a church in which he preached for a number of years. It 
was eventually burned and the Baptist chuich built upon the site. 
Jesse Potter was an early settler and built for himself the first house in 
the place. Aaron Bartlett erected the first tannery on the east side of 
the creek about the year 1826. It fell into disuse with the failure of 
the bark supply. One of the earliest merchants here was Asa Wilcox, 
and Dr. Elliot Jacobs was the first physician. The post-office was 
established about 1 820 under the name of "Nicholsville," and about 
1832 the name was changed to " East Creek," and a few years later to 
its present title, after Henry Devereaux, who settled here about 1834 
and became a prominent merchant. There are now two churches here, 
noticed further on, four stores, kept by S. McLean, N. Perkins, Bliss 
Kibbe (who is also postmaster), and D. Heiterline. J. C. Livingston 
carries on the grist-mill and D. Heiterline has a butter- tub factory and 



326 HTSTORT OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the saw-mill. There are three hotels which are kept by Peter Ward, 
John Moon, jr., and J. Rowley. 

Salisbury Corners is a hamlet on the State road in the southwestern 
part of the town. The immediate locality was first settled by Hiram 
Wooster, a Connecticut farmer, who came about 1800. In 181 1 the 
first tavern was built by Amos Griswold, who also came from Connect- 
icut. William Brooks was the first merchant and erected his own 
store. There is very little business done here at the present time, 
a small store and a tannery only being kept. 

What has been known as " Diamond Hill, " from the finding of 
quartz crystals in the rocks, is a settlement on the State road about one 
and a half miles north of Burrell's Corners. A paper- mill was at one 
time in operation here, and W. F. Burrell carried on a saw-mill, cheese- 
box factory and turning works. 

The first carding machine was established by John Standring about 
1800, and was located at Diamond Hill, being operated by water from 
Spruce Creek. The mill was burned a few years after its erection and 
a larger one with machinery for cloth- dressing built in its stead. Au- 
gustus Frisbie built a similar factory at Salisbury Center in 1810 and in 
i8i4another one was established by a stock company, on Spruce Creek, 
north of Salisbury Center, owned in subsequent years by Truman 
Ives. 

Tanning has been very largely carried on in this town, the first tan- 
nery having been built by Col. Amos Griswold about 1 802, a mile north 
of the site of Burrell's Corners. To this one were added from time to 
time others, and down to about the beginning of the war period, this 
was one of the chief industries of the town. There is now only one 
tannery in the town, carried on by John Dietz. 

Churches. — The first meeting-house in this town was erected about 
1795, at what is now Burrell's Corners, under the auspices of the Pres- 
byterian denomination. It was occupied as a church until 183 i, when 
that denomination built a new church at Salisbury Corners, and the old 
church was converted into a wagon shop. It subsequently burned. 
The church at the Corners is still standing, but is unoccupied as such. 
Rev. Caleb Alexander, the touring missionary of early times, wrote as 
follows of the Presbyterians at Salisbury at the beginning of the 
century : 



TOWN OF SALISBURY. 327 

Tuesday, November 19, 1801. — Rode ea.st four miles to Salisbury. Called upon 
Aaron Haokley, esq., and preached a lecture on Titus iii., 5, G. A decent congregation 
in the school-house. There is a Presbyterian church of thirty-six members, belonging 
to the Northern Associate Presbytery of Morris County Presbytery. A Baptist church 
has lately been established here. There has been in this place, last summer, much at- 
tention to religion, and almost every convert has joined the Baptist communion 
through the vigorous exertions of the Baptist teachers itinerating. Salisbury contains 
1,694 souls, and a Presbyterian meeting-house. 

A Baptist church was organized at Burrell's Corners in i8oo, where 
meetings were held for a time, and afterward at Sahsbury Corners, until 
about I S3 1, when the society united with the Universalists and erected 
a union church. This building was subsequently, and now is, occupied 
by the Baptists alone, the other societ}'^ becoming extinct. There is 
a Baptist church at Devereaux, in which George Fisher is the present 
pastor. 

The First Universalist Society of Salisbury was organized at the 
house of Stephen Pratt, in December, 1822. On February 28, 1830, a 
new organization was effected at the house of Abial Pratt and the so- 
ciety was incorporated. 

The union church of Salisbury Center was erected in 1 830, princi- 
pally by the Universalists, and by the Presbyterians and Baptists. Its 
cost was about $2,600, and it was dedicated in October, 1830. It is 
only used occasionally at the present time. 

The Methodist Episcopal church at Salisbury Center was organized 
in 1826, by Rev. John W. Wallace with about twenty members. In 
1828 the society began the erection of a frame church. It was used 
while still unfinished for about two years, and was finished in 1830. 
In 1870, during the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Howland, it was remod- 
eled and repaired, and rededicated by Bishop Peck. Rev. Amos Rich 
is the present pastor in this church, and the one at Devereaux. 



328 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

CHAPTER XV. 

THE TOWN OF MANIIEIM. 

\A ANHEIM lies on the eastern border of the county and on the 
/ \ north bank of the Mohawk River. It is bounded on the north 
by Salisbury; on the east by Oppenheim in Fulton county; on the 
south by Danube, and on the west by Little Falls and Fairfield. Six 
of the large lots in Glen's purchase, a part of the fourth allotment of 
the Royal Grant ; the whole of John Van Driesen's, Snell and Tim- 
merman's, and part of Rev. Peter Van Driesen's patents; a part of 
Vrooman's patent, and some small grants made by the State are in this 
town. The town was formed from Palatine, Ilontgomery county, on 
the 3d of March, 1797, and it remained a part of that county until 
April 7, 18 17, when it was annexed to Herkimer county. It received 
its name from Manheim in Germany. The surface of the town rises 
from the intervales of the Mohawk to the northern border where 
it reaches a height of 500 feet above the river. The soil is a gravelly 
loam on the uplands and a fertile alluvium on the flats. Cathatachua 
Creek flows through the town near the center, and Gillett Creek south- 
east across the northeast corner ; both are small streams. East Can- 
ada Creek flows along the eastern boundary of the town, furnishes 
excellent water power and is beautified by several picturesque cascades 
within the limits of the town. 

Manheim was settled by German emigrants before the Revolution. 
The grant of 3,600 acres made in 1755 to Jacob Timmerman and Johan 
Jost Snell (or Schnell), commonly called Snell and Timmerman's patent, 
is near the central part of the town on an east and west line, and south 
of the Royal Grant. The date of this grant is probably not far from 
the time of the first settlement ; and descendants of the Snells and Tim- 
mermans are still residents of the county. A part of this original 
grant still bears the common name of " Sncll's Bush." Jacob Timmer- 
man had at least five sons, four of whom, Henry, Adam, Frederick and 
Jacob, settled on portions of this patent. Four of the sons of Johan 



TOWN OF MANHEIM. 329 

Jost Snell, Suffrenus, Peter, Joseph and Jacob, also located here in the 
vicinity of the old Dutch Reformed church. Nine of the Snell family 
went into the battle of Oriskany and only two returned, Peter being 
one ; the other seven were killed. 

Henry Remensneider, or (Rhemensnyder) and Johannes Boyer were 
the first settlers on Glen's purchase, a few miles north of the Little 
Falls, where they seated themselves a few years prior to the Revo- 
lution. John Boyer took part in the battle of Oriskany ; he was the 
immediate ancestor of the Boyer families, who were once numerous 
in the county. Among other German families who settled in the town 
before the Revolution were the Keysers, Van Slykes Newmans, Pick- 
erts, Klocks and Garters. The Newmans, Klocks and a family named 
Davis settled near the center of the town, south of Remensneider's Bush.i 
James Van Slyke and John Windecker, aged respectively seventeen and 
nine years, were taken prisoners during the Revolution. They were at 
the time in the log house of Frederick Windecker, who lived on the 
farm occupied in recent years by John F. Windecker. They were car- 
ried to Canada, whence Van Slyke escaped, but the younger lad was 
kept five years. It will be remembered by the reader that we have al- 
ready given an account of the attack on the settlements at Remensnei- 
der's Bush, April 30, 1780, by a large band of Indians and tories, who 
burned the early grist-mill of that place and carried away nineteen per- 
sons. The settlers in the town suffered severely from the depredations 
of the enemy during the Revolution. 

The block- house mentioned in the foot note on this page was sit- 
uated just over the west line of Manheim in the edge of Little Falls ; 
it was known as Remensneider's fort. The grist-mill stood on lands 
owned by Lorenzo Carryl, now of Little Falls. Of the prisoners car- 
ried to Canada in 1780, John Garter died there. After that attack the 
inhabitants of the town retired to the lower valley, abandoning their 
farms until after the war. 

1 A blockhouse stood at this place (Remensneider's Bush), and many o£ the inhabitants toolc re£- 
xige in it. Twelve of the prisoners were taken at one house by half that number of Indians with- 
out resistance. The captives all returned after the war. except one who died in Canada, and one 
who escaped. John G. Snell, while searching for cattle in the woods, was surprised by the Indians 
and shot through the body. He recovered and lived to an advanced age. The town was deserted 
after this by all but the tories.— French's State Gazetteer, p. 346. 



330 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Adam Garlock settled in the town previous to the Revolution, and 
the farm has always remained in possession of his descendants. With 
the cessation of hostilities the town was rapidl i filled up by the ref- 
ugees and new-comers from the East. Judge Jacob Markell, born in 
Schenectady in 1770, came to Manheim when he was twenty years old ; 
was long a justice of the peace, supervisor of the town twenty six 
years, judge of the Court of Comman Pleas while the town was a part 
of Montgomery county; elected to Congress for one term, and mem- 
ber of Assembly from Manheim in 1819. (See chapter on the Bench 
and Bar.) 

Jacob P. Loucks was born in Manheim in 1783 ; was a soldier in the 
War of 18 12 and lived to a very old age. Major Andrew Fink settled 
here soon after the close of the Revolution ; was of German descent 
and born in the present town of Palatine ; was first lieutenant in Cap- 
tain Christopher P. Yates's company in July, 1775, and rose to the rank 
of major during the war. He lived to an advanced age and is buried 
in this town. John A. Dockey, a British soldier under Burgoyne, was 
taken prisoner at Bennington, escaped at Albany and canie to Fall Hill, 
where he hired out to Peter Dygert; soon afterward he married the wid- 
ow of Jacob Snell, who was killed at Oriskany. His son, Henry Dockey, 
was born in Manheim in March, 1784. Nathaniel and Elijah Spencer 
came from Vermont and settled on the farm now owned by Howard 
Spencer, their descendant, in 1797. Others who settled in this town 
in the latter part of the last century were Samuel Peck and his son, 
Isaac, who came in 1796; Jacob Youran, in 1797; John Faville, Simeon 
P. Bidleman, James and John Van Valkenburg, Henry Broat and Peter 
Woolever. 

John Beardslee, born in Sharon, Conn., in November, 1759, became 
a practical mechanic, architect and civil engineer. He came to the Mo- 
hawk valley in 1787, visited Whitestown and engaged with White & 
Whitmore to build mills for them on shares. In 1792 he built for the 
State a mill for the use of the Oneida Indians. Between 1790 and 
1796 he built the first bridge across the Mohawk at Little Falls and the 
old red grist-mill there ; also built mills for Richard Van Home at Van 
Hornesville and for Colonel Frey at Canajoharie ; the court-house with 
jail at Herkimer, which was burned in January, 1834; a bridge over 



J 



TOWN OF MANHEIM. 331 

East Canada Creek and a grist-mill, saw- mill and carding works about 
half a mile north of the present Mohawk turnpike. The building of 
the last-named bridge led to his settling in Manheim. The bridge was 
paid for by Montgomery county, and in order to get the necessary tim- 
ber he purchased a one-hundred- acre lot west of the creek and near the 
bridge in March, 1794. Finishing the bridge, he erected the mills 
which were in operation in 1795. These improvements attracted emi- 
grants, and by 1800 there was a lively settlement here; it became 
known as " the city." Besides the mills there were two stores, two 
taverns, a blacksmith shop, a nail factory, brewery, distillery, etc. 
There was more business done at Beardslee's Mills, as it vi'as often 
called; than at Little Falls at the time in question. The location of the 
Mohawk turnpike half a mile south, and the subsequent building of the 
canal south of the river, turned the tide from this little village, as it did 
from many others in the valley, and almost every trace of the existence 
of "the city " has disappeared. In 1810 Mr. Beardslee purchased 350 
acres lying on both sides of the creek and between his first purchase 
and the Mohawk, where sprang up the settlement of East Creek; and 
this, too, has now almost disappeared, as far as business is concerned. 
Mr. Beardslee died at his home October 3, 1825, leaving a permanent 
impress upon the town and its vicinity. 

Augustus Beardslee was born in the town of Manheim August 13, 
1 80 1. After finishing his education at Fairfield Seminary and Union 
College he read law with Abram Van Vechten in Albany and with 
George H. Feeter in Little Falls, and was admitted to the bar Decem- 
ber 27, 1824. In 1828 he was appointed by the governor one of the 
judges of the Common Pleas of Herkimer county. In 1834 he was 
elected to the Assembly, and in 1843 he was again appointed a judge 
of the Common Pleas. After his term of judgeship expired he retired 
to his country home at East Creek, in the town of Manheim, where he 
died on March 15, 1873, having spent the later years of his life with his 
books and in the management of his large landed estate. 

James H. Wetherwax, born in this town November 29, 1829, was a 
prominent and successful farmer. He was elected supervisor in i860, 
and held that office three successive terms. In 1867 he was chosen 
sheriff of the county, and in 1880 Governor Cornell appointed him one 



332 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

of the State assessors. He died on his farm in Manheim, now occupied 
by his son, James F. Weatlierwax, January i, 1883. 

Other improvements made in the town at a very early date were a 
sawmill on the East Canada Creek, built in 1798 by Jacob Youran, 
and a grist-mill, erected by him in 18 15, which continued in operation 
some forty years. Thomas Johnson built a saw- mill on Gillett Creek 
on the farm now owned by Charles Ransom about 18 14. Other mills 
were started at different points, not one of which is in operation. 
Jacob Markeli opened a small store near what became known as Man- 
heim Center in 1790 ^the vicinity of the present half- way house). He 
manufactured potash there, and a post-ofifice was at one period estab- 
lished at that point. 

There are no accessible records of the transactions of this town while 
it remained a part of Montgomery county. The first meeting after it 
was annexed to Herkimer county was held on the first Tuesday in 
March, 18 18, when the following officers were elected: 

Jacob Markeli, supervisor; Jacob Wire, town clerk; John Young.';, Hanford Sher- 
wood, Elijah Barnes, highway commissioners; Elijah Barnes, Samuel Gray, jr., Adam 
Feeler, assessors ; Jacob Markeli and Daniel Getman, overseers of poor ; George G. 
Loucks, collector; Luther Pardee, Jacob Bates, Jacob Markeli, school commissioners; 
Bennett Pearce, Charles Freeman, Elijah Ayres, Thomas Ransom, John G. Loucks, 
Elijah Barnes, school inspectors ; William P. Schuyler, Uarmanus Visgar, Joseph 
House, constables, and twenty-four overseers of highways. 

Following is a list of supervisors of the town of Manheim from its 
organization to the present time : 

Jacob Markeli, 1797-1S19, 1824-27; Luther Pardee, 1820-22; Lawrence Timmer- 
man, 1823; Augustus Beardslee, 1828-29; John T. Timmerman, 1830; Daniel Hayes, 
1831; Isaac S. Ford, 1832; Jacob Powell, 1833; John P. Snell, 1834-37, 1839; 
Suffrenus Snell, 1838; John Hoover, jr., 1840-41; John T. Beardslee, 1842; Jacob 
Yoran, 184.3-44, 1850 ; Nathan S. Green, 1845 ; John Markeli, 1846-49; Oliver Ladue, 
1851-52; Jeremiah G. Snell, 18.53; Hiram Broat, 1854-55, 1867-71; Levi Belhnger, 
1856-57; Luke Sngll, 1858-59; James H. Wetherwax, 1860-62; Morgan Bidleman, 
1863-64; S.Stewart Lansing, 1865-66; Michael Levee, 1872 ; Charles E. Bauder, 
1873-75 ; Seymour Keyser, 1876 ; Norman Timmerman, 1877-78 ; John Garlock, 
1879-81; Wm. A. Goodell, 1882-83 ; Hannibal Sneil, 1884-85; Hiram Broat, 1886- 
87 ; Charles Cook, 1888 ; Thomas H. Curry, 1889-92. 

Manheim is one of the best cheese-producing towns in the county, 
and a large share of the labor of farmers is devoted to that industry. 



TOWN OF MANHEIM. 333 

At the present time there are nine factories in operation, the first of 
which was built in 1864 by P. H. Smith, near Brockett's Bridge (Dolge- 
ville). There are ten scliool districts in the town, two of them (at East 
Creek and Ingham's Mills) being joint districts with Oppenheim and 
St. Johnsville. 

The Village of Dolgeville. — This, one of the most thriving villages 
in the State of New York, has gained a national reputation by the vari- 
ous industrial and other enterprises of Alfred Dolge, a public spirited 
citizen of German birth and parentage, after whom the place was 
named and who settled here in 1876. 

Dolgeville lies in the spurs of the Adirondacks, on both sides of the 
East Canada Creek, and eight miles from Little Falls, with which it is 
now connected by railroad. The principal part of the village, which 
includes all the factories, post-office, schools, business blocks, etc., is 
situated in the northeast corner of the township of Manheim. Many 
handsome residences, the academy, the Episcopal church, the lumber 
yards, etc., lie on the further side of the creek in the township of Op- 
penheim, Fulton county. 

Dolgeville is known as one of the most picturesque and healthful 
spots in the center of the State, and is especially adapted to manufac- 
turing purposes by reason of its splendid water power, fine surrounding 
timber lands, and other valuable advantages. 

Long after the Mohawk valley had been settled, principally by Ger- 
man emigrants, the present site of Dolgeville was one unbroken wilder- 
ness, known only to the hunter and trapper. 

It was not until several years after the War of the Revolution that the 
surrounding farms were settled by the Faville, Ayres, Spencer, Ransom, 
Spofford, Lamberson, Brockett and Rundell families. John Faville was 
the pioneer and settled in 1795 on Ransom Creek, where he built a 
grist-mill and later a saw mill. Soon a little settlement sprang up 
there, including a blacksmith shop, a tannery and a school-house. 
Soon following Faville, the two brothers. Elijah and Nathaniel Spen- 
cer, bought land and settled here; they arrived as early as 1797, and 
their lands have remained in possession of their descendants until 1892. 

Prior to this time a little industry was started at the present village 
site. Samuel Low, for many years a justice of the peace, built in or 



334 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

before 1794, a saw- mill and a grist-mill, which were located between the 
site of Dolge's iron bridge and the upper boiler-house. 

Zephi Brockett settled here in 1813, on the Oppenheim side of the 
creek, while the Spoffords came in about 1800 ; in the latter year Abe 
Spofford kept a tavern on the east side of the creek. Thomas Spof- 
ford settled in the south end of the village, and John D. Spofford came 
here in 18 10, bought a large farm, and built later on the residence 
now owned by Philip Helmer. 

There were no stores at this village until about 1830; the trading 
was done at Salisbury Corners, which was then a much more pre- 
tentious village than it is now. There was no direct road to Little 
Falls until 1815. Previous to that year, in order to reach that village, 
travelers followed a trail through the forest a part of the way, then 
took a road to Salisbury Corners, and thence the road to the Falls. 
Very much of the surrounding country was woodland until after 
1825. 

The first permanent bridge here across the East Canada Creek was 
built in 1805 by a man named Green, and the settlement was for some 
time known as " Green's Bridge." This was an open truss bridge, of 
spruce timber, which was displaced in 1818 by one built of elm timber. 
In 1826-29 the covered wooden bridge was erected by Calvin Ran- 
som, at a cost of $540. A substantial iron bridge has recently been 
erected. 

A post-office was established here in 1826, with Zephi Brockett as 
postmaster ; he was then the most prominent man in the settlement 
and the post-ofifice was named in his honor, " Brockett's Bridge." 

James P. Brockett, Charles G. Brockett, Addison Lamberson, Bruno 
C. Dolge, Henry A. Dolge and Frank J. Loucks have held the office 
of postmaster. 

\ The first burying-ground in the vicinity was the Sherwood cemetery, 
where many early settlers are buried. The Hewitt cemetery contains 
the graves of many old residents. The present cemetery was opened 
about sixty years ago; enlarged in 1870, and again in 1889. 

Following the saw -mill built by Low, Thomas Spofford built one 
and also a grist-mill, which were afterwards operated by the Ransoms, 
and by Erastus B. Jones; they stood near the west end of Dolge's 



TOWN OF MANHEIM. 335 

iron bridge. Before 1815 Reuben Ransom built a carding and cloth- 
finishing mill ; it was torn down in 1836. He also built a small upper- 
leather tannery before 1820; work in which was abandoned about 
1S30. 

In 1830 Major D. B. Winton came here and built the tannery, 
afterwards known as the Herkimer County Tannery; it became 
one of the largest in the United States. Dwelling houses were 
built and several smaller manufacturing establishments were started. 
Henry Van Buren manufactured lead pipe and carried on wood turn- 
ing, and in 183 i the Westby axe factory was established. A saw-mill 
was erected by Scott & Smith, south of the island. John D. Spofford 
operated a saw mill and later on a stave-mill a little north of the 
Loomer Hotel. Several stores were opened and the place was a busy 
one, particularly in the winter season. In December, 1845, the tan- 
nery was burned ; it was rebuilt in the next year, the same walls being 
used. Mr. Westby's axe factory was converted by D. W. Slawson 
into a cheese box factory. A saw-mill was erected near the High 
Falls in 1847; it was afterwards changed to a paper-mill, which was 
twice burned down. 

The tanning business here was carried on by the firm of Isaac Corse, 
of New York (later Corse, Lapham, Thorn & Co., and still later Wat- 
son & Thorn). In 1856 Oliver Ladue became the manager of the 
tannery and continued until 1861. With the failure of the bark supply 
he left the tannery and it ceased work entirely in 1872. From that 
time until the arrival of Alfred Dolge times here were very dull. 

The real history of Dolgeville dates from 1S74, when Alfred Dolge, 
a young German who was engaged in the importing of piano material 
in New York, and who also had started the domestic manufacture of 
piano felt in Brooklyn, came up here prospecting for spruce wood which 
is used in the manufacture of piano sounding boards. He purchased 
the tannery property, and in April, 1875, began his manufacturing 
operations, which have since developed into the largest of their kind 
in the United States and include felt mills, felt shoe factories, factories 
for piano cases, piano sounding boards, piano hammers and lumber 
yards. 

The Dolge piano felt and felt shoes have obtained an international 



336 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

reputation, tlie former having carried off the highest awards over all 
competition at the great exhibitions of Vienna, Paris and Philadelphia. 

In 1879 the lumber factory was erected, and in 1881 the saw- mill 
and two stone boiler houses with large brick chimneys. In 1882-83 
the magnificent stone factory, 266 x 64 feet, four stories high, was 
built. In 1887 two large stone buildings were erected. From 1878 to 
the present time several hundred dwelling houses have been built by 
Mr. Dolge, as well as by his employees and others, until now the pop- 
ulation has reached over 2,000, from an insignificant 325 in 1875. The 
new iron bridge connecting the factories with the lumber yards, was 
opened in 1881, and in the same year electric light was put into the 
lumber mills, to be introduced in the streets and houses in 1887. 

Besides some 30,000 acres in the Adirondacks, Mr. Dolge purchased, 
from time to time, extensive tracts of land in and about the village, 
which he has laid out into wide streets and excellent building lots. 

In 1 88 1, by unanimous vote of the inhabitants, the name of the 
place was changed from Brockett's Bridge to Dolgeville, in honor of 
the man who had by his enterprise and public spirit done so much to 
increase its prosperit}' and develop its material resources. 

In 1887 Mr. Dolge purchased the Reuben Faville farm, which in- 
cluded the picturesque High Falls of the East Canada Creek. This, 
to the extent of nearly five hundred acres, he laid out as a park and 
presented it to the public in 1887. It is of extraordinary beauty and 
picturesqueness. 

The village was incorporated in 1 89 1. The first and present officers 
are: Alfred Dolge, president; Warren Bacon, Edwin Hopson, and L. 
E. Eambert, trustees. 

The first schools in this vicinity were at John Faville's, on Ransom 
Creek, and at a place about a mile east of the site of the village on the 
State road. To both of these pupils went from a long distance around. 
The first school in the village was opened in 18 15, and was taught by 
Susan Spofford, sister of John D. SpofTord. A select school was kept 
before 1830 by Mrs Worthing, wife of a Methodist preacher, who lived 
and taught in the old Small tannery. A brick school- liouse was built 
about 1832 on Main street and torn down in 1877. In 1856 the pres- 
ent old school building was erected at a cost of $1,500. On the 3d of 



TOWN OF MANHEIM. 337 

August, 1886, largely through the influence of Alfred Dolge, the School 
Society was organized, its chief object being the general welfare of all 
the schools in the village. Through the work of this society, and a do- 
nation of if 7, 000 from Mr. Dolge, the present handsome and commo- 
dious brick school building was erected at a cost of $18,000, and dedi- 
cated with elaborate ceremonies on the iith of October, 1887. This 
school has a principal, who is assisted by seven teachers. The efforts 
of the School Society have recently resulted in the establishment of an- 
other institution of equal importance as the new school. The Dolge- 
ville Academy was dedicated on the 30th of August, 1890. It is a 
liandsome structure, seventy- four by forty feet, and cost about $20,000, 
which was contributed by Mr. Alfred Dolge, who has also borne the 
lion's share of the expense of running it. There are a large number of 
efficient teachers, headed by a principal. The course of instruction 
includes Latin and Greek, history, mathematics, English literature, 
music, domestic economy, and instruction in the mechanical arts, for 
which latter a suitable and commodious building has been recently 
erected. 

The entire system of schools, which also includes an admirable kin- 
dergarten, is regarded as one of the best in the State, and has been re- 
peatedly commended by the State officials. The tuition is free in the 
schools and in the academy to all members of the School Society. 
The dues are nominal. The children of outside residents can also se- 
cure the advantages of the academy course by the payment of small 
fees. 

Through the enterprise of the Dolgeville Herald, aided by leading 
citizens and friends of the village, a number of valuable prizes are now 
offered each year to the students, the principal prize being a $400 
scholarship, open to both sexes, which runs for four years, to enable the 
successful student to enter a college course at Cornell, the Boston Tech- 
nological School, or some other similar institution. One of these schol- 
arships which have been founded by Mr. Alfred Dolge's liberality, is 
given every year. 

The village has a fire department \v"hich, under the captaincy of Mr. 
Henry Dolge, has rendered invaluable services at various times to the 
property owners. 
43 



338 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

One of the distinguishing enterprises in the place is the Dolgeville 
Herald, which started in May, 1889, as a four-page monthly, "printed in 
New York, and has since developed into a sixteen-page illustrated 
weekly, with a circulation all over the State. It is printed with its own 
type and presses and employs a large number of persons. John C. 
Freund is the editor. It is published by the Dolgeville Herald Publish- 
ing Company. The subscription is $2 a year. 

Dolgeville boasts a number of fraternal and social societies, which 
are all in a flourishing condition : A Masonic lodge, a chapter of Royal 
Arcanum, Society of Chosen Friends, a brass and reed band, a German 
Turn-Verein, a singing society, a dancing school, a fencing club, and a 
canton of Odd Fellows. 

In addition to these, Dolgeville has a building and loan association, 
which, although in operation but two years, is highly successful and 
has a capital of over $12,000. 

The Turn-Verein, which has /tf/c^ gained the "Lion Prize" at the 
great State Turner meetings, has largely aided in providing pleasant 
entertainment for the villagers ever since its establishment. Its social 
meetings, concerts, and balls are eagerly looked forward to. It occu- 
pied a fine club house on Elm street, but this is being transformed 
into a factory, as the Turners have decided to build a new home, on a 
much larger scale, which is to cost $15,000. 

Another notable institution is the Free Library, which is under the 
fostering care of the School Society. The library contains one of the 
largest and best collections of standard works to be found in the State. 
It has large and commodious. reading rooms. It is supplied by volun- 
tary contributions, and has been established by generous donations of 
books from many public -spirited citizens all over the country. 

Besides the various industries founded in this village by Alfred Dolge, 
and which give employment to nearly 600 hands, there are other 
business interests : The piano factory of Brambach & Co., located in 
the south end of the village, turns out a great many hundreds of 
high grade pianos during the year, and employs about 150 hands. 

The Dolgeville Woolen Company manufact-tires fine grades of piano 
cloth, printer's cloth, etc. It employs about fifty hands and is situated 
at the junction of East Canada and Spruce Creeks. Hugo Dolge is 
president and Ottomar Jessnitzer, treasurer. 



TOWN OF MANHEIM. 339 

The Giese Wire Factory is located next to the Dolgeville Woolen 
Company, and manufactures all kinds of piano wire, bookbinder's and 
florist's wire, bicycle spokes, etc. It started recently with about thirty 
hands. 

The C. F. Zimmerman Company manufactures a musical instrument 
similar to the German zither, called the auto-harp. It was recently 
removed from Philadelphia, and has a paid-up capital of $100,000. It 
employs a great number of hands. 

The manufacture of piano cases is assuming large proportions, and 
in 1893 there will be an output of over 2,000. 

Negotiations are now in progress by which a large silk mill, a ma- 
chine shop, a woolen factory, a foundry, and a brickyard will all be 
started here in 1893. 

The Dolgeville Coal Company was started in 1892 with a cash capital 
of $20,000. It has built large coal sheds, with all the latest appliances, 
near the terminus of the Dolgeville Railroad. 

The Dolgeville Electric Liglit and Power Company was organized in 
1 89 1 with a cash capital of $25,000. At its first annual meeting it 
declared a dividend of six per cent. 

Wheeler Knapp carries on a steam saw and planing- mill, which he 
built in 1885; it was burned in 1886, and rebuilt. There is also a 
cheese factory located here. 

The Methodist Episcopal church at Brockett's Bridge was organized 
in 181 1, and a church edifice was built in the same year on grounds 
donated by John D. Spofford. It was a frame structure and for many 
years was used as a Masonic Temple and Good Templars' Hall ; it is 
now in use as a barn. In 1841 a brick church was erected here by the 
Christian denomination and used by them about twenty years, when 
the Methodist society purchased it. The present pastor is Rev. Will- 
iam Watson. A Free church was erected in 1856, through the efforts 
of abolitionists ; it is now in use as a skating rink. An Episcopal 
chapel was organized in 1 89 1, and recently a handsome church was 
built on Dolge avenue. A Universalist society was organized in 1892 
and is in flourishing condition. Roman Catholic services are held here 
at intervals, and the members of that church purpose the erection of a 
chapel in the near future. There are now located at Dolgeville ten 



340 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

general merchandise and grocery stores, a bank, four butcher shops, 
one firm of contractors, two hardware stores, one dry goods store, two 
boot and shoe stores, one grist-mill, one feed store, two watchmakers, 
three insurance agents, two civil engineers, three physicians, two den- 
tists, one lawyer, two blacksmith shops, four hotels, seven saloons and 
liquor stores and two bottling establishments. 

The opening of the railroad between Little Falls and DolgeviJle in 
the winter of 1892 has given a new impetus to the rapid development 
of the little village, and with the new enterprises which have recently 
been started will undoubtedly largely increase its population. The road 
has been in course of construction for the last three years and cost 
nearly a half million of dollars. By it Dolgeville has direct communi- 
cation with New York, Boston and Chicago. 

Perhaps the feature of life at Dolgeville which has most attracted 
general public attention to it is the " Earning Sharing" system, which 
Mr. Dolge has had in operation with his employees for the last sixteen 
years. This sj'stem comprises an insurance plan and endowment fund, 
a pension fund and is supplemented by a sick fund and mutual aid so- 
ciety. By the insurance plan employees after each five, ten and fifteen 
years of consecutive service, get a policy of insurance for $i,ooo. The 
firm pays the premiums. The amount of insurance carried by the firm 
for its employees was in December, 1892, over $200,000. 

By the pension plan employees after various terms of service can re- 
tire on from forty to one hundred per cent, of the wages earned the last 
year of their service. 

By the endowment fund employees are annually credited with their 
share of all money earned by them over and above their wages by 
superior skill, acuracy or the invention of new machinery or improve- 
ments. This sum draws six per cent, interest and is paid them when 
sixty years of age, or to their families at their death. 

In his various plans for the welfare of his employees Mr. Dolge has 
already expended over a quarter of a million dollars. 

The story of Dolgeville is a romance. That out of a forlorn little 
settlement of scarcely 300 souls on the verge of the great Adirondack 
wilderness a prosperous, intelligent and law abiding community of over 
2,000 persons, with leading industries, excellent schools, a widely read 



TOWN OF MANHEIM. 34l 

newspaper, a railroad, have all been built up within a few years in the 
face of tlie most tremendous obstacles, by a young German who landed 
in this country without a dollar and ignorant of our language, is surely 
something of which Herkimer county, and indeed the State of New 
York, can be proud. Dolgeville has been the life work of one broad 
minded, public spirited man of ceaseless energy, vast enterprise and 
most indomitable industry. Tliat he was aided by many others firm 
of purpose, strong in character and distinguished in ability, is undoubt- 
ed, but it was the conspicuous qualities that made Alfred Dolge a 
born leader of men, that attracted such men to him, enlisted their 
sympathy, aroused their enthusiasm and bound them to him with 
something more than the ordinary bond of self-interest and personal 
advancement. 

Ingham's Mills. — This small village is situated on East Canada Creek, 
near the southwestern part of the town. The first improvements made 
at this point were by Colonel William Feeter, who built a saw and grist- 
mill about the year 1802 The grist-mill is still standing and in oper- 
ation, and is one of the oldest mills in the county. Adam Feeter, son 
of William, settled here also, and took the mills after his father. Alonzo 
Ingham settled here in 1808, and built a carding and cloth-dressing 
mill adjoining the grist-mill. Harvey Ingham came here in 1820, and 
from him the place takes its name. The first store was kept by Thomp- 
son & McAllister in 1818. In 1842 Samuel Sadler came to the place 
and bought the mills of H. H. Ingham, and from him the grist mill 
passed into possession of his son, J. D. Sadler, who now runs it, and 
also a store. The carding-mill was changed to a cider-mill. An oil- 
mill for the manufacture of linseed oil was conducted by Ezra and 
Howard Sampson, and later by D. S. Ingham. The saw- mill was 
changed to a cheese-box factory and is now operated by J. B. Sadler, 
who also keeps a hotel. The wood bridge here was built by Calvin 
Ransom in 1829, and the iron bridge in 1889. The post-office was es- 
tablished in 1862, with Erastus Ingham as postmaster; the present 
postmaster is Merril Guile. 

A Baptist society was organized here in 181 8, and Rev. Augustus 
Beach was the first pastor. Meetings were held in the school-house 
near by, and over in Oppenheim, until 1841, when the present stone 



342 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

church was erected. On the lOth of January, 1842, a society was reg- 
ularly incorporated, with the following trustees : Nathan Brown, Joseph 
Hewett, John P. Claus, George S. Allen, Leonard L. Bauder, Harvey 
Ingham, David Snell, Henry Shaul, and Stephen Bowen. The church 
has always maintained services with reasonable regularity. Rev. J. G. 
Guller is the present pastor. 

In 1856 a Methodist society built a church in district No. 5, and 
irregular preaching has been kept up. 

Several years previous to the Revolution Sufifrenus, Peter, Joseph and 
Jacob Snell, of Snell's Bush, made a donation of seven acres of land for 
a church lot and twelve acres for school purposes. A church was built 
there and burned in the Revolution, but was afterwards rebuilt. It 
stood until 1 850, when it was taken down and the present edifice erected ; 
it is known as the Reformed Dutch church. The school- house in that 
district occupies the school lot, but eleven and one half acres of the lat- 
ter were transferred by the Legislature to the church. Rev. Caleb Alex- 
ander made a missionary tour through the county in 1801, and wrote: 
" Between F"airfield and Little Falls is a Dutch settlement called Man- 
heim ; rich farms, a meeting-house and a minister." 

On September i, 1821, a religious society was incorporated at Rem- 
ensneider's Bush, under the name of the German Evangelical Society 
of the County of Herkimer. In 1822 a frame church was built on six 
acres of land donated by persons of the Lutheran and Reformed denom- 
inations. Rev. John P. Spinner was pastor of this society at the time 
of its organization. The name of the society was changed in 1847 to 
the Dutch Reformed and Lutheran Union Church. The building was 
remodeled and improved in 1853. 



TOWN OF DANUBE. 343 



CHAPTER XVI. 
THE TOWN OF DANUBE. 

THE town of Danube was not formed until April 17, 1817, previous 
to which time it was a part of the town of Minden, Montgomery 
county; but it was settled almost as early as any part of Herkimer 
county. Previous to March 18, i82S,it embraced what is now the town 
of Stark. It is bounded on the north by the Mohawk River ; on the east 
by the town of Minden, Montgomery county ; on the south by Stark, 
and on tlie west by Little Falls. Along its northern border are the river 
flats, but the central and southern parts are hilly, rising from 400 to 800 
feet above the Mohawk, and broken by ravines on both sides of Nowa- 
daga Creek. The soil in the northern part is a gravelly loam, inclining 
to sandy loam in the southern parts. It is well adapted to grazing. 
Nowadaga Creek is the principal stream, and flows across the town in a 
northeasterly direction, with a rapid fall. Loyal Creek and other small 
streams are tributary to it. There are several springs in the town that 
are impregnated with sulphur. The town embraces nearly the whole 
of Lindsay's patent and parts of Vrooman's, Colden's, Van Home's, 
and Lansing's patents, with small portions of Fall Hill, Vaughn's, and 
L'Hommedieu's patents. 

The town will always be memorable in history as containing the site 
of the upper Mohawk Indian Castle, the home of the celebrated Mo- 
hawk chief, King Hendrick, and the home and tomb of General Nich- 
olas Herkimer. The site of the Castle was just east of the Nowadaga 
Creek, a little distance from the river, and near where the old Castle 
church now Stands.^ Hendrick's residence stood upon elevated ground 
immediately in the rear of the site of the residence now occupied by 
Willis L. Greene, opposite the Castle church. 

' The followinK description of the fort was written in 175S ; " It is a square of four bastions, of 
upright pickets, joined together with lintels. They are fifteen feet high, about one foot square, 
with port holes inserted from distance to distance, with a stage all round to fire from. The tort is 
one hundred paces on each side. It is surrounded with a ditch. There are some small pieces of 
cannon at each of its bastions, and a house at each curtain to serve as a store and barrack. Five 
or six families of Mohawk Indians reside at the fort." 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



The Indian Castle church is one of three mission churches built sev- 
eral years previous to the Revolution under the auspices of Sir William 
Johnson. It was built in 1769. In 1772 Sir William speaks of having 
erected a church at his own expense at " the Canajoharies " (alluding 
to this church), and laments that it is in great measure useless, in con- 
sequence of his not being able to secure a missionary for it. The build- 
ing is still standing and used for a church, with the original bell in the 
steeple, and is one of the most interesting historical structures in the 
county. When first built it stood sidewise to the road ; but about 1830 
the old boards were torn off and replaced with new ; a new roof was 
put on, the steeple slightly changed, and some interior alterations made, 
and in 1856 it was turned round to its present position, and altered and 
improved at a cost of about $1,600. 

General Herkimer's residence is situated about two and and a half 
miles east of Little Falls, south of the river, near the canal, and within a 
few feet of the West Shore railroad. Built of brick imported from Hol- 
land about the year 1764, it 
is a large substantial edifice 
for its time and cost about 
$8,000 There is a secret 
underground passage con- 
necting with a stone powder- 
house near-b)', which is used 
at the present time for storing 
vegetables. Its original ex- 
ternal appearance remains as 
at first, but the interior has 
been considerably changed. 
After the death of General 
HerJcinier it came into pos- 
session of George Herkimer, 
who occupied it until his 
death in 1786. He left seven children, who inherited the estate, the 
mansion falling to John Herkimer, who resided there until about 18 14, 
when he transferred it to other hands. It is now in the possession of 
Mrs. Gertrude Bidleman Garlock, and occupied by a tenant. General 




The Ge.neral Herkimek Homesik.^u. 



TOWN OF DANUBE. 345 

Herkimer was buried on a knoll a short distance southeast of his resi- 
dence. Steps were taken in 1777 by Congress to have a monument 
erected over the grave, but it is a melancholy fact that until 1847, no 
stone marked the brave soldier's resting place. A plain marble slab 
was then put up by the late Warren Herkimer, bearing the following 
inscription : 

General 

Nicholas Herkimer, 

died 

Aug. 17, 1777, 

Ten days after the battle of Oriskany, in which engagement he 

received wounds which caused his death. 

At the time of the division of this town, March 18, 1828, Daniel Van 
Home was supervisor. The records of the town previous to that date 
are not accessible The first (special) town meeting for the reorganiza- 
tion of Danube was held on the 22d of April, 1828, at the house of 
Charles Pomeroy, and the following officers were elected : 

Supervisor, Dr. John Helmer ; town clerk, Benjamin Klock ; assessors, Louis Reed, 
Henrj' C. Cronkhite; over.seer of poor, George Dominick ; commissioner of highways, 
William Bush; school commissioner, Daniel Bellinger; inspectors of schools, Ralph 
Simms, Henry Perry ; constables, Henrj' Hardendorf, Nathan P.Wilcox, Joseph M. 
Thompson ; collector, George N. Schuyler. 

Following is a list of supervisors of this town, with date of their in- 
cumbency : 

John Holmes, 1828, 1838; Henry Moyer, 1829,1834; John Harder, 1830; Asa Wil- 
ou... 1831, 1844; Daniel Bellinger, 1832, 1852 ; John Riohtmeyer, 1833 ; Ralph Simms, 
1835; Nicholas Schuyler. 1836; Thomas I. Mesick, 1837; Abrara Snyder, 1839; 
Philip Jone.=, 1840, 1853.1854; Blias Fink, 1841; Caleb Eosboth, 1842; John Harder, 
jr., 1843; John Shull, 1845; Peter P. Smith, 1846; Abraham Owen, 1847; Henry 
Houpt, 1848, 1860-61; John A. Holmes, 1849; David Johnson, 1850-51; William 
Davy, 1855; John Smith, 1856, 1863, 1864; P. Henry Miller, 1857; Henry Miller, 
1858-59 ; Jacob Walter, 1802 ; John J. Ostrander, 1805 ; Levenus Devendorf, 1866-67 ; 
Calvin Harder, 1868-69; Alexander Fox, 1870; Luther Dillenback, 1871 ; Stephen G. 
Spoor, 1872, 1873; Alvin Decker, 1874-75; Daniel Cronkhite, 1876-77; Edwin 
Dpfkor, 1878, 1879; John M. Gardinier. 1880; S;.nt"ord John.son, 1881-84; L H. 
Scelx-r, 1885. 1886; E. V. Decker, 1887, 1888; Felix Schuyler, 1889, 1890; William 
Tibbitt.'^, 1891, 1892. 

The men above mentioned were chiefly early settlers, and the accom- 
panying list of supervisors contains the names of many others who in 



346 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the past were more or less conpicuous in the affairs of the town. Peter 
P. Smith is still living at the age of ninety- two years. John A. Holmes, 
supervisor in 1849, "'^s a fanner at the Castle, as was his father in earlier 
years. 

The first settlers in the town were German Palatines, who located on 
the flats along the river. These settlements were considerably broken 
up during the Revolution, and very little is known in detail of the 
prisoners. Cornelius Van Alstine came in very earlj' and kept the first 
tavern in 1795, and Peter Smith opened a store at about the same time. 
The first grist-mill was near the mouth of Nowadaga Creek on the east 
side, and was erected by Andrew Nellis in 1800. The first settlers in 
the vicinity of Newville were Nathan Wilcox and his brother Isaiah, who 
came from Connecticut about 1793 and located where the hamlet is now 
situated. The next settler in the southern part was a German named 
Martin Siver, who located about two miles south of Wilcox, near 
the place now occupied by R. M. Pickard. John Harder came from 
Columbia county to this town about 1797, and settled on the farm 
now owned by S. G. Spoor, south of Newville ; he died in 1866 and 
has descendants in the town. William Ostrander was an early settler 
in the southeastern part; he came in 1801 and located on the farm 
now occupied by his grandson, William. He kept a public house on 
that farm for several years previous to 182S, and continued his residence 
there until his death in 1847. Cornelius Delong settled early on the 
farm now occupied by his great-grandson, C. E. Delong. Thomas I. 
Mesick came from Columbia county in 1818 and settled on the farm 
now occupied by his son Henry, where he resided until his death in 
March, 1868. He was a captain in the war of 1812. 

Edward Simms, son of Ralph Simms, who was clerk of the county at 
one time, was born in this town, where he resided many years. He 
removed a few years since to the town of Manheim. Anson Harder, 
now a practicing lawyer in Jefferson county, was also born in this town. 

The town of Danube is now largely a dairy community, there being 
five factories in operation at the present time. Many of the farms will 
compare favorably in production, buildings, etc., with an\- in the 
county. Tliere is very little manufacturing or mercantile business now 
carried on. The only village is Newville, which is situated about four 



TOWN OF DANUBE. 347 

miles from the Mohawk River, on the Novvadaga Creek, at the foot of 
Ostrander Hill. The post-office was established about 1827, with Ben- 
jamin Klock as postmaster. The present postmaster is Silas W. Wright. 
The settlement of the two Wilcox brothers at this point has already 
been noticed. Samuel Houpt came from Pennsylvania in 1804 and in 
the same year erected a grist-mill on the west side of the creek. He 
soon afterward built and operated a fulling and carding-mill here. 
Andrew Carpenter built about the year 1805 a small tannery, which 
stood on the site of the hotel, now the dwelling of F. F. Lewis. The 
first blacksmith was John McMullin, who began business about 1806. 
The first store was built and kept by Andrew Oothout, and it stood 
near the present residence of David Harrad. Other early merchants 
were Henry Lieber and Henry Gross. The latter also carried on a 
small distillery here and a tannery. All of these have disappeared. 
Mr. Lewis now operates the saw and grist mill at Newville. There is 
a station on the West Shore Railroad called Indian Castle, and a post- 
office (Danube) which is in charge of Mrs. Abbie Smith. 

The first school-house was of logs and was built about 1798 on the 
farm recently occupied by Alvin Decker. It was burned in 1806 and 
a frame house built soon afterwards. There are now nine school dis- 
tricts in the town and two parts of districts, with nine school-houses. 

A Methodist society formerly existed at the Castle and held meet- 
ings in the Castle church, but it became extinct about 1840. A Dutch 
Reformed society was organized there in i860 and for about fifteen 
years kept up its services with commendable regularity, but it has 
nearly died out. The Union church at Newville was erected in 1835 
by the Lutheran, Baptist and Universalist societies. In 1867 it under- 
went thorough repair and received a new bell and an organ. The Bap- 
tist and Lutheran societies are extinct. The Evangelical Lutheran 
church of Newville was organized in the school-house by Rev. Lam- 
bert Swackhamer, of Manheim, in July, 1834, with eight male mem- 
bers. Among the pastors who have served the church are Mr. Swack- 
hamer, J. D. Lambert, Sufirenus Oltman, Nicholas Van Alstine, M. 
W. Empie, Conrad Ochampaugh, and James H. Weaver. The society 
is small. A Dutch Reformed church once existed in the southern part 
ol tiie town, which was probably organized as early as 1816. There 
are no records of its life in existence. 



348 HISTORY OF nERKIMER COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
THE TOWN OF STARK. 



T' 



'HIS is the southeastern town of Herkimer county and, with one 
exception, the latest one organized, the date being March 18, 
1828, when it was taken from Danube. It contains parts of Hender- 
son's. L'Hommedieu's, Vaughn's, McNeil's, J. Vrooman's, Coldcn's, Liv- 
ingston's and Lansing's patents. The town derived its name from 
General Stark, of Revolutionary fame. In 1868 there were taken from 
Little Falls and added to this town 1,600 acres, and in 1869 300 acres 
were taken from Warren and added to it. The soil is a clay loam, 
fertile and well adapted to dairying and the raising of grain. 

The town of Stark is somewhat noted for its unusual natural features. 
Its surface is hilly and broken and the Otsquago Creek flows between 
high banks across the town in a northeasterly direction. It has its 
headwaters in the vicinity of Van Hornesville, 940 feet above the Mo- 
hawk at Fort Plain, where it empties into that river. This great fall 
has in past years furnished excellent water-power for many mills of 
various kinds. Marble of fair quality has been quarried near Smith's 
Corners, in the northern part. There are several important springs in 
the town, among them the burning spring in the upper part of the val- 
ley of Otsquago Creek, near Van Hornesville. The water of this spring 
is not clear, has an offensive odor, and emits a gas which will ignite and 
burn with an unsteady, bluish flame. There are springs near the ham- 
let of Bethel, in the northwestern part, that are impregnated with iron 
and are efficacious in some diseases. A sulphur spring is situated near 
Starkville, and others in various parts of the town, the waters of which 
have the reputation of curing diseases. 

The Oheisa Creek rises on the farm of M. Walts in the southwest 

part of the town and flows in a general northerly direction into the 

town of Danube. Along this creek is a deep and picturesque gorge. 

• \t c^ Near the mills formerly owned by Daniel Tilyou, about a mile below 

Van Hornesville, is a cave of quite remarkable characteristics, although 

'^^^Qj-arVftO it has never been explored in its remote depths. 







/ 



n>f 



^ 



is the southe? 



unty and, with one 
• being March i 
s parts of Hendc, 
Man's, Colden's, Liv- 
L-l its name from 
re taken from 
... 1869 300 acres 
soil is a clay loam, 
of grain. 
:;ial natural features. 



L'Oyc tlie i\lo- 
This great fall 
many mills of 
1 near Smith's 
Lnt springs in 
art of the val- 
I of this spr; 
will ignite an.; 
near the ham- 
ited with iron 
.^ situated near 
. aters of which 



b 

n^ 



11) the southwest 

direction into the 

! resque gorge. 

t a mile below 

^tics, although 





'Airtyi 






TOWN OF STARK. 349 

One of the old Indian trails passed through the town from the Mo- 
hawk, following nearly the line of the Utica and Minden turnpike, un- 
til it reached Van Hornesville, when it bore southward until it reached 
the " Chyle," where it intersected another trail. 

The first settlement of this town was made near the headwaters of 
the Otsquago Creek prior to the Revolution. Another settlement was 
made on or near the line of this town and Springfield at about the same 
time ; but it was probably just outside of Herkimer county. The 
settlers on the creek were the Shaul, the Rronner (or Broner), Jacob 
and Frederick, John Feterly (or Fetherly) and George Feterly, and the 
Johannes Smith families. Richard Shaul owned the farm settled by 
Jacob Bronner and married one of Bronner's descendants. Hiram Ward 
married a descendant of Frederick Bronner and lived on the farm lo- 
cated by Mr. Bronner. George and John Fetherly settled near Van 
Hornesville, and Matthew, Sebastian, and John Shaul settled on the 
farm recently owned by D. H. Springer in the western part of the 
town. John was a Revolutionary soldier, and late in the fall of 1778 
the three brothers were captured by a party of sixteen Indians under 
Brant. Reaching the foot of Schuyler Lake the party divided and five 
of the Indians took the Shaul boys to Newton (now Elmira), where they 
remained until the arrival of the Sullivan expedition, when they were 
taken to Canada. They were recaptured after an attempted escape and 
were about to be killed, when a British officer secured their release by 
paying $25 each for them, and they returned to Stark. David Shaul, 
great-grandson of John, now owns the old homestead, and Minard 
Shaul owns the homestead of Matthew. In the fall of 1781 the little 
settlement in Stark was destroyed by Brant and his Indians and tories. 
Jacob Bronner, his son Christian and daughter Sophronia, were among 
the prisoners taken. The father and son were soon liberated, but the 
daughter was kept twelve years. Her whereabouts was made known 
by Jacob Eckler after his release, and she was finally returned to her 
relatives. 

The Elwood family are of English descent and settled here early. 
Richard, with his wife and two children, came to the Mohawk valley 
near St. Johnsville in 1748, where he built a stone dwelling which is 
still standing. A few years later he died, leaving four sons, Richard, 



350 IIISTOUY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

Isaac, Benjamin, and Peter, all of whom were conspicuous in the early 
history of the valley. Senator A R. Elwood, late of Richfield Springs, 
was a descendant of Richard Elwood. Col. Henry Elwood, who lived 
for many years in the town of Danube, was a son of Peter Elwood. 
Peter Elwood, the youngest son, died on his farm in 183 i, at the age of 
seventy seven years. David Elwood, son of Peter, settled in Danube 
about the year 1813, and remained until his death in 1859 He was a 
prominent citizen and left four sons, Daniel, Henry, Moses, and 
David B. 

Richard Van Home, from whom the village of Van Hornesville is 

named, was a native of New Jersey, and came to the site of the village 

in 1 79 1. There he, with his brother Daniel, began mercantile trade, 

and soon built mills and engaged in the flouring business on what was 

then a large scale ; their flour was taken to Fort Plain, whence the West- 

^ vi ern Inland Lock and Navigation Company took it down the Mohawk to 

• CQ market. This business increased and for many years the Van Home 

.^•<j brothers were the largest wheat and produce buyers in this section. 

m ;^ Richard Van Home was a member of the Legislature in 1809-10 and 

jft "* yin 1812, and his political influence was great. He died at Van Hornes- 

^^ville in March, 1823. 

Dr. Willsey was the first physician in tiie town and settled on what 
is known as Willsey Hill, in the southeastern part, in J 797. Simeon 
Conklin, the first blacksmith, settled north of Van Hornesville in 1798. 
The first town meeting for the town of Stark was held at the house 
of .Andrew Smith, March 28, 1828, when the following officers were 
elected : 

Supervisor, Daniel Van Home ; town clerk. Cornelius W. Vedder ; collector, George 
J. YoiHig; overseer.'! of the poor, James Winegar and Jacob S. Mover; assessors, Cor- 
nelius Sloiigliter, Robert Johnson, and J. H. Walrath ; commissioners of highways, 
I'Vederick Smith, John Kinter, and Adam Shaul ; inspectors of common schooLs, Peter 
P. Murphy, Stephen Halstead, and Richard Conklin ; school commissioners, Frederick 
Broner, William Watson, and Jacob P. Shaver; constables, William Gibson, Felix 
Broner, jr., and John Fulmer. 

By the date last mentioned the town had become quite thickly set- 
tled and much of it cleared. Among others more or less prominent in 
its early history were George Springer, who lived at Starkville ; William 
H. Parkhill, who was supervisor in 1841 ; Cornelius Sloughter, who lived 



TOWN OF STARK. 351 

two miles north of Van Hornesville ; Truman Miner, supervisor in 1848, 
who settled three miles north of Van Hornesville; Levi Weeks, super- 
visor for many years, who settled east of Van Hornesville; Sylvester H. 
Ellsworth, supervisor in 1 862, who lived a mile east of Starkville ; Alex- 
ander Smith, still living at Starkville, at one time sheriff of the county; 
Menzo Kelly, of Van Hornesville, and others yet to be mentioned. 

The town of Stark is now essentially a dairy district, the manufact- 
ure of cheese being the principal industry. Hops have been raised to 
a large extent and considerable attention is still given to that product. 
Stark ranks among the very best of the fruit sections in the county, 
while the production of honey has formed a not unimportant part of the 
town productions. At the present time there are six cheese factories 
in operation in the town, and the product stands high in the market. 

The first school was taught at Starkville by Mills Bristol, in the first 
school-house built in the town, as far as now known The school- house 
was built in 1802 on the south side of the Otsquaga Creek, on the flat 
opposite Abraham Maxwell's blacksmith shop. There are now ten 
school districts in the town. 

Following is a list of supervisors of this town, with date of their in- 
cumbency : 

1828, Daniel Van Home; 1829-30, Ethan Sawing; 1831, James Winegar; 1832, 
iSM, 1838, 1845,1840, 1855, C. T. E. Van Home; 1833, David Elwood ; 1839, Solo- 
mon Keller; 1840, 185.3, 18.54, 18.56, George Springer; 1841, William S. Parkhill 
1842, Cornelius Sloughter; 1843-44, Frederick Bronner; 1847-48, Truman Miner 
1849, H. A. Casposas; 1850, Alexander Hall ; 1851-52, 1857-58, 1866, Levi Wick 
1859-60, 1863, Richard Van Home; 1861, Daniel Shall; 1862, Sylvester H.Ellsworth 
1864-65, Alexander Smith ; 1867-68, Menzo Kelley ; 1869, Alexander Smith ; 1870-71, 
Jacob A. Fike.'i ; 1372-73, Peter Moyer ; 1874-75, Oliver H. Springer; 1876, Joseph 
Shumway; 1877-79, S. H. Ellsworth: 1880-81, Daniel Hawn ; 1882-83, Willard 
Weeks; 1884-85, Oliver H. Springer; 1886-87, Lewi.'; G. Young; 1888, Charles A. El- 
wood ; 1889-90, Gershom Smith ; 1891-92, Delavan Elwood. 

Vau Hornesville — Is a pleasant small village, situated near the south 
side of the town. The first settlement was made here by Thomas Van 
Home, who was a sergeant in Capt. Henry Eckler's company of Revo- 
lutionary soldiers. The coming here of Richard Van Home has been 
noted ; he built the first grist-mill in 1793 and a distillery in the same 
year; in 1794 he built and opened a store. 



352 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

It was a busy little place in early years, the creek supplying excellent 
water power, and the old plank road from Fort Plain to Cooperstow n 
being built through the village. Cornelius Ten Eyke Van Home was 
clerk of the county in 1856. In 1836 a cotton factory was built and 
put in operation by Elias Branian & Co. It is not now in use. The 
flax and cider-mill of James Cramer is on the site of an old card- 
ing and fulling-mill. The present grist-mill, owned by Byron Hollen- 
beck, stands on the site of the early Van Home mill. A furnace was 
built in 1827 by Mr. Stansell, which is now owned by Joseph Tunniclifif; 
it is not in operation. What was recently a furniture manufacturing es- 
tablishment stands on the site of a distillery that was built in 1840. 
The saw-mills here are owned by O. N. Young and Daniel Tilyou. In 
1800 Jonathan Conklin built the first tannery in the town at this place; 
it was known as Kershaw's tannery in recent years, but has not been 
operated for some time There was a trip-hammer also in operation 
here in 1800, but that long ago went to decay. The present post- 
master at Van Hornesville is Lewis Eckler. E. M. Snyder has a store 
which he has conducted since 1890, succeeding J. Wettereau. J. M. 
Wiles is another merchant, and Joseph H. Shumway formerly carried 
on a store here for many years. The two hotels are kept respectively 
by J. W. Kinter and Orange Tunniclifif; the old house was built about 
1854 b\' Wellington Tunniclifif. F. P. Marsh has a blacksmith shop and 
Adelbert Tunniclifif a wagon shop. 

Starkvillc — The only other considerable village in this town, is situ- 
ated near the northeast comer at the confluence of Otsquago and Camp 
Creeks, and at the junction of the old Fort Plain and Cooperstown and 
the Utica and Minden turnpikes. The site of the village was settled in 
i788byJohan (or Johannes) Smith, who built the first_ frame house 
here ; he was the great grandfather of Alexander Smith, still living at 
Starkville, and the house stood on the site of his present residence. 
Daniel Champion was another early settler here, coming in 1798; Barney 
Champion was his grandson, and the house built by the pioneer stood 
where the widow of the latter lives. Daniel Champion built the first 
saw- mill in 1800 ; it stood on the south side of the creek, about half at 
mile west of the village near the Alexander Hall place. John Cham- 
pion opened the first store in 1810 on the site now occupied by the 



TOWN OF STARK. 353 

dwelling of Abraham Maxwell. Mr. Champion also built the first 
grist-mill in 1812, which stood where Martin Mathews now lives. In 
1 8 14 Jesse Brown built a carding-mill where the flax-mill stands. The 
first tavern was kept by Johannes Smith, who located at Starkville in 
178S. After his death, which occurred in 1796, Andrew Smith con- 
ducted it until 1844, on the site where Alexander Smith now lives. In 
1823 John Champion built a trip-hammer shop where the widow of 
Alexander Hall now owns. Robert C. Hall began keeping a store here 
in 1863 in association with his father, John R., who was one of the early 
merchants; the latter died in 1883. Mr. Hall is postmaster, having 
had the office two terms. The present hotel was built by John A. and 
J. Walrath, and is kept by Henry Husen. L. J. Brandow is one of the 
enterprising citizens of Starkville and has a large wagon manufactory. 
The grist-mill and saw- mill are operated by Abraham De Garmo. 
There was in former years a tannery here, but it has fallen into decay. 

A busy little hamlet existed at what is known as Brown's Hollow in 
early years ; but most of its activity has died out. The place was 
founded by Judge Henry Brown, who brought considerable wealth to 
the place and established mills and several industries, all of which have 
gone into disuse and decay, excepting the saw-mill. 

Deck — Is the name of a post-office in the northern part of the town ; 
the office is a recently established one, with Alanson Young, the local 
merchant, as postmaster. This point has been known as Bethel and as 
Wick's Corners. There is a union church here, but no regular services 
are held. Peter Chickering is a blacksmith here. 

Smith's Corners — Is a settlement a little west of Deck, where there 
was formerly a tannery, which is not operated now, a saw- mill and a 
store. Alexander Fort is now the merchant here. 

Churches. — In the early part of this century religious services were held 
in this town, usually by Methodist circuit riders, who formed classes, and 
later societies. One of these was organized early at Starkville, and in 
February, 1829, they took up steps to build an edifice. The society was 
incorporated under the name of the First Methodist Episcopal Church 
of Starkville, and the building erected continued in use for about forty- 
five years. In 1874 it was thoroughly remodeled at an expense of 
$3,400. The society has never been large, but it is and has been en- 

45 



354 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

thusiastic in its good work. The present pastor is Seward L. Little- 
field. The Methodist society at Van Hornesville has also had a long 
existence, and the union edifice at that place was built in 1847, the 
Methodists having an interest in it with the Baptists and Universalists. 
Tiie pastor of the M. E. church has ahvajs served at both places. S. 
R. Ward is the present pastor of the Universalists at Van Hornesville. 
There was a Universalist society organized at StarkviJle in 1876 with 
the following trustees : A. B. Champion, Henry Hawn, M. C. Smith, 
O. H. Springer. A. B. Champion and Washington Champion were 
then the only members of the Free Will Baptist church at that place, 
and being trustees of that society and owning an equal share in the old 
church with the Lutherans, they gave a deed, June 5, 1876, of their 
right and title in said church to Alexander Smith and Daniel Hawn for 
the benefit of the Universalist society. No services are held in this 
church at the present time. 



CHAPTER XVni. 
THE TOWN OF WARREN. 

WARREN is the most southerly town in Herkimer county, and re- 
ceived its name in honor of General Joseph Warren, who fell at 
the battle of Bunker Hill. It was taken from German Flats on the 5th 
of February, 1796, and originally contained all of the present town of 
Columbia. A small tract was taken from it and added to Stark in 
1869. It is bounded on the north by German Flats and Little Falls ; 
on the east by Stark and Otsego county ; on the south by Otsego 
county, and on the west by Columbia and Otsego county. It em- 
braces the principal parts of Henderson's and Theobald Young's pat- 
ents. 

Among the German settlements made a considerable distance south 
of the Mohawk River before the Revolution, was one at Andrus- 
town, composed of Germans from the upper valley, and another at the 
Little Lakes, both of which were within the present town of Warren. 
These will be more fully described a little further on. 



TOWN OF WARREN. 35o 

The surface of Warren is upland, several ranges of hills traversing 
the town from east to west, one of which constitutes a part of the water- 
shed between the Mohawk and Susquelianna rivers. Fish Creek flows 
southward across the town, and along its banks in early years were 
many saw- mills, a grist-mill, four tanneries and many other industries, 
every one of which has disappeared. The Little Lakes are two small 
bodies of water near the south part of the town, which are fed by two 
small streams, which also supplied power to several mills long ago. 
Mud Lake is in the northeastern part of the town, and Weaver Lake is 
another small body of water. The soil is a rich clay loam and nearly 
all susceptible to cultivation; but dairying is the chief industry, and 
there are now six cheese factories in the town. The shipping of milk 
to New York by rail is beginning and promises to increase. 

The German settlement at Andrustown was about two miles north- 
east from the site of Jordanville. This settlement included, so far as 
can be learned, the families of Paul Grim, George Hoyer, John Osfcer- 
hout, George Staring, Frederick Bell, Stephen Frank, Frederick Lep- 
per, and probably a few others. Little is known of the settlement, or 
of that at the Little Lakes until 1758, when some of the residents fled 
from the French and Indians, who in that year devastated the Mohawk 
valley. At the close of that war they returned and rebuilt their de- 
spoiled homes. From this time until the War of the Revolution there 
is little record of what was done at the points in consideration. Powers, 
mentioned as one of the settlers, was an Englishman and adhered to the 
royal cause. Being ordered to leave the settlement, he took his family 
to Canada, and returned and joined the tories under Brant. The settle- 
ment at Little Lakes, then known as Young's Settlement, was also a tory 
neighborhood, among the dwellers there being George House. On the 
1 8th of July, 1778, Powers and House guided Brant and his savage 
band to Andrustown, and there on a beautiful morning the wretches 
burned every building and killed many of the settlers, among these 
Mr. Bell and his son. Most of the men, women and children were 
either killed or taken prisoners, except the families of Crim, Hoyer and 
Osterhout, who escaped to the fort at Herkimer. Horses and cattle 
were driven off and the orchards leveled to the ground. A pursuing 
party was made up when the news reached Fort Herkimer, which went 



SoC History of herkimer county. 

down to bury the dead and punish the enemy. After burying the 
bodies found, they proceeded to the tory settlement at Little Lakes and 
destroyed it. Two of the sons of Frederick Lepper were absent at the 
time of the raid, and a part of the family of George Staring escaped. 
A young son of Mr. Bell was kept in Canada ten years and then re- 
turned. Descendants of several of these pioneers still live in the vicin- 
ity of the site of Andrustown. The centennial anniversary of this event 
was appropriately and successfully celebrated in July, 1878. Many 
prominent residents of Herkimer and adjoining counties were present 
at Jordanville, where a stage was erected in a grove. A procession 
was formed ; public speakers of note addressed the assemblage, among 
them being the late Samuel Earl, M. A. McKee, A. M. Mills, G. M. 
Cleland, and others. 

The second settlement in the present town of Warren made prior to 
the Revolution, was in 1765, when the families of Henry Eckler, his 
son of the same name, Jacob Haberman, Michael Snyder, and Andrew 
Young located at what is known as the Chyle, formerly called "Youngs- 
field." This settlement, to which had been added a few other families, 
was attacked by Brant and his followers in the fall of 1781, and the en- 
tire settlement was burned. Two of Mr. Eckler's sons were killed and 
scalped, and a third was carried away a prisoner. Henry Eckler held 
the office of captain in the Revolutionary army and performed heroic 
service. The old homestead has been handed down to his descendants 
to the present time.\ 

After the close of the Revolution, settlers began to come into the 
town from New England. Among them was Samuel Cleland, who 
came in 1786. He had been a quartermaster in the Revolution. His 
sons, who came with him, were Norman, Salmon, Martin, Moses, and 
Jonas. Hon. George M. Cleland, an ex- sheriff, was a son of Jonas. 
David Mixter came in early from Massachusetts, and Anthony Devoe 
came in 1798. Dr. Rufus Grain, one of the very early physicians in 
the town, came before 1798 and was a prominent citizen. He located 
at what is now Cuilen (formerly called Grain's Corners), where the 
homestead is still owned by his descendants. John Marshall came to 
the town in 1808 and settled near the Little Lakes; he lived to be 
ninety-eight years old. Other early settlers were Thomas C. Shoe- 



TOWN OF WARREN. 35? 

maker, David Belshaw, Ephraiiri Tisdale, Gurdon Lathrop, Abel Mill- 
ington, Samuel Bloomfield, Moses and Leonard Sliaul, John W. Tunni- 
cliff, James Maxfield, and others elsewhere mentioned. 

Morris Fikes was born in the town of Warren in 1846. He com- 
pleted his legal studies in the office of Judge Hardin at Little Falls, and 
after being admitted opened an office in Herkimer, where he died April 
16, 1874. He was a bright, promising young lawyer. His son Mau- 
rice maj. follow his father's footsteps in the profession. He is now be- 
ing educated at Syracuse University. 

The first town meeting in Warren was held at the house of Daniel 
Caswell, on the 5th of April, 1796, when the following officers were 
chosen : 

Supervisor, William B. Mix; town clerk, Samuel Ingham ; assessor.s, Timothy Frank, 
Joel Reynolds, Isaac Freeman, John Osterhout, and Caleb Woodward ; commissioners 
of highways, John Mills, Daniel Talcott, and Philip Cook; overseers of the poor, Jacob 
Petrie and Warren Mack ; school commissioners, Luke Warren, Nathaniel Ludington, 
and Benjamin Cary ; collectors, Oliver Warren and George Edick. 

Following is a list of supervisors of this town, with date of their in- 
cumbency : 

In 1796, William B. Mix; 1797, Francis Hawley ; 1798, 1799, 1803, 1805, 1806, John 
Mills; 1800, 1802, Philip Cook; 1801, Moses Wheeler; 1804. Hugh Pennel ; 1807, 
1808,1810, 1813, 1815, Bber Hyde; 1809, Samuel Woodworth; 1811, Dyer Green ; 
1812, Ephraim Tisdale; 1814, Peter P. Mesiok; 1810, Gurdon Lathrop; 1817, 1818, 
1832, 1833, Jonas Cleland ; 1819, 1822, Abel Milhngton ; 1823, Samuel Bloomfield; 
1824, Moses Shaul ; 1825-29, William C Grain; 1830-31, Charles Fox; 1834-35, 
1851-52, Leonard Shaul; 1836-37, Thomas Shoemaker; 1838, John W. Tunniclifi"; 
1839-40, William C. Grain ; 1841-42, James Maxfield; 1843, Marcus Lawyer; 1844, 
Lambert Sternberg; 1845-46, 1848, Jacob Marshall; 1847, Rufus G. Starkweather ; 
1849-50, Calvin Hulbert; 1853-54, Thomas C. Shoemaker; 1855-56, 1863, 1865, John 
M. Tredway ; 1857-58, Lawrence Harter; 1859-60, 1869, George M. Cleland ; 1861-62, 
1866-67, Eiisha W. Stannard; 1868. Christopher Shoemaker ; 1870-72, James Mason; 
1873, Jeffenson J. Tilden ; 1874, 1878-79, Palmer M. Wood; 1880, Elias Weatherbee ; 
1881-82, 1891-92. Rufus G. Starkweather; 1883, George H. Eastwood; 1884, Nathan- 
iel Farnham; 1885, James A. Hopkinson ; 1886-90, James W. Blatchley. 

As before stated, the streams in this town furnished in early years 
power to run numerous mills and small factories, all or nearly all of 
which have disappeared, and at the present time there is almost no 
manufacturing in the town. The first log house in the town was built 
by Paul Crim, in 1753, and the land has descended to A. J. Crim, its 



358 HtSTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY/ 

present owner. George Hoyer built the first frame house in 1789, on 
tlie premises now owned by James Bronner. One of the Osterhouts 
and Simeon J. Vrooman kept the first store at the Little Lakes in 1793. 
Stephen Ludington kept the first tavern. 

In early years the settlers were compelled to go to Fort Plain if they 
wanted grain ground In 1793 Isaac Freeman built two mills in the 
southern part of the town, on land now owned by Brayton W'ctherbee. 
Mr. Wetherbee is still living, and his sons, Elias and William, have a 
saw-mill, grist-mill and tannery at what is called Wetherbee's Mills. 
The father of Brayton Wetherbee formerly operated mills and a tan- 
nery at Cullen. The first saw- mill on Fish Creek was built in 1799 by 
Benjamin W'ilkerson. The first distillery was built by Frederick Ly- 
man and Gurdon Lathrop, between 18 10 and 181 5, about half a mile 
north of Jordanville. Roselle Lathrop built a brewery near by. 

Captain Charles Fox, of Connecticut, who came to Warren in 1805, 
is given the honor of making the first cheese in the county south of the 
Mohawk, beginning about 1815. He subsequently had a dairy of 100 
cows and was a prominent and successful man. 

Jordanville is the largest village in Warren and contains about 500 
inhabitants. It is situated near Fish Creek at the intersection of the 
old Minden turnpike and the State road from Utica to Richfield 
Springs The post office was established December 9, 1845, with 
Henry Bell as postmaster ; the other postmasters have been, Phineas 
P. Hyde, June i, 1849; Adam Miller, June 10, 1853; R. D. Wight- 
man, March 29, i86i ; C. C. Blatchley, August 3, 1865 ; George L. 
Bell, June, 1870; Dr. A. Miller, 1884; Charles E. Hyde, 1887; F. H. 
Bell, 1889. George L. Bell has been a merchant here since 1868. 
The grist-mill and saw- mill are now operated by Chauncey Browrfrigg 
and Andrew Crowell,who succeeded W. Chase ; the latter was burned out 
and rebtiilt the mills. John W. Brandow was formerly a wagon maker 
here, but started the American Hotel in 1885, and with the exception 
of two years has kept it since. George T. Yule is a wagon maker, and 
William Sibell and Charles J. Fisk are blacksmiths. 

Cullen (formerly Page's Corners) is a hamlet near the junction of the 
two branches of Fish Creek, not far from the center of the town. The 
post-office was established in December, 1845, with Nelson S eager as 



TOWN OF WARREN. 359 

postmaster; he has been succeeded by John Lewis, C. M. Hustis, Rufus 
W. Grain, Jonas Petrie. The office was discontinued in October, 1859, 
and re established in December following, with Frederick Petrie as post- 
master, succeeded by John Lewis, and he by George M. House. The 
name was changed from Page's Gorners to Gulien in 1866; Vohiey 
Houghton was the next postmaster, followed by Charles Houghton, 
Clark Cole, Joseph R. Petrie, William Foster, Clark Cole, William Fos- 
ter, who is the present incumbent and keeps a store. Joseph Petrie 
keeps the hotel here. 

Little Lakes (Warren post-office) is a hamlet near the lakes, which 
give it the name. The post-office was established in October, 1840, 
with Robert Bush as postmaster ; he has been followed by Francis Gates, 
Amos Shaw, John W. Tunnicliff, William Kinne, Ferdinand Tunnicliff, 
William Kinne, Chester Grim, Thomas Ellis, jr., and Lester Eckler, the 
present incumbent. The hotel now kept by Lester Eckler was built 
very early and before the turnpike was constructed through the place. 
Mr. Eckler has kept this house six years, succeeding John J. Thorp, 
and owns the old homestead of the Ecklers. Merchants here have been 
D. A. Tunnicliff, Philp Eckler, J. J. Thorp and James Collyer. S. H. 
Conklin has sold goods here about six years. There was formerly more 
business done here than at the present time. 

There was in early years considerable business done at Grain's Cor- 
ners, including stores, a hotel, and several shops. A post office existed 
here from 1828 (when Jacob Marshall was postmaster) to 1857, when it 
was discontinued. A pretty little Episcopal church was erected here in 
1890, by D. J. Grain, and services are maintained. 

The early schools were taught in German as well as English. Stephen 
Frank was one of the first teachers in German at Andrustown, and 
Captain Henry Eckler taught at the Chyle in both German and 
English. Jonas Cleland taught the first English school subsequent to 
the Revolution. Warren now comprises eleven districts and the 
schools are efficient. Hon. William C. Grain, who was speaker of the 
Assembly in 1846, resided in this town, was courteous and bright, 
and an able politician. 

The Warren Baptist church was organized in 1799, and in the follow- 
ing year Phineas Holcomb was ordained as first pastor, and labored 



360 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

with the church seventeen years. For many years the society was es- 
pecially prosperous. In 1836 the building of a church was begun on 
land donated by Deacon Eber Hyde, at Jordanvilie, and the structure 
was dedicated in November of the following year. 
The following have served the church as pastors : 

George Swain, Isaac Newell, William A. Wells, Zelora Eaton. Asa Caldwell, Chailes 
E. Brown, Daniel Dye, L. J. Huntley, Lan.sing Bailey, Nel.-Jon Ferguson, Charles Bailey, 
L. Bolton, M. II. De Witt, L. B. Barker, Peter Goo, William Church, D. D. Odell, A. D. 
Smith, J. J. Pier.son, John L. Duncanson. Services are now held by Elder Lord, but 
the society has to some extent lost its identity as a Baptist organization. 

The first church edifice in the town was built near Bloomfields, by the 
Methodists in 1814. The next was the "Warren Union Church,"' near 
Grain's Corners, which was dedicated in 1816. This church has dis- 
appeared. There is a union church at Little Lakes, which was built 
about 1845. Rev. Mr. Helms, of Richfield, preaches there at the pres- 
ent time. 

The history of the Methodist Episcopal church of Jordanvilie dates 
back to 1846, when Rev. Moses Dunham, of the Litchfield circuit, 
formed a class of eight members. William Bouck was chiefly instru- 
mental in forwarding the project, and a lot was procured and the work 
begun. The church was dedicated in the fall of 1847. I" 1871, when 
the church had sixty-five members, and through the energetic work of 
G. M. Cleland and Isaac Lake, a new building was erected on the site 
of the old one and dedicated in June, 1872. 

The pastors who have served this church are Revs. Moses Dunham, W. C. Loomis, 
William Jerome, Mr. Crawford, E. L. Wadsvvorth, R. 0. Beebe, Samuel Hill, Mr. 
Barnes, L. K. Redington, W. A. Wadsworth. R. L. Kenyon, L. Eastwood, Gordon 
Moore, F. A. O'Farrel, Harvey Woodward, A. R. Warner, D. O. Edgarton, James Coote, 
W. F. Purington, H. R. Northrup, James Stanton, J. G. Brooks, Samuel Salisbury, S. 
P. Gray, and the present pastor, F. K. Pierce. The membership is about 100, and 
Dwight .Starkweather is Sunday-school superintendent. 



I 



TOWN OF COLUMBIA. 361 

CHAPTER XIX. 

THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA. 

COLUMBIA lies in the southern part of Herkimer county and is 
bounded on the north by German Flats ; on the east by Warren ; 
on the south by Otsego county, and on the west by Winfield and Litch- 
field. The town was formed from Warren June 8, 1812. Its surface is 
moderately rolling and hilly, and the soil a clay loam, which is gen- 
erally fertile. The streams are small brooks, some of which flow 
south into the Unadilla and the others northward into the Mohawk. 
There are several springs in the town, the waters of which have a local 
reputation as a curative for some diseases. Irpn ore is found to a lim- 
ited extent. In the southern part of the town is a swamp containing 
perhaps a thousand acres, from which flow the headwaters of the Una- 
dilla. Steele's Creek flows from the northern side of the town into the 
Mohawk at Ilion. Within the present boundaries of Columbia are 
parts of Staley's, Henderson's and Conrad Frank's patents. 

The old Indian trail from the upper Mohawk to Schuyler's Lake 
passed through this town from northeast to southwest, and there was 
an Indian camp ground a little northwest of the site of South Columbia, 
on the farm now owned by J. H. Fox. 

Columbia was first settled in 1765 by several German families from 
the Mohawk River, who located in the eastern part at the crossing of 
the old Utica and Minden turnpike and the Mohawk and Richfield 
Springs road. The settlement was long known as Conradstown, and 
later as Orendorff''s Corners, after one of the settlers, Conrad Orendorff, 
whose original farm is still owned in the family by William Orendorff. 
The families who first settled here were those of Henry Frank, Nicholas 
Lighthall, Timothy Frank, Joseph Moyer, Frederick Christman, Con- 
rad Frank, Conrad Fulmer, Nicholas Lighthall, and Mr. Orendorff. 
Between the time of its first settlement and the close of the Revolution 
the town was overrun by the enemy, and the inhabitants made to feel 
the effects of the struggle. Conrad Orendorff was a lieutenant in Capt. 

4C 



362 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Henry Eckler's company and was twice taken prisoner and his cabin 
burned. Richard Woolaber, one of the early settlers, was in Heinrich 
Staring's company which left Fort Herkimer July 19, 1778, to over- 
take Brant and rescue prisoners taken at the destruction of Andrus- 
town. At Young's Settlement (now Liftle Lakes) the main body of 
the pursuers turned back ; but Woolaber, Peter Flagg and Thomas Van 
Home kept on and overtook two savages on the west side of Schuyler's 
Lake. The Indians had a woman and babe as prisoners. Woolaber 
and his companions killed both Indians and carried home the prisoners. 
In the fall of 1778, while Woolaber was at work in the field on what is 
now " Shoemaker Hill," south of Fort Herkimer, he was surprised by 
Indians, knocked down and scalped and left for dead. He was found 
by his family towards nightfall, carried home and finally recovered. 

After the close of the war settlement in various parts of the town 
progressed rapidly. The following list of jurors for the year 18 13 is 
worthy of preservation, as it doubtless contains the names of most of 
the prominent settlers down to 1810: 

Asahel Alford, John Bloodgood, Jeremiah Brown, John Burchdorff, Philip Businger, 
Elias Benedict, Philip Brown, Christopher H. Benedict, Jacob Bell, Amos Crain, Josiah 
Ctain, William Chapman, John Clapsaddle, Augustenus Clapsaddle, Simon Clark. Henry 
Cronkright, Daniel DromdofF. Ira Dethrick, Jabez De Woolfe, William De Wolfe, jr., 
Jacob Eaton. Benjamin Eaton, Ephraim Elmer (still living at the age of 113 years 
at Utica, N. Y.), George M. Edick, Jacob P. Fox, John P. Fox, Peter P. Fox, Frederick 
Fox, Abner Gage, John Gorsline, Barnabas Griffith, Henry Getman, George I. Get- 
man, Frederick I. Getman, Stephen Griffith, Timothy Getman, Frederick Getman, jr., 
Conrad Gettman, Thomas Hagerty, Henry Helmer, Samuel Hatch, Joseph Hatch, 
Daniel Hatch, John Harwood, Abner Huntley, Thomas Hawks, Jacob Helmer, William 
Haner, Jeremiah Haner, Augustenus Hess, jr., Frederick Hess, Conrad Hess, Henry 
Jones, Calvin Johnson, Luther Johnson, Michael Jackson, Samuel Lord, Thomas Ladow, 
Caleb Miller, John Miller, Henry A. Miller, Henry Miller, jr., Oliver Miner, William 
Miller, Andrew Miller, John Miller, jr., Martin McKoon, Joel Merchant, Ephraim Mills, 
Isaac Mills, John Mills, Andrew Meyers, Joseph Meyers, John D. Meyers, James Mor- 
gan, Abraham Maning, Henry S. Orendorff, Jacob Orendorff, George Petrie, Theodore 
Page, Ira Peck, Dean Pearce, Daniel I. Petrie, Marks Petrie, Frederick Petrie, Reuben 
Reynolds, John Runyan, jr., Parley Spaulding, Ralph Sanford, Thomas F. Shoemaker, 
John Shoemaker, Nicholas Sternburgh, William Stroup, Timothy Smith, George Steele, 
Blisha Standish, Gershom Skinner, Peter I. Turpening, Moses Thompson, Hill Trues- 
dale, Samuel Woodworth, Festus Williams, Peleg Wood, Isaac Wright, Charles 
Young. 

Most of the above have descendants at present living in town. 



( 



TOWN OF COLUMBIA. 363 

Tunis Vrooman came early into this town. He was made a prisoner 
by the Indians, with three of his brothers, in 1776, and taken to Can- 
ada; returning a year later, he passed much of his life in Columbia 
and died in 1866. 

Asahel Alford settled here in 179 1, was a well-known citizen, and 
died in 1853 ^^ the age of ninety-three years, having passed all his life 
on his original farm ; this was afterwards occupied by his son Cyrus, 
and now by his son Oscar Alford. 

Abijah Beckwith, a native of Columbia county, came into this county 
in 1807 and became conspicuous in public affairs ; was a member of the 
Legislature in 1817 and 1823; a member of the Senate in 1835 ! was 
six years county clerk, and presidential elector in the first Lincoln 
campaign. He was the great-grandfather of John D. Beckwith, now a 
lawyer at Little Falls. 

George Lighthall was a settler prior to the Revolution on what is 
known as the Briggs farm, a little west of South Columbia, and he and 
his family were sufferers during the war. Some others who settled 
early in Columbia were Peter Horton Warren, who located in the west- 
ern part of the town; Martin McKoon, who came in 1796, to the ex- 
treme southern part; Jacob Edick and his father, also named Jacob, who 
were pioneers of the town ; Lorenzo Hosford and his father, William, 
who were tanners at Cedarville from early in the century ; Henry 
Devendorf, who settled early at Cedarville ; John D. Hunter, long a 
merchant in the town; Andrew Miller, who built the first mills at^ 
Miller's Mills ; Nicholas Spohn, Daniel Stroup, an early blacksmith, and 
Jacob Seckner. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of Daniel I. Petrie on 
Tuesday, March 2, 1813, and the following officers were elected: 

Supervisor, Jacob Haner ; town clerk, John Mix ; assessors, Denison Tisdale, Peter 
P. Fox, Jeremiah Haner, and Rufus Ohapin ; overseers of the poor, Daniel I. Petrie 
and Abijah Beckwith ; commissioners of highways, Henry Orendorff, Ira Peck and 
Joel Merchant; constables, Jacob D. Petrie, Charles Randale, Jeremiah Baringer, and 
William Truesdale; collector, Charles Randale; school commissioners, Rufus Chapin, 
John Bartlett, and Denison Tisdale ; school mspectors, Henry S. Orendorff, David V. 
W. Golden, and Henry Gardiner. 

The town was divided into thirty-one road districts, and the usual in- 
cipient legislation was enacted. A meeting of the excise commission- 



304 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ers was held in May, 1813, at which D. V. W. Golden, Jesse Campbell, 
and Samuel Woodworth & Son had applied for permits to sell liquor, 
and Reuben Reynolds, Daniel I. Petrie, Joseph Petrie and Conrad 
Orendorfif applied for licenses and were given the privilege of keeping 
taverns. 

There is now scarcely any manufacturing in Columbia, and there 
never was very much. The industries outside of farming have been 
limited almost wholly to mills erected early in various parts of the 
town, some of which are still in operation, though greatly changed. D. 
V. W. Golden and Benjamin Mix were the first merchants in the town, 
and carried on business at Orendorfif 's Corners in 1798. The old store 
was demolished about twenty years ago, and the site is owned by 
Daniel Crim. Frederick Petrie, brother of Daniel, had a blacksmith 
shop at the same point in 1799, and was the first blacksmith in town. 
The first frame house was built at the Corners in 1788 by Con- 
rad Orendorff, and now forms part of the building occupied by Will- 
iam Orendorfif. The first and only brick house in Columbia was built 
in 1855 by Abraham House, at what is known as Elizabethtown, in the 
northern part of the town. 

The first schools in Columbia were taught in the German language, 
the earliest one by Philip Ausnian in 1796 at what is now Oren- 
dorfif's corners. The first English school was begun about the same 
time by Joel Phelps. On the 8th of April, 1813, the school com- 
missioners divided the town into eight school districts. There were 
then 255 families in the town and the commissioners designated which 
district each family should belong to. At the present time there 
are eleven districts in Columbia. 

There are no considerable villages in this town. Columbia Center 
was formerly known as " Petrie's Corners," and it was here that the 
first town meeting was held. As indicated by its name, it is near the 
center of the town, and here Daniel I. Petrie kept the first tavern on the 
site where Abram Jacobson formerly kept. Jacob J. Petrie, son of 
Daniel, formerly kept a store where Elmer E. Spohn is now located. 
John D. Hunter also traded on this site. Martin L. Springer and Ira 
Derthick were also merchants here. There was a distillery operated 
here in early times. The present business consists of two stores, one 



TOWN OF COLUMBIA. 365 

by Frank N. Petrie and one by E. E. Spohn, a hotel kept by Wallace 
Purchase, on the old Petrie site, a store and post-office kept by Frank N. 
Petrie, and two blacksmith shops by David Getman and Jabez Bliss 
& Son. The Methodist church here was organized in 1887 and the 
building was erected in 1888 at a cost of about $2,000. The first 
pastor was Rev. Frank West and the present one is G. P. York. The 
trustees are Israel Shepherd, George Gray and H. J. Chrisman. 

South Cohinibia. — This is a station on the railroad in the southern 
part of the town and on the old road from Mohawk to Richfield Springs. 
It was in this vicinity that the Lighthall families settled prior to the 
Revolution, and Richard Woolaber was the first settler after the war. 
Asaliel Freeman built here the second grist mill in the town, and in 
1800 a saw-mill and a fulling-mill; the latter went to decay long 
ago. The first hotel was kept here in 1808 by Simeon Hammond. 
The site of the old mills is now occupied by the extensive plant of the 
Chase Mills and Supply Company, who operate a saw-mill, grist mill, 
planing-mill, deal in coal, lumber, etc. A box factory is operated by 
James Collyer, and a second saw- mill by Eugene Hoffman. Philip 
Wormouth is a blacksmith and wagon repairer, and Frank ZoUeris mer- 
chant and postmaster. 

Miller's Mills. — This is a hamlet in the southwestern part of the 
town, half a mile from the line of the railroad, on which it has a sta- 
tion. The site was settled in 1760 by Andrew Miller. Jost Bell was 
the owner of much of the land in the vicinity and from him Miller leased 
and purchased his property. Jonas Miller now occupies a part of the 
original farm of Andrew Miller. Miller, probably in connection with 
Bell, built the first mills here, on the site of W. D. Gorsline's present 
mills; this property passed into possession of John Miller and was 
enlarged by him. Other owners of the mills, before they came into , 
Mr. Gorsline's possession, were a Mr. Tennant, Jacob Miller, and Dan- 
iel Devendorf Mr. Gorsline put in a circular saw and added a box 
factory and planing mill to the plant. The post-office was established 
in 1869 with Tunis Finger as postmaster; he was succeeded by An- 
drew Finger. J. R. Scudden was next appointed to the office, and 
then William H. Finger. Andrew Finger is the present postmaster 
and merchant. The " First Free Baptist Church in Columbia " was 



366 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

organized here in September, 1820, and the church was erected in 183 i. 
Public services have been kept up with considerable regularity since 
1814. In 1840 a Sunday-school was established with David G. Young 
as superintendent. Elder J. B. Randall is the present pastor. Rev 
M. C. Brown preached here for seventeen years ; he died recently in 
Boston. 

Cedarville. — This is a hamlet in the western part of the town and at the 
junction of the lines of the three towns of Winfield, Litchfield and 
Columbia. While a considerable portion of the little village is in Litch- 
field, the post-office is now in the town of Columbia, and the historj^ of 
the village may as well be given here. The first settler at this point 
was Henrj' Devendorf, who came in 1803. The first store was estab- 
lished in 1823 by John and Thurston Mabbitt, and in the same year the 
post-office was opened. Henry Devendorf kept the first tavern about 
1 8 10. The tannery that was conducted here for many years was be- 
gun by William Horsford in 1824, who operated it for thirty years. 
Its last owners were Hon. Ezra D. Beckwith and Hiteman Brothers, 
who gave it up about eight years ago and located at West Winfield ; the 
tannery is now going to decay. The hotel now kept by J. J. Thorp 
was built by A. L. Fisji about the time of the establishment of the 
post office. F. E. Stephens now has the principal store and is post- 
master and supervisor, succeeding D. L. W. Kibby in the former ofifice 
in June, 1889. Mr. Kibby kept a store here about twenty years. The 
second hotel is kept, and has been for twelve years, by Monroe Wilkin- 
son. The store now kept by H. G. Knight was occupied before him by 
Irving Maxwell and Benjamin Davis. Lyman Woodart wa,s a wagon- 
maker here for many years, and his sons now carry on the business. 
W. E. Meacham has a harness shop and W. H. Rhoda a tin shop. 

The Methodist Episcopal church at Cedarville was organized in 1862, 
under the corporate name of the McKenzie Chapel. The deed of a lot 
was given by Henry Devendorf on which to build a chapel. The first 
church was erected about 1826, at a cost of $1,500. The society be- 
came extinct, and in 1870 the building was removed and fitted for a 
public hall. 

The Universalist church at Cedarville was organized October 27, 
1829, and Rev. Orrin Roberts became the first pastor in 1830. Among 



TOWN OF COLUMBIA. 367 

those who have at various periods preached here are Revs. T. J. Smith, 
Mr. Belden, Dr. Smith, J. H. Tuttle, E. M. Wooley, L. C. Brown, 
Mr. Paine, W. H. Grigsby, D. Ballon, L Rice, L. G. Powers, and O. B. 
Beals. The present pastor is Rev. C. H. Vail, who preaches also at 
Bridgewater. The first church edifice was erected in 1830 at a cost of 
$2,500; it was dedicated in the following year. In 1872 the building 
was remodeled at an expense of more than $5,000, and an organ cost- 
ing $1,000 has since been added. The society has been uniformly 
prosperous and shown energetic activity from its beginning. 

Trustees are elected for one, two, and three years. Tlieir names are as follow : 
For one year, F. B. Stephens, D. A. Angell, and A. E. Seckner; for two years, Chauncey 
Mathews, Jacob W. Miller, and Bernard Crim ; for three years, C. J. Wheeler, E. B. 
Holcomb, and William Miller. 

Other hamlets that have had distinctive names in Columbia are Get- 
man's Corners, at the headwaters of Steele's Creek, on the north side of 
the town. Elizabethtown, taking its name from Elizabeth Campbell, 
on the north line of the town, on Steele's Creek, where a tannery was 
formerly carried on ; and Haner Settlement, so called from the families 
of that name who located there. Spinnerville, named in honor of the 
late Gen. F. E. Spinner, is a post-office in the northern part, established 
in 1890. A tannery was operated here for many years by Peter H, 
Warren, father of T. D. Warren, esq., and the wife of Col. Alonzo 
Wood, of Winfield. It is now closed up. S. D. Warren now owns 
the homestead and is the postmaster. 

The oldest church in this town is the Reformed Church, which was 
organized in July, 1798. Timothy Frank and Jacob Petrie were made 
elders, and George Edick and George F. Helmer, deacons. The first 
meetings were held in Conrad Orendorff' s barn. Steps were taken in 
1803 to erect a church, the First Congregational church of Warren 
and the First Lutheran church of Warren uniting in the work. A sub- 
scription paper was circulated and money raised for a beginning. In 
November, 1808, the three societies assembled at the meeting-house to 
arrange for raising money to finish the interior of the building. 
Through subscriptions and the sale of pews in December, 1808, the 
necessary funds were raised and the church finished by Parley Hutch- 
ings. This church was used until 1849, when it was considered unsafe 



368 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY". 

and a new one was erected, which has received extensive repairs. It is 
pleasantly located on the east and west, road between Columbia Center 
and Orendorfif 's Corners, with a cemetery adjoining. In the rebuilding 
of this church in 1840 a scaffold gave way and John Edick was killed 
and several others badly injured. 

Following is a list of supervisors of this town, with date of their in- 
cumbency: 

Jacob Haner, 1813, 1822 ; Samuel Woodworth, 1814; John Mills, 1815, 1821; Hen- 
ry S. Orendorff, 181C, 1817; Abijah Beckwith, 1818, 1819; Henry S. OrendorfF, 1820, 
1831, 1837, 1842; Jeremiah Haner, 1823, 1824, 1827; Abijah Beckwith, 1825, 1845, 
1846; Jacob Mills, 1826; Isaac Mills, 1828; John Miller, jr., 1829, 1834, 1835; Abel 
Hannahs, 1830, 1832, 1833; Peter H. Warren, 1836, 1838, 1839, 1863-65; Joseph L. 
Hatch, 1840, 1841; William J. Miller, 1843, 1844; Andrew Van Dusen, 1847, 1848; 
Loren Mills, 1849, 1850; John W. Beckwith, 1S51-52; John D. Clapsaddle, 1853, 
1859-60; Jefferson Rowland, 1854, 1856; James Kelley, 1857, 1858; David G. Young, 
1861-62; Levi Shaul, 1866-67; David Harter, 1868; Lorenzo Horsford, 1869; Jacob 
J. Getman, 1870-72 ; John M. Lipe, 1873, 1874 ; George Van Alstine, 1875-78 ; Will- 
iam D. Gorsline, 1879, 1880; Samuel Miller, 1?81 ; Israel I. Young, 1882, 1883; Frank 
N. Petrie, 1884-1889; Damon A. Clapsaddle, 1890; Abram Manning, 1891; Frank E. 
Stephens, 1892. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE TOWN OF WINFIELD. 

PREVIOUS to the year 18 16 the territory now embraced in the town 
of Winfield was a part of the towns of Richfield and Plainfield, Otse- 
go county, and Litchfield, Herkimer county. Consequently, upon its for- 
mation the boundaries of Herkimer county were enlarged. The act 
under which the town came into existence is dated April 17, 18 16, and 
its passage in the Senate was procured by Dr. John J. Prendergast, then 
a member of that body. He had the privilege of naming the new town 
and proposed " Scott," in honor of Gen. Winfield Scott ; but on learn- 
ing that there was already a town of that name in this State, he sub- 
stituted the given name of the popular military officer — Winfield. 

The town lies in the southwest corner of Herkimer county and in- 
cludes parts of Schuyler's Bayard's and Lispenard's patents. It is 



TOWN OF WINFIELD. 3G9 

bounded on the north by Litchfield ; on the east by Columbia and Ot- 
sego county ; on the south by Otsego county ; and on the west by 
Oneida county. The surface is moderately hilly except along the valley 
of the Unadilla Creek, which flows across it from east to west, furnishing 
considerable water power. Some smaller streams flow southerly into 
the Unadilla, which have their rise in Litchfield. The great western 
turnpike passes through the southern part of the town, and in early days 
was thronged with stages, teams and droves of stock, which made busy 
scenes at the numerous taverns that were maintained at short intervals 
along its course. 

The early settlers of what is now Winfield came chiefly from Con- 
necticut and Massachusetts. Abel Brace came here in 1793 from near 
Hartford, Conn., bringing with him his family of nine sons and five 
daughters, with his wife's aged mother. Mr. Brace was a man of stand- 
ing, had been a captain in the Revolutionary War and a member of the 
State Legislature. He built a log house not far from the present resi- 
dence of his youngest great-grandson, Seward H. Brace. All of the 
sons excepting one settled in this town and not far from their father. 
Abel Brace died in 1832. In after years many of his descendants left 
the town, leaving only Capt. Asahel Brace, who occupied the pa- 
ternal home; he died in 1867, leaving sons, Abel Woodruff Brace, 
Lucius F. Brace (father of Frank L.), and Henry L. Brace, who inherited 
the family home and now lives in West Winfield. When Mr. Brace 
came here there was no road from the Mohawk southward, and travelers 
were guided by marked trees. One of the Brace family, Charles, kept 
what was probably the first inn in the town in 1794, but it is not known 
just where it was located ; and two years later John Dillingham opened 
a store. 

In the summer of 1792 David Wood and Jonathan Chapin settled on 
the south side of the stream, and in 1793 Deacon Charles Burt and 
Joseph and Timothy Walker located in the same neighborhood. The 
Walkers had been in the town only a year when, in 1794, they built the 
pioneer mills at what is now West Winfield, and thereby conferred a 
welcome boon upon the settlers. It was a small affair, consisting of a 
saw-mill, in which was placed one grinding stone, which sufficed for its 
purpose until 1798, when Timothy Walker erected a grist-mill near the 
47 



370 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

first one, taking the water from the same pond. This mill was operated 
until 1808, when Ira Walker, son of Timothy, built a third mill, a larger 
one, farther down the stream and removed the machinery of the other 
one to it. This was the site of the present mills at West Winfield. 
The Walkers first settled on what is known as the Hugh Davis farm. 
Both had families, and descendants of both still live in the town. The 
first mill built by them was near North Winfield and the first blacksmith- 
shop was near that place, and built by Tim(ithy. 

Larkin Smith first came to the town in 1793 and probably returned 
and brought his wife in the following, year, coming on snow shoes. He 
was a surveyor. Others who settled here previous to or about the be- 
ginning of the century were Simeon Bucklin, Elijah Gates, Amasa Dodge, 
Adam Burdick, Capt. Nathan Brown, Oliver Harwood, Oliver Corbit, 
Benjamin Cole, Isaac Thayer, Nathan Holmes, William McLaughlin, 
and others. Many of these still have dsecendants in the town. A 
little later came the Prays, the Lawtons, the Hatfields and 
others. John Burgess was an early settler. Moses Eldred, father 
of Myron, came about 1805. Caleb Cummings, father of Samuel M., 
came from New Hampshire before the beginning of this century ; Sam- 
uel owns the old homestead and lives in West Winfield. Nathan Mor- 
gan settled about 1815. Eleazer Brown, grandfather of H. C. Brown, 
of West Winfield, came about the beginning of the century; his son, 
Hiram, was born here in 1805, and died in 1878. C. T. Wheelock's 
grandfather was an early settler on " Wheelock's Hill." Some of those 
who have been prominent in the town in later years are Benjamin Car- 
ver, who was a merchant at East Winfield, and supervisor in 1833 ; Col. 
David R. Carrier, many years supervisor and a prominent business man ; 
Samuel McKee, now living at East Winfield, father of Hon. M. H. Mc- 
Kee, of Richfield Springs; Caleb Dodge, a prominent farmer; Otis N. 
Crandall ; Walter Palmer, and others mentioned elsewhere. 

Chas. H. Brown was born in Winfield, July 20, 1858, studied law in 
Little Falls and was admitted in 1880. He removed to Bolivar, Alle- 
gany county, N. Y., in 1881, and was elected district attorney of that 
county in 1889, and re-elected in 1892. He occupies a leading position 
at the bar in that county. 

Chas. G. Burrows was born in Winfield, and studied law with Geo. 
A. Hardia in Little Falls. He died in 1875, leaving a reputation as an 



TOWN OF WINFIELD. 371 

industrious and painstaking attorney, who gained the confidence of the 
community. 

Hamilton Burdick, a native of Winfield, and a son of Adam Burdick, 
was born February ii, 1816. His father was a Revolutionary soldier 
and a personal acquaintance of Alexander Hamilton, after whom he 
named his son. Hamilton Burdick is a graduate of Colgate and studied 
law at Bridgevvater, Oneida county, N. Y., and in Utica. He practiced 
in West Winfield from 1840 to 1843, when he removed to Syracuse and 
formed a partnership with the late R. H. Gardner. Mr. Burdick is still 
in practice in Syracuse. Professor Samuel Williams was born in 1830 
in this town, and is now a geologist at Cornell University. 

Charles J. Palmer, now a prominent attorney of Little Falls, was born 
in Winfield. While a student in Hamilton College he pursued the study 
of law, and after graduating in 1871 gave his whole attention to his 
profession, studying in Utica. In 1872 he formed a partnership with 
Chas. G. Burrows (above mentioned) which continued until Mr. Burrows 
died in 1875. In the next year Mr. Palmer became associated with A. 
M. Mills in Little Falls, and so continued to 1 889, since which year he has 
practiced alone. Mr. Palmer is prominent in Republican politics. 

Kendrick E. Morgan was born in the town of Winfield, September 8, 
1854, and was admitted to practice law in 1876 and continued from that 
date to practice his profession at Little Falls until July 3, 1888. He is 
now engaged in business in Chicago, 111. 

The first town meeting in Winfield was held at the house of Rufus 
Dodge on the 7th of June, 18 16. It is said that the snow was several 
inches deep on that day ; it was the remarkable cold season which is 
still remembered by old citizens. At that meeting the following officers 
were elected : 

James Orton, supervisor ; Martin Luce, town clerk; Nathan Brown, Charles Burt, 
and Hezekiah Leamans, assessors; David Wood and Richard Bonfoy, overseers of the 
poor; Simeon Buclvlin, Asahel Brace, and Nathaniel Crandal, commissioners of high- 
ways; Elisha Gates, Elijah Gates, jr., and Jesse Burgess, constables; Elisha Gates, 
collector ; Charles Burt, Charles Brace, and Almond Luce, school commissioners. 

The usual regulations were voted at the meeting, governing the run- 
ning at large of stock, licenses, etc. The following reference to slavery 
bearing a comparatively recent date, is worthy of preservation here : 



372 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

This may certify that Pegg, alias Margaret, a female servant born of a slave, appears 
to be of the age of eighteen years and upwards, that is to say of the age of twenty-one 
years, and of svifficient ability to maintain herself; hath this day been abandoned by 
James Orton, who hath claimed her services and doth hereby relinquish them. 

Anson Backus, Xatuan Brown, Overseers of Poor. 

The surprising part of this document is the date, which is in the year 
1826. Further account of Anson Backus is given a little further on. 

Under the enterprising and industrious labors of its settlers, Winfield 
rapidly became a prosperous and progressive community. The first 
settlers obtained their few necessaries from Fort Herkimer over what 
was known as the Carr path, through the woods ; but early in the cent- 
ury (1805) the Cherry Valley turnpike was built and connection made 
with it by other roads, giving the farmers and merchants comparatively 
easy communication with Albany and other points. Sheep raising, 
with the manufacture of potash, distilling liquor, etc., occupied the chief 
attention of the people of the town for some years; but between 1845, 
the time when the wool industry was at its height and when there were 
nearly 16,000 sheep in the town, and 1865 when there were' less than 
700, the dairy industry rapidly increased, and before the year last 
mentioned had become the principal occupation of the farmers of the 
town. At one time there were eleven cheese factories in the town. 
This number was gradually decreased by consolidation mainly, and at 
the present time there are only three or four ; although there are many 
near by the town lines at various points, which are patronized by Win- 
field farmers. C. T. Wheelock is proprietor of five factories, and C. 
A. Eggleston has no less than twelve under his control ; most of these 
are outside of this town. Within a few years past several milk stations 
have been established on the line of the D. L. & W. Railroad (which 
was opened in 1870), and dairymen are taking large quantities of milk 
to them for shipment to New York. This practice is having an impor- 
tant bearing upon the cheese and butter industry here ; but it is the 
the general opinion that this direct sale of milk will, on the whole, be 
beneficial. As compared with most other towns of the county, Win- 
field ranks among the best as a dairy town. 

The Winfield Agricultural Society was organized in 1856, and included 
in its jurisdiction seven towns in this and Otsego and Oneida counties. 
For manj- years its fairs were very successful and it was the means of 



TOWN OF WISFIELD. 373 

advancing the welfare of the agricultural operations of this locality. 
After some twenty- five years of usefulness its affairs have been suf- 
fered to stagnate. 

IVesi Winfield. — This thriving little village of about 600 population 
is situated in the western part of the town, on the Unadilla Creek and 
the Richfield Springs branch of the D. L. & W. Railroad, and the old 
turnpike passes through it. Here small business operations were begun 
early in the present century, including the Walker mills, and later a 
store, shops, etc. In 1822 a store on the northwest corner at the inter- 
section of the streets was erected and there, in 1S23, Col. David R. 
Carrier began his long and successful business career. He dealt in all 
kinds of produce, shipping largely to Albany and New York, and for 
many years was one of the leading merchants of the county and also 
president of the First National Bank. The post-office was established 
in 1825, with Colonel Carrier as postmaster. The money received for 
postage during the first three months was about $5.00. In those early 
years there was a great deal more business done at East Winfield than 
here. On the corner where is now the store of O. H. Wilcox, a tavern 
was built very early, but it was burned while under the proprietorship 
of John K. Fuller. The present structure on that corner was erected 
by Russell Huntley. On the opposite corner where is now the Hag- 
gerty House, a tavern has been kept by various landlords since early 
in the history of the place. Benjamin Harrington built, not far from 
the year 1800, a fulling and carding-mill and put in the necessary ma- 
chinery ; this was operated for many years, but has disappeared with 
many other similar mills in various parts of the county, following the 
decline of sheep raising and domestic wool production. About the 
year 1820 a small tannery was erected here. The bark used was ground 
by horse-power. In 1823 it came into possession of Rufus Wheeler, 
father of C. J. Wheeler, and later passed to the latter, who owned it to 
1884. In 1884 E. D. Beckwith and John and Henry Hiteman, who 
had been carrying on a tannery at Cedarville, gave up their business 
there and purchased the Winfield tannery. They were experienced 
tanners and energetic and industrious men, and from an output of 600 
calfskins per week have increased to 1800. Their plant has been cor- 
respondingly enlarged, in the years 1886, 1887, and 1888. From forty- 



374 HISTORY OF HBRKIMKR COTJNTT. 

five to fifty hands are employed and the excellence of their product has 
given it a wide-spread market, whicli they are now unable to fill. Their 
bark is brought from Pennsylvania. 

The saw-mill, which has been already noticed, was in possession of 
Griffin & Armstrong in 1872, when A. C, Hackley, its present owner, 
purchased it. Griffin & Armstrong had supplied the mill with a circular 
saw, planer, etc. Mr. Hackley has added the manufacture of cheese 
boxes, heads and hoops, and the sale of lumber to the business. The 
mill was formerly owned by Fhineas Hall, Chauncey Bentley and vari- 
ous others. 

The grist-mill is now the property of the Hiram Brown estate, and 
is operated by his son, H. C. Brown. Hiram Brown bought it of Bent- 
ley & Lackey in 1874. When the present operator took it he rebuilt 
the machinery, and fitted it for a large flouring trade, but at present 
only custom grinding is done. 

Charles Weeks started a manufactory of sash, doors and blinds and a 
lumber yard in 1857, which he continued until 1870, when George S. 
Weeks purchased the business and still conducts it on a greatly enlarged 
basis. These constitute the manufacturing interests of the place. 

A meeting was held in the village for the organization of a bank on 
the i6th of February, 1854. The organization was perfected and the 
corporate name of " West Winfield Bank " chosen ; the capital stock 
was fixed at $100,000 and the following directors were chosen : David 
R. Carrier, Vose Palmer, Dennis Hardin, Curtis Hemingway, James M. 
Rose, Samuel McKee, Joseph Hardin, Henry H. Babcock, Hiram 
Brown, N. R. Brown, Harry G. Hardin, T. W. Morgan and Isaac L. 
Moors. On the same day Colonel David R. Carrier was elected presi- 
dent and Hiram Brown vice-president, and on the 27th of February, 
Curtis Hemingway was chosen cashier and Erastus D. Hardin was ap- 
pointed teller and acted as such until 1857, when he became a banker 
in Peoria, 111., where he still resides. The bank opened for business 
August 29, of that year. It was changed to a national bank, with the 
same amount of capital, on the 14th of February, 1865, with the follow- 
ing directors : 

David R. Carrier, Vo.se Palmer, James M. Rose, Samuel McKee, Joseph Hardin, 
Hiram Brown, T. W. Morgan, I. L. Moors, Alonzo Wood, E. P. Rose, Erastus Kii'g, 
David Gardner and Rufus Wheeler. Mr. Carrier remained president until his death ia 



TOWN OF WINFIELD. 375 

1880, when Alonzo Wood was elected and now efficiently fills the office. The vice- 
presidents have been Hiram Brown to February 10, 1859; H. H. Babcock to February 
12, 1863; James M. Rose to January 10, 1871; Samuel McKee to Januarys, 1878; 
Myron A. McKee to January 9, 1883; Charles D. Wheeler to the present lime. The 
cashiers have been Curtis Hemingway to May 10, 185G; Alonzo Wood to March 1, 
1858; James P. Lee to April 3, 1809 ; John 0. Wheeler to the present time. Follow- 
ing are the names of the present directors : T. W. Morgan, Alonzo Wood, John 0. 
Wheeler, George A. Hardin, Myron A. McKee, H. H. Wheeler, and Charles D. 
Wheeler. 

The principal merchants of West Winfield are O. H. Wilcox, J. D. 
Folts, I. A. Crandall, Edward McFarland and George Bell, who keep 
general goods ; B. S. Davis, grocer and baker ; D. S. Marshall, boots 
and shoes ; Patterson & Eldredge, hardware ; Frank H. Wilcox, furni- 
ture ; H. H. Wilcox, drugs; Casler & Edick, grocers; George A. 
Walker, jeweler. The Cottage Hotel was opened by J. K. Armling, 
in January, 1892, and the other hotel is kept by Mrs. Alonzo Haggerty. 
Albert B. Crumb is postmaster and has an insurance business. 

The West Winfield Water Works were established as a private enter- 
prise in 1S78, the water being pumped from six artesian wells It is of 
great benefit to the village, and is liberally patronized. The proprie- 
tor is Eev. W. A. Fenn. 

The schools of the town of Winfield are taught in eleven districts. 
The first school in the town was probably taught by Josiah Harwood. 
On the 14th of August, 1817, a j^ear after the erection of the town, 
Charles Burt, Larkin Smith and Dr. Abner N. Clark, as school com- 
missioners, met and divided tlie town into twelve districts. There has 
been very little change in the district lines since that time. 

Previous to the year 1850 land was donated in the village for an 
academy site, by Colonel David R. Carrier, consisting of one acre on a 
sightly hill. The academy was established in 1850, with Prof L. R. 
Bliss as principal. Prof Bliss, who was a graduate of Hamilton College, 
was very active in raising the necessary funds for the institution, and 
the building was erected in the summer of 1850. The original building 
was 60x40 feet in size, and in 1856 an addition 32 x 36 feet was made, 
for a boarding hall and principal's residence. The academy was a suc- 
cessful institution ; was provided with chemical and philosophical 
apparatus and a considerable library. In the year 1883 it was changed 



370 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

to a Union Free School, as a part of the school system of the town. 
The principals, after Prof. Bliss, have been W. W. Bass, G. R. Aiken, 
D. M. Haggart, E. O. Hovey, D. T. Blackstone, A. R. Goodwin, T. W. 
Roberts, S. D. Allen, James B. McGifford, F. J. House, who taught 
nine years, and was succeeded by A. J. Merrell in 1892. The number 
of teachers is seven and the attendance nearly 300. 

Newspapers. — West Win field had a newspaper as early as 1859, when 
on the 23d of August appeared the first number of the Standard Bearer 
under the management of Cornelius Ackerman. The paper passed 
through many vicissitudes and changes. In 1870 it was sold to William 
McLaughlin, and he transferred it within a year to John H. Cunningham. 
The latter changed its name to the Winfield Standard, and on the 23d 
of March, 1872, sold it to Miles A. Davis, who left in a few months and 
the establishment reverted to Mr. McLaughlin, who sold it to R. W. 
Ackerman, son of the first publisher. In May, 1874, H. D. Kellogg 
became a partner, but retired in eight months. In March, 1875, Will- 
iam R. Merrill purchased the property, and about a year later trans- 
ferred it to Frank Spooner, who conducted it about a year and removed 

it to Brookfield. On the 1st of April, 1883, Lansing started 

the West Winfield News. About a year later it passed to the posses- 
sion of C. D. Wheeler, who afterwards associated with himself H. H. 
Wheeler. Stillman & Fitch bought the paper in 1888, and on the 15th 
of April, 1889, Clarence G. Fitch bought out Stillman's interest and 
now conducts the paper. 

The West Winfield Star is a handsome newspaper, which was started 
from a new and complete plant on the i8th of August, 1892, by F. L. 
Brace. It is Republican in politics, and promises to be a permanent 
organ. 

Church History. — The Congregational Church at West Winfield was 
organized in 1799 as the Second Congregational Church of Litchfield, 
by Rev. Eliphalet Steele. It was then located about four miles north 
of the present village, and in 1816 was removed to the turnpike about a 
mile east of the village. In 1876 the building was taken down and 
again removed to its present site in the village, and rebuilt and enlarged 
at a cost of $1 1,000. The Sunday-school was organized in 18 18. The 
first regular pastor was Rev. Jesse Churchill, and he has been succeeded 
by the following : 



TOWN OF WINFIELD. 377 

Revs. Jonathan Hovey, D. Newell, Edward Everett, Chauncey Goodrich, Chester 
Holcomb, Chester Brewster, P. S. Pratt, H. B. Wait, M. B. Brown, Wm. J. Knox, C. 
H. Beebe, Jesse Bradnack. In 1872 and 1873 the church was supplied by the Auburn 
Theological school. In 1873 came Rev. L. W. Church; then Rev. 0. A. Kingsbury 
who came in 1885. A. E. Kinmouth closed a three years' pastorate in April, 1889, and 
was succeeded by Rev. E. A. Burt. 

In 1890 about $3,500 were spent on the interior of the church and 
the purchase of an organ. The present church officers are as follow : 

Deacons, H L. Brace, A. A. Leach, Geo. A. Bonfoy ; trustees, A. A. Leach, P. H. 
Brown, H. Nichols, E. H. Davis, A. C. Day, M. A. Spicer. F. L. Brace, clerk and su- 
perintendent of Sunday-school. The membership is 141. 

The West Winfield Baptist church was first organized in 1796 as the 
Second Baptist Church of Litchfield. In 1803 it received the name of 
the Guild Society, in honor of Deacon Oliver Guild, who contributed 
liberally to its support. In 1828 it was reorganized under the name of 
the West Winfield Guild Society, which name it bore until 1880, when 
it was changed to the First Baptist Church of West Winfield. The 
first church building was erected in 1803, about a mile north of the 
present village of West Winfield. In 1826 the society purchased their 
present eligible site in the village, and removed and rebuilt their church 
at a cost of about $1,400. In 1857 $1,800 were expended on the build- 
ing, and in 1863 it was enlarged at a cost of $1,000. In 1877 ^ ses- 
sion room and audience room were fitted up at a further cost of $1,000. 
In 1 86 1 a parsonage was built at a cost of $1,900. This church was 
burned on the 9th of May, 1889, and services were held temporarily in 
the Congregational church and in the academy. Immediate steps were 
taken to rebuild, and the following committee was appointed for that 
purpose: J. B. Murray, chairman; Dr. J. M. Rose, C. J. Wheeler, T. 
W. Morgan, J. E. Davis, W. H. Parkhurst, E. P. McFarland. Plans 
were secured and the present beautiful and substantial brick edifice was 
erected, the dedication ceremonies occurring on the 8th and 9th of Oc- 
tober, 1890. Several costly memorial windows were presented to the 
new church, and many liberal subscriptions made for its construction. 
The church cost about $23,000. 

The pastors previous to 1826 were Elder.s Vining, Simmons, Philleo, and Holmes. 
From 1826 the pastors, as far as known, were Elders Clay, Newell, Putnam, Rasco, 
Ferguson. Nelson, and Tremaine. From 1843 to 1847, Rev. A. Kingsbury. During 
48 



37S HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the next several years Revs. Alden, Watkins, and Pixley served the society. From 
18.59 to 1866, Rev. H. A. Smith preached; 18G6 to 1869, Rev. T. N. Hobart; 1869 to 
1872, .supplies by Madison University students; 1872 to 1876, Rev. H. Garlick ; part of 
1876, Rev. A. Reynolds; 1876 to 1878, Rev. S. C. Moore; 1878 to 1883, Rev. Wm. A. 
Fenn; 1883, one year, Rev. P. D. Root; supplied by Mr. Fenn to July, 1885; then 
Rev. Thomas E. Jepson to close of 1887; from the spring of 1888. Rev. Warren 
Saphore, to 1891 ; he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. D. Kendall Smith. 

The Sunday-school was organized in 1826. The present churcli 
trustees are James B. Murray, George S. Weeks, Charles J. Wheeler; 
Sunday-school superintendent, O. B. Holmes. The membership is about 
140. 

The Methodist Church of West Winfield was organized in the year 
1827, and the first meeting place was in the school-house. In 1828 the 
first church was built at a cost of $1,200. In 1855 $1,500 were ex- 
pended in repairs, and in 1865 the church was burned. The present 
edifice was erected in 1866, and cost $9,000. The parsonage is valued 
at $3,000. 

The first pastor was Rev. Ephraim Hall, and he has been followed by Revs. John Er- 
canbrack, Wm. Bowdish, Wm. Round, Edwin Dennison, Breckenridge, Lewis An- 
derson, Loorais, B. W. Goram, J. D. Torry, H. Tremaine, W. Jerome, H. J. Rand, 

3. L. Wells, G. 0. Elliott, G. Colgrove, W. E. York, J. W. Hall, W. N. Burr, J. Pilkin- 
ton, W. B. McDonald, C. Morgan, Gordon Moore, W. S. Titus, J. B. Darling, C. W. 
Brooks, B. W. Jones, S. P. Gray, A. C. Loucks, S. T. Dibble, William Williams, W. L. 
Tisdale, and the present pastor, Wm. H. Bury. The member.ship is 105. 

St. Joseph's Church (Catholic) was organized in May, 1867, by Rev. 
Father T. J. Smith. During about eight years they worshiped in a 
public hall. In June, 1874, the corner-stone of a new church was laid 
and the building was finished in September, 1875 ; its cost was $8,000. 
Father Smith was pastor until 1874, and was succeeded by Father E. 
F. O'Connor, who continued until 1884. Then came Father M. C. 
Gavin, who remained to 1892, and was succeeded by Father Dennis B. 
Collins. Father Gavin purchased the Dr. Spencer residence for a par- 
sonage and it burned in 1889. It is now being rebuilt. The church 
contains about eighty-five families. 

Eas( Winfield — Is a post-office and small hamlet about two miles east 
of West Winfield, on the turnpike. In the old days of staging it was a 
busy point, but now it contains only one store kept by Milton West, 
who is also postmaster. Curtis Day owns the saw-mill and carries on 
an extensive cider-mill in connection with it. 



'TOWN OF WINFIELD. 57^ 

Here the late Benjamin Carver carried on a mercantile business for 
many years ; he was the father of Mrs. Leiter, whose husband is of the 
great mercantile firm of Field, Leiter & Co. of Chicago. Here resided 
the late Dean Burgess, who removed to Herkimer and was for many 
years prominent and wealthy. He was president of the Mohawk 
National Bank. Here was the home of George Thomas, a, merch- 
ant and prominent abolitionist, who removed to Utica a few years before 
his death. Samuel McKee, father of Hon. M. H. McKee, cashier of 
the Richfield Springs Bank, still resides here. Dr. Abner Clark also 
lived here until he removed to Fredonia, Chautauqua county. He was 
a descendant of the pilgrims, born in Connecticut; his sister was the 
wife of Nathan Hardin. 

Wood's Comers. — There was an early settlement at this point, which 
is about a mile south of West Winfield. In 1792 David Wood removed 
with his brother-in-law, Jotham Chapin, from Monson, Hampden county, 
Mass., being then twenty- seven years of age, and purchased of John 
I Morgan two farms, then being in a wilderness. One of them is now 
occupied by Colonel Wood, his son (the president of the West Win- 
field Bank), and the other is known as the Palmer farm, which was 
many years owned by Vose Palmer, and subsequently by Walter H. 
Palmer, the father of Charles J. Palmer, of Little Falls, whose brother 
now occupies the farm. About the same period Simeon Bucklin took 
up and began clearing a farm next easterly of the Corners, which is now 
owned and occupied by his son, Robert Bucklin, whose sister, Phoebe 
Bucklin, married Avery Backus, and they occupied the farm just south 
of the Robert Bucklin farm. About the same period Deacon Charles 
Burt, Larkin Smith, Joseph Gates, Eleazer Brown, Samuel Brown, 
and Adam Burdick settled in that vicinity. The settlement grew 
rapidly, and in 1825 Joseph Hardin taught school in the district em- 
bracing that territory, having one hundred scholars. There were some 
Revolutionary soldiers who lived in that vicinity, to wit : Joseph Moors, 

Adam Burdick, John Rutter, James Harris and Vaugn. About 

1790 the place known as " Meeting- House Green," about two miles 
and a half north of West Winfield, was settled. In this neighborhood 
resided Sewell Town, a public-spirited, energetic man, for many years 
a magistrate. Also the Leaches and Eldreds; and about a mile west 



380 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

of there was the home of Elijah Gates. His lands were sold in 1832, 
a portion thereof to Nathan Hardin, and the other portion thereof to 
Joseph Hardin, who in that year removed from the town of Plainfield, 
Otsego county. Nathan Hardin was the father of Joseph Hardin and 
eleven other children, who grew to be adults. His son, Dennis Hardin, 
was a merchant and banker at Leonardsville ; he was member of the 
Assembly in 1852. He was the father of Mrs. John O. Wheeler; Mr. 
Wheeler is cashier of the West Winfield Bank. His son, General A. C. 
Hardin, settled early in life in Monmouth, 111., and during the war raised 
a regiment on his own account, and was distinguished at the second battle 
of Fort Donaldson. In 1867 he represented his district in Congress. Dan- 
iel Hardin, another son, resided many years and carried on a mercantile 
business at Leonardsville, and now resides at Saginaw City and is pres- 
ident of the Citizens' National Bank. His son Nathan resides near Des 
Moines, Iowa. His oldest son was Joseph Hardin, who was born in 
Connecticut in 1804 at East Hampton ; his family removed to Plainfield, 
Otsego county, about the year 1816, where they resided until they lo- 
cated in the town of Winfield, above stated. Joseph Hardin resided on 
the farm purchased of Elisha Gates, where his sons, George A., Abner 
Clark and William H. were born. He removed to the village of West 
Winfield about the year 1838, having purchased the farm just westerly 
of the village and a little beyond the " Old Elm Tree," which has been 
a landmark or monument for over 125 years. Large portions of the 
farm were sold for village lots, and the site of the Catholic church 
by Joseph Hardin prior to his death, which occurred by reason of an 
accident caused by the overturning of a wagon in the summer of 1870. 
His widow occupied the farm until her death, which occurred in 1877. 
Shortly thereafter it was sold by his daughter, Mary E. Hardin, and his 
son, George A. Hardin, the heirs, to N. D. Taylor, who now occupies 
what has not been sold for village purposes. The homestead, however, 
was reserved by the heirs, and was occupied by Miss Mary E. Hardin 
as a residence until the time of her death, which occurred therein on 
the 1 6th day of August, 1 880. Subsequently it was conveyed by 
George A. Hardin to Charles D. Wheeler, a second cousin, who now 
occupies the same. 

Half a mile north of the Gates farm, already mentioned, was a neigh- 
borhood which was settled early in the century, where were the resi- 



TOWN OF WINFIELD. 381 

dences of Anson Backus, Captain Goff, the Braces and the Holmeses. 
Anson Backus with his family removed to Gaines, Orleans county, 
about the year 1836. He was the father of Amanda Backus, who was 
born in the " Red House" on the Gates farm in 1803. She was mar- 
ried to Joseph Hardin in 1829, and they were the parents of George 
A. Hardin. 

Chepachet. — This is a hamlet in the northeast part of the town, with a 
post-office, over which James Dager is postmaster, at the railroad sta- 
tion. There is good water power here, which led to the settlement of 
the locality and the construction of mills. The first dam here was built 
by George Rounds to provide power for a saw-mill, which afterwards 
passed to possession of Isaac Simmons, and later to Charles Rice, who 
constructed a new dam above the old one and erected a grist-mill and 
the large stone house still standing. A distillery was once operated by 
Benjamin Carver where the shop of George Davis is now located. 
Charles Rice sold the grist-mill and sawmill to Sanders Dodge, and 
the former was burned about 1840. The present grist-mill was built 
by Elmer Angell ; he also had a blacksmith and trip-hammer shop. 
A dam was early in existence below the others, which furnished power 
for a cloth-dressing factory. It stood on a part of the farm of William 
Green, and was demolished by him about 1885. Charles Rice at one 
time had a furnace here, and it is said that he cast the first iron plows 
used in the county ; it stood on the place now owned by George 
Bailey. Much of the business activitj' of this hamlet has disap- 
peared. 

North Winfield — Is a post-office in the northern part of the town ; 
the office was established forty- one years ago and Josiah Warner was 
the postmaster. One year later it was taken by Nathaniel Morgan, 
n3w of West Winfield, who kept it forty years, to 1891. Earl M. 
Rider is the present postmaster. Mr. Morgan formerly kept a store 
there, but there is now no business carried on at this point. A saw and 
grist-mill and cheese box factory are operated by Mr. Rider; they 
were built many years ago by Zadock Rider. 

Following is a list of supervisors of this town with date of their in- 
cumbency : 

James Orton, 1816-17, Matthew Eeith, 1818-26; Abraham Woodruff, 1827; Sim- 
eon Bucklin, 1818-32; Benjamin Caiver, 1833-37; David R. Carrier, 1838-39, 1853- 



382 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUXTT. 

54; Richard Bonfoy. 1840-41; Caleb Dodge, 1842 ; Samuel McKee, 1843-44; Zeuas 
Eldred, 1845-47,1862-63; Levi S. Knight, 1848-49 ; Nathaniel M. Morgan, 1850; 
Almond Crandall, 1851-52: George Thomas, 1855: Walter Palmer, 1856-59; Myron 
Eldred, 1860-61; S. S. Morgan, 1864-69; N. D. Taylor, 1870-72; Emery Bartlett, 
1871 ; Henry H. Morgan, 1873 ; Isaac T. Burgess, 1874; Henry M. Morgan, 1875-78; 
Myron A. McKee, 1879-81 ; Delevan L: Cook, 1882-83 ; Philip H. Brown! 1884-86 ; 
C. D. Wheeler, 1887; Dennis A. Dewey, 1888-90: Frank L. Brace. 1892-92. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THE TOWN OF LITCHFIELD. 

THIS town was formed from German Flats at the same time as 
Frankfort — February 5, 1796. It includes within its boundaries 
parts of Bayard's and Staley's, and a small part of Conrad Frank's pat- 
ents. The town is bounded on the north by Frankfort ; on the east by 
Columbia ; on the south by Winfield, and on the west by Oneida county. 
Its surface is elevated about 500 feet above the Mohawk and is moder- 
atelj' hilly. What are known as West Dry Hill and East Dry Hill are 
connected with elevated lands which form a water- shed, the streams on 
the northern side flowing to the Mohawk and those on the southern side 
to the Susquehanna. In the southern part of the town is Kibby's Pcnd, 
a small body of water without visible outlet or inlet. Cedar Lake, in the 
southwest part, contains twenty- five acres. Wheelock's Pond, contain- 
ing about five acres, named after Alvin Wheelock, an early settler, is 
the source of Moyer Creek, which flows west and northward from near 
the center of the town. The east branch of the Unadilla has its source 
in the western part and flows south. While some of the hill soil is thin 
in some localities, most of the town is arable and fertile. There are 
several springs in the town the waters of which are impregnated with 
sulphur. 

Litchfield was not settled until after the Revolution, when in 1786 
Elijah Snow, a native of Massachusetts, settled on what is known as 
Wheelock's Hill, formerly called " Snow's Bush." William Brewer 
and Ezekiel Goodale, of Massachusetts, John Andrews, Christopher 



TOWN OF LITCHFIELD. 383 

Rider from Connecticut, Ebenezer Drewry (or Drury) and John Everett 
from New Hampshire, and John and Eleazer Crosby from Connecticut, 
came into the town about the year 1787. Samuel Miller from Connect- 
icut, came in 1788, and James Gage and Nathaniel Ball from New 
Hampshire arrived about the same time. Selah Hoicomb settled here 
in 1 791. Other early settlers were Nathaniel Fish, Silas Hamilton, 
John Locke, William Hadley, Ira Wilkinson, Timothy Fuller, Harry 
Crane, John Ross, William Brayton, Daniel Ellsworth, John S. Avery, 
David BeaJs, John Paddock, Samuel Matthews, James Schooley, and 
the Gilletts in the Crane's Corners vicinit}', William Brewer, the Un- 
derwoods on Jerusalem Hill, John Ingersol, Abner Rising, the Gaylord 
and Congdon families on Jerusalem Hill, Aaron Goodier at what is 
known as Goodier's Corners, the Washburns, Burpees, and others else- 
where mentioned. Selah Hoicomb settled in the Cedarville section, as 
also did Nathaniel Fish ; William Hadley, also, whose grandson, J. I. 
Hadley, is still living. A. B. Wilkinson died in 1890; he then occu- 
pied the homestead of his father, Ira; Timothy Fuller settled at Jeru- 
salem Hill where he has grandsons still living ; Jeremiah Kinne is rep- 
resented by his son Jeremiah ; and John S. Avery, who lived to be 
nearly a centenarian, is represented in the town by his son William ; 
Samuel Matthews by his grandson Chauncey at Cedarville ; David 
Beal by his grandson Oliver; the James Schooley home is owned by 
his son Andrew ; Chester D. Gaylord occupies the homestead of his 
father, Lyman, near North Litchfield, and Samuel Norton the home- 
stead of his father, Russell, in that vicinity. James Congdon is repre- 
sented by his son, A. G. Congdon, near Cedar Lake ; and Richard 
Smith by his son W. H. Smith in the same section. Lewis Devendorf 
was a son of Henry, and C. T. and E. F. Wheelock are grandsons of 
Alvin ; (see history of Winfield). The farm of Lester Smith is now 
owned by Seymour, and Aaron Goodier's homestead by his grandsons, 
near Goodier's Corners. Representatives also of the families of Nathan- 
iel Ball (his grandson, H. H., being town clerk), children'^of Ebenezer 
Bennett, Archibald Parker, and others still reside in the town. Jonas 
Washburn settled early on Jerusalem Hill on the farm now occupied by 
his son, Edward V. Washburn ; and in the same vicinity Lyman Gay- 
Jord lives on the farm settled by Nathan Underwood. Ransford Gole's 



384 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

father settled early at North Litchfield, and George E. Holland, the 
present merchant and postmaster, bought the farm twenty-one j-ears 
ago. He also carries on the manufacture of lime. 

The first school was taught by Jeremiah Everett ; there are now 
nine districts in the town. The first store was kept by David Davis 
and the first tavern by Joseph Sheppard. John Littlejohn established 
the first grist-mill about 1 806. 

The first town meeting was held on the 5 th of April, 1796, and the 
following officers were elected: 

Supervi.'ior, Abel Brace; town clerk, Josiali Shepard ; asses.sors, John Littlejohn, 
Wm. C. Jones, Jeremiah Holnie-s ; overseers of the poor, Joseph Hooker and Joseph 
Walker; commissioners o£ highways, Asa Way, Oliver Harwood, Samuel Murray; 
constables, Peleg Harwood, Abel Brace, jr., Timothy Oreenly ; collectors, Abel Brace, 
jr., Timothy Greenly ; school commissioners, Abel Brace, Tilley Richardson, Josiah 
Shephard. 

The first road laid out after the formation of Litchfield is described 
as "a road from Aaron Budlong's to Josiah Shepard's," and was sur- 
veyed by Israel Porter and recorded in May, 1796. The old Utica and 
Minden turnpike crossed this town and the Ilion and Cedarville plank 
road was built in 1848; it was a toll road until 1868. The Utica and 
Burlington plank road crossed the town, ending at Burlington Fiats. 

At the present time there is no manufacturing of any account in 
Litchfield. The farming community is fairly prosperous and carries on 
cheese-making to a large extent. There are six cheese factories in the 
town, one of which, the Kinne factory, was the second one established 
in the county. In early years wool was extensively produced, but since 
1870-75 little has been done in this industry. The Litchfield furnace 
was established in 18 16, on Moyer creek, near the Frankfort town line. 
The ore used came from Oneida county, and considerable smelting and 
casting was done for a number of years. Charcoal was used in the fur- 
nace, which gave the farmers who were clearing their lands quite a 
source of profit. Elisha Wetmore was the last owner of tlie furnace. 

There are a few small hamlets in Litchfield, but no village of impor- 
tance. Cedarville, a part of which is in the town, has been sufficiently 
noticed in the history of Columbia. Crane's Corners (Litchfield post- 
office) is in the northeastern part of the town, and was named after Harry 
Crane, before named as an early settler, who kept a tavern there in early 



TOWN OP LITCHFIELD. 385 

years. John Ecker was an early merchant and Roswell Champion 
carried on a tannery. Warner Wheelock kept a store a number of 
years. There is no business there now. Stephen Matthews is post- 
master, succeeding Thomas Gary, and he succeeded Seymour Gage, who 
had the office a number of years. 

North Litchfield is a hamlet and post-office in the northern part of 
the town, with George E. Holland as postmaster. This has been known 
as Day's Corners, after Almeron Day, who kept a store here. Mr. Hol- 
land took the post office in 1875, buying out the business of Mr. Day. 
He also carries on the manufacture of lime, in which business John E. 
Salisbury and Dixon & Lewis are also engaged in that vicinity. 

Cedar Lake is a hamlet and post-office in the southern part of the 
town. Edwin Goodier is postmaster, succeeding Almeron Norton in 
1891. The old saw-mill belongs to the estate of John Gird. A store is 
kept by Duane Histed and B. F. Wheeler is the blacksmith. 

A post-office was established ten or twelve years ago at Norwich 
Corners, where a store was formerly kept. N. L. Harrison is the pres- 
ent postmaster. 

The town of Litchfield is divided into nine school districts, and while 
there is no institution of learning in the town of higher grade than the 
common schools, these are kept up with sufficient vigor to suffice for 
the needs of the community. 

Churches. — The First Baptist church of Litchfield was organized at the 
house of Nathaniel Ball on the 15th of March, 1795. Meetings were held 
in private houses until the school-house at North Litchfield was finished 
in 1815. The first pastor was Elder Harris. The first church building 
was erected in 1834, and it was remodeled in 1875. Services have been 
kept up with considerable regularity, either by settled pastors or by 
students from Madison University. 

Congregational (Presbyterian) Church. — A church that was Congre- 
gational in form was organized in the town in August, 1796; but its 
history is unknown and unobtainable. On the 24th of December, 1840, 
" a number of the inhabitants of the town for the purpose of enjoying 
social and religious privileges, met at the school-house near John Under- 
wood's and, agreeable to the statute of this State, formed themselves 
into a religious society called the Litchfield First Congregational Socie- 
49 



386 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ty, with constitution and rules of government." The first trustees were 
Ebenezer Cowles, Timothy Foster, Wm. Brewer, Francis Smiley, John 
Underwood, Isaac Jillet and Eliphalet Fuller. In April, 1813, the 
church took the name of the Litchfield Presbyterian Society and joined 
the presbytery of Oneida, with Rev. Thomas Mills as pastor ; he con- 
tinued until 1820. The first church building was commenced at Jeru- 
salem Hill about the year 18 10, and was finally finished in 18 14. This 
building in course of time fell into decay and a smaller church was 
erected across the road. In 1890 this building was removed to near the 
site of the first one. Services have been generally regular, either by 
settled pastors or by students of Auburn Theological Seminary. Rev. 
John H. Pollock is the present pastor. 

The Norwich Congregational Church — Was organized in 1799, with 
over eighty members. The first church was built in 1802, and was struck 
by lightning and burned in 18 10. In the following year the present 
church was erected. In 1842 it was remodeled. The first minister was 
Rev. John Eastman, who remained ten years. In about the year 1845 
an unhappy dissension arose in the church which divided into two 
factions, each of which had services most of the time for more than 
twenty years, and until 1866, when they were again united under the 
ministry of Rev. David Biggar. In May, 1876, the society united with 
the Jerusalem Hill church. At the present time the society, though 
small, is prosperous and active. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church — At Cedar Lake was formed prob- 
ably previous to 1 8 1 3. Aaron Goodier, one of the pioneers, and an esti- 
mable preacher, was ordained as a deacon in that year. A church was 
built in 1838, and dedicated by Aaron Goodier and Zachariah Paddock ; 
this was burned in 1858, and the present church erected in its place in 
1862. 

The Methodist Society — At Crane's Corners was formed very early 
in the present century, for a wooden church owned by the society was 
standing in 1804. A new church, which is still in use, was built about 
the year 1862, at a cost of $3,000. There is no service held there at 
the present time. This church and the ones at Frankfort Hill and 
Cedar Lake were served by the same ministers for many years. 

The First Universalist Society — Of North Litchfield was organized 
March 19, 1838, with Samuel Rider, Horace E. Ball and William Wet- 



TOWN OP FRANKFORT. 387 

more as trustees ; Boughton Everett, clerk. Rev. Dolphus Skinner 
and T. D. Cook were among the early ministers. Rev. O. A. Brown- 
son served the church for many years. 

Following is a list of supervisors of this town, with date of their in- 
cumbency : 

1796, Abel Brace; 1799, Abel Brace and Francis Smiley; 1800, Francis Smiley; 
180], Francis Smiley and Mason Hatfield; 1802, Mason Hatfield; 1805, Jared J. 
Hooker; 1806, Selah Holcomb ; 1808, Abraham Woodruff; 1810, Benjamin Wood ; 
1812, George Paddock ; 1813, James Orton ; 1816, Matthew Keith ; 1817, John Everett; 
1822, John Ross; 1824, Samuel Fish; 182G, Stephen Crosby; 1828, Thomas Phelon ; 
1830, Samuel Rider; 1832, Selah Holcomb; 1833, Thomas Phelon; 1835, Jonathan 
Butler; 1838, Samuel Rider; 1840, Blias W. Fish; 1842, Alanson Townsend; 1844, 
Julius C. Warren ; 1846, Blias W. Fish ; 1847, Amasa B. Miller; 1848, William Bray- 
ton ; 1850, Anson Rider; 1852, James M. Dodge; 1854, Boughton Everett; 1856, 
Horace E. Ball ; 1858, Archibald Parker ; 1860, Alonzo L. Fish ; 1863, Philander 
Rewry; 1865, Archibald Parker; 1867, Alonzo L. Avery ; 1871, Jacob M. Bealg; 1873, 
Chauncey Matthews ; 1878, Chauncey Matthews ; 1879-1883, H. L. Harrison ; 1884 1887, 
Levi C. Smith; 1888-1890, Irving K. Fish; 1801-1892, B. B Holcomb. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE TOWN OF FRANKFORT. 

THE town of Frankfort was formed from German Flats on the 5th of 
February, 1796. In 1798 a part of it was annexed to Deerfield in 
Oneida county. It is bounded northerly by the town of Schuyler; 
easterly by Herkimer and German Flats ; southerly by Litchfield, and 
westerly by Oneida county. The Mohawk River flows along its north- 
ern boundary. The town is watered by many small brooks, and the 
soil is fertile. Limestone exists in the southwestern part, from which 
excellent lime is made. 

Frankfort contains a considerable portion of Cosby's Manor, and 
about one and one-quarter of a tier of great lots in Bayard's patent, 
four lots in Burnetsfield, and about half a lot in Frank's patent, four and 
a half lots in Staley's, and a part of Colden's patent. The original 
western limit of the town was at the foot of what is now Genesee street 



388 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

in Utica. After leaving the valley of the Mohawk, which averages 
about half a mile in width in this town, the surface is hilly. Moyer 
Creek flows into the Mohawk at Frankfort, and Ferguson Creek dis- 
charges into the river about a mile from the west boundary of the town. 
The principal business of the farming community is dairying, which is 
very successfully pursued. 

Frankfort received its name from Lawrence Frank, who was among 
the early settlers. The first permanent settler was Jacob Folts, who 
came in 1723, with other Palatines. He was given lot No. 3, of the 
Burnetsfield patent, south of the river, and afterwards became owner of 
the adjoining lot. No. 2. This lot remained in possession of members 
of the Folts family until recent times. Conrad Folts was a brother of 
Jacob, and was lost in the Mohawk in June, 1793, leaving nine children, 
among whom was Jacob C. Folts, who was the ancestor of Jacob J. 
Folts. Col. James Folts was another prominent member of this family. 
The ancestral home of the family was erected by Jacob C. Folts, and 
for many years was the finest residence in the town.^ Other early 
settlers were Andrew Piper, David Dederick, Aaron James, Evan 
Evans, Joseph Harris, John Morris, John Myers, Adam Weber. Some 
of these were of Welsh origin, of which nationality a large number set- 
tled in the upper Mohawk valley about the year 1800 and later. 

Sylvester Joslin, whose farm is still owned by his granddaughter, was 
an early settler of P'rankfort ; also Christopher Joslin, who has a grand- 
son living in Frankfort village ; as well as Alexander Watson, whose 
farm is occupied by his grandson, Alexander B. Watson. Amos Till- 
inghast came early, and his farm is in part occupied by his descendants ; 
also John Joslin, whose land is occupied by Merritt F. Joslin ; Aaron 

1 To Jacob Folts was assigned lot Ko. 3 on the south side of the Mohawk River. This lot is in 
the town of Frankfort and is now owned by Daniel W. Folts, who is a descendant in a direct line 
from the original proprietor of the lot, andiwhich has been m the same name and blood for more 
than one hundred and fifty years. Jacob Folts, the original proprietor of lot No. 3, was a useful 
man in the church of German Flats and to his country. He held a commission in the Provincial 
army, issued by Governor Moore, bearing date October 8, 176S. He became owner of the adjoining 
lot No. 2 before the War of the Revolution ; and by his will, which is dated October 16, 1793, he gave 
to his grandson, Warner Folts, his lot No. 3, and to his grandson, Jacob C. Folts, lot No. 2. He 
died in 1807, at the great age of 97 years, and consequently was only 13 years of age when lot No. 3 
was originally assigned to him. His grandson, Warner Folts, was the father of Daniel W. Folts, 
the present owner and occupant of lot No. 3 ; and his grandson, Jacob C. Folts, was the father of 
Col. James Folts, the present owner and occupant of lot No. 2. The present occupant of lot No. 3 
is in the fourth generation of the same name and blood as owner of the lot.— From Samuel Earl's 
writings of 1876. 



TOWN OP FRANKFORT. Mi 

Budlong, still represented by his grandson Robert ; Samuel Ferguson, 
by his grandson, James D. ; William Bridenbecker, by his grandsons, 
Judson and Sherwood B., sons of Alexander. These men and others 
laid the foundation of the prosperous town; opened roads, built mills 
and cleared the forests. 

Others who settled in this town and became prominent in its affairs 
were John B. Dygert, Chauncey Devendorf, who was for forty years a 
merchant ; Edward Davis, who lived about two miles west of Frankfort 
village ; Epaphroditus Palmer, a prominent farmer just east of the vil- 
lage; William H. Tisdale, who is still living ; and Robert Etheridge. 
Sketches of others appear a little further on. 

The first town meeting was undoubtedly held in 1796, but the rec- 
ords are mutilated and do not show its proceedings. In 1797 the 
following town officers were elected : 

Joseph McKee, Benjamin Levaley, David Dederick, Benjamin Ballon, Jeremiah 
Powell, Ezekiel Baker, Thomas Whitcomb, and Samuel Wood, overseers of highways, 
fence viewers and poundmasters ; Joseph McKee, Solomon Johnson and Joseph Lowe, 
commissioners of schools ; and it was '' voted that the next annual town meeting be 
held at the house of David Dederick. Attest Joseph JIcKee, town clerk." 

The usual town regulations were adopted. In 1799 it was voted that 
the town be divided " into four wards for the convenience of erecting 
pounds." Running at large of cattle, the height of fences, etc., were 
regulated by early ordinances. Some of the numerous entries relative 
to stray cattle are very curious, as witness the following: 

In 1815 Michael Widrig had taken up '■' four calfs ; one of them a Bool Calf, and 
three are black, one with a wite face, and the other two some wite spots on their 
forret." Jesse Hamblin took up " one Red Cow a, bout twelve years old, without any 
mark, the Right horn Lops down and a short tale ; " and Jacob Hofstater records " one 
Red Cow with a pease of wood on her horns." 

Warner Folts, of this town, had at least one slave as late as 1822, 
concerning which the following record appears: 

I, Warner Folts, of the town of Frankfort, in the county of Herkimer, farmer, do 
certify that a negro girl named Susan, to whose service I am entitled, was born of 
Flora, a slave, then owned by Mr. Doneken, in Canajoharie, in the county of Mont- 
gomery, on the 28th day of February, 1804, according to the best of my knowledge, 
information and belief. 

Caleb Budlong, Town Clerk. Warner Folts. 



39(5 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

There were at first eight road districts in the town ; and in 1832, pre- 
vious to which date the school records are lost, there were eleven 
school districts. 

It is believed that there was a grist-mill and a saw-mill on the creek 
just east of the site of Frankfort village previous to the Revolution, which 
were both burned by the French and Indians in 1757. In 1794 John 
Hollister built another saw-mill, and near it, on Moyer creek, Adam I. 
Campbell built a grist-mill in 1808. In 1823 it was abandoned and a 
second was built near the other, which last mentioned one was burned 
in 1853. A paper-mill was erected on the site which was converted 
into a distillery, and that into the present grist- mill. 

The first tavern in the town was kept in 1795 by John Myers, about 
a mile and a half northwest from the present village of Frankfort, on 
the State road. 

About 1816 Matthew and Michael Myers built a large ashery on the 
bank of the river near the village, which was successfully operated for 
many years. George W. Henry established a manufactory of cow-bells 
in 1823, and later engaged in various enterprises. Several attempts 
have been made in Herkimer and Oneida counties to develop iron in- 
dustries, both in smelting and manufacturing. The Frankfort furnace 
was established in 18 19, by a stock company, bringing its ore from 
Clinton, Oneida county. It was quite successful for some years, but 
was finally abandoned. The town of Salisbury has an iron ore bed. 

The Frankfort Woolen Factory was built in 1807 by Joseph Ingham, 
of Schuyler, and Joseph Collins, of Frankfort. It has continued to do 
business until the present time, the first primitive machinery being 
used down to 1865, when Robert Kerr purchased it from Mr. Collins, 
and refitted it with modern machinery. It was the first woolen factory 
in Herkimer county. 

Dr. Caleb Budlong was the first physician in the town and village of 
Frankfort; he was one of the four persons who made up the first gradu- 
ating class of Fairfield Medical College in 1817. The first attorney 
was Samuel Chapman. Later Col. George B. Judd was a prominent 
lawyer in this town. 

Following is a list of supervisors of Frankfort, with date of their 
incumbency : 



TOWN OP FRANKFORT. " 391 

In 1796, James Kipp; 1798, Joseph McKee ; 1801, Aaron Budlong; 1806, Warner 
Folts; 1807, John Joslin ; 1822, Joseph French; 1825, Samuel Ethridge ; 182G, John 
B. Dygert; 1828, Erastus Everett; 1832, Warner Folts; 1833, Robert Cook;' 1835 
Caleb Budlong; 1839, John Morgan; 1841, Warner Dygert; 1843, William Briden- 
becker ; 1844, James Macauley ; 1845, Lewis F. Joslin; 1846, Charles Crow: 1847 
Chauncey Devendorf; 1848, Edward Davis ; 1849, Edward Davis, jr. ; 1850, Epaphro'- 
ditus Palmer; 1851, AVilliam Gates, jr ; 1853, James M. Hulser; 1854, George John- 
son ; 1855, William Gates; 1856, Peter J. Hotaling; 1859, Richard Davis; 1860, 
William H. Tisdale ; 1861, Robert Ethridge ; 1863, Lewis Davis ; 1864, Robert Ethridge; 
1865, Thomas Devendorf ; 1867, Archibald McGowan ; 1870, John W. Bridenbecker- 
1871, P. A. Skifif; 1874, W. H. H. Parkhurst ; 1875, William W. Crosby; 1878-188l| 
W. W. Crosby; 1882-1885, George L Seaman; 1886-1889, John Lottis; 1890. C. w! 
Harter; 1891, George L Seaman ; 1892, John T. Kerivan. 

The building of the Erie Canal and the later opening of the railroad, 
with a station at the northeast corner of the town (though just in the 
edge of Schuyler) inspired the hope felt all along the line, that they 
would lead to the rapid development of the town and village ; but such 
a hope was to a large extent groundless, as must always be the case with 
the larger number of railroad towns. The opening of the West Shore 
road, however, in 1883, proved a boon to Frankfort, through the liber- 
ality of her citizens. When it became known that the immense shops 
of the new railroad would be located where the most generous offers 
were made of land and other conveniences, the people of Frankfort 
village and other citizens of the county and State fairly out -bid all 
other points, gave the company real estate valued at about $75,000 
and secured the prize. The present great shops, employing several 
hundred men at all seasons, were erected, and have been the means of 
giving the village a degree of vitality and thrift which it could not 
otherwise have acquired. 

In 1872 the village of Frankfort was connected with Ilion by a street 
railroad, giving frequent and easy connection with that village, as well 
as with Mohawk and Herkimer by similar lines. 

In 1807 there were only seven houses within the limits of the present 
corporation of Frankfort village. About 18 10 Jacob Weaver opened 
a tavern here, and in 18 14 Matthew and Michael Myers opened a store 
nearly opposite the woolen factory. In 1809 a grist-mill was built, 
which is still standing, and in 1811 a tannery was erected by a Mr. 
Qriswold; this was continued in operation until about i860. Elias 



392 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY". 

Palmer made grain cradles here for a number of years, and until the 
sale of harvesting machines killed his business. A distillery was oper- 
ated for some years after 1820. 

On the 4th of May, 1863, the village was incorporated, and under 
the charter the first election was held on the 25th of May, when the 
following persons were elected trustees : J. W. Bridenbecker, presi- 
dent ; A. W. Sheldon, Isaac Piper, M. Golden, Samuel Z. Hoard. 
The population was given in 1870 as 1,083; 't is now (1892) about 
2,800. 

Fire Department. — At the time of the incorporation of the village, 
the apparatus for extinguishing fires consisted of one hand engine. This 
soon became nearly worthless, and in 1886 the authorities purchased a 
second-hand hand engine which was in effective use until 1883, when 
an Amoskeag steamer was purchased second-hand at a cost of $1,100. 
The former Columbian Engine Co. took the steamer in charge, and 
with it was connected the Niagara Hose Company. This engine and 
company are now known as Columbian Steamer & Hose Co. No. 2, with 
the following officers : D. E. Tisdale, president ; W. C. Abbott, vice- 
president ; G. F. Tyne, secretary ; H. S. Ballda, treasurer ; Martin 
Tucker, jr., foreman; John Owens, 1st assistant foreman; L. E. Nipe, 
2d assistant foreman. 

In 1886, a hook and ladder truck was purchased at a cost of $625, 
and the H. H. Ingham H. & L. Co. No. 3 was formed, which now has 
the following officers : B. E. Durst, president ; W. H. Thomas, vice- 
president ; C. P. Johnson, secretary; H. C. Loris, treasurer; J. W. 
Powers, foreman; Robert Gordon, 1st assistant foreman; Frederick 
Parshall, 2d assistant foreman. 

In 1890 a second steamer was purchased at a cost of $i,200, and 
Honahan Steamer & Hose Co. No. I was formed with the following 
present officers: Y. F. Wells, president; T. J. Costello, vice-president; 
Frank Phillips, secretary ; H. Steele, treasurer ; Thomas Ashby, fore- 
man ; Edward Manning, ist assistant foreman ; F. D. Deuel, 2d as- 
sistant foreman. 

The present brick engine-house was built in 18843! a cost of $3,500, 
and in it all the modern apparatus is kept. The old hand engine is 
kept on Main street, and the first steamer on the match factory premises. 



TOWN OF FRANKFORT. 393 

The following are the department officers in 1892 : 

Thomas Honahan, chief; R. J. Peuster, 1st assistant chief; John Manning, jr., 2d 
assistant chief; E. J. Garner, president; Frank Staring, M. D. Eagan, and B. J. Owen, 
vice-presidents ; John Kerivan, jr., secretary ; C. C. Barter, treasurer. 

Manufacture of Matches. — The village of Frankfort has been known 
during many years as the location of a large match- making industry. 
This was first established by William Gates in 1844. His first building 
was only twelve feet square, and was situated some fifty rods from the 
present factory, on the bank of the canal. There the first matches 
were cut by hand, with a kind of plane, which cut about three at a time 
in width and a strip about three feet long. These were cut in pieces 
twice the length of the matches to be made, and dipped at both ends 
into melted sulphur. After drying in frames they were cut in the mid- 
dle, put in hand- made boxes and peddled about in near-by places. Mr. 
Gates made also the block matches, which were split in blocks but not 
wholly separated, and were dipped a single block at a time. Those 
early matches brought a price more than ten times as high as the pres- 
ent price of matches. 

Mr. Gates saw the great need of machinery with which to perform 
the work he had been doing by hand, and set himself about the task of 
inventing and making it. The result of his efforts, combined to some 
extent with the aid of others, finally resulted in machinery for making 
matches and the small boxes in which they are sold, that seems almost 
human and intelligent in its action. William Gates died July 28, 1877, 
and was succeeded by his sons, the style of William Gates's Sons being 
adopted August I, 1877. Frederick Gates, one of the sons, is now a 
prominent capitalist of Harriman, Tennessee. 

Schools — Bank — Press. — There are now fifteen school districts in the 
town of Frankfort, of which two are in the village, conducted under 
the Union Free-school system. The graded school, over which W. F. 
Moshier is principal, assisted by six teachers, is one of the best in the 
county. A new school building is being erected at a cost of $20,000, 
with accommodations for 500 pupils. The building is of brick and will 
contain ten rooms 

In the year 1854 the Frankfort Bank was incorporated under the gen- 
eral law, with a capital of $100,000. The first officers were : William 



394 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Bridenbecker, president; William Gates, vice-president; R. H. Pome- 
roy, cashier ; and later Robert Ethridge, cashier. Business was con- 
tinued until about 1870, when the affairs of the institution were closed 
up. The village was then without a bank until 1886, when the First 
National Bank of Frankfort was organized with a capital of $50,000, 
and Henry Churchill was chosen president. He has held tlie office un- 
til the present time. The cashier was and still is A. W. Haslehurst, 
who is also cashier of the First National Bank of Herkimer ; this leaves 
the immediate charge of the Frankfort bank in the hands of George 
H. Watson, as assistant cashier, who has been in the position since the 
bank was organized. The directors are Henry Churchill, H. G. Hun- 
ger, George P. Folts, L R. Hunt, W. W. Crosby, George A. Smith, 
John Loftis, George H. Watson, A. W. Haslehurst. The bank has a 
surplus of $9,000 and about $88,000 deposits. The old bank building 
was purchased and is now occupied. 

On the 1st of January, 1881, J. G. Hardell started a newspaper in 
Newport, Herkimer county, called the Newport Advertiser, which he 
continued until 1883, when he enlarged it to eight pages and changed 
the name to the Newport Register. In 1885 he removed it to Frank- 
fort and changed the name to conform to the new location. The paper 
enjoys a circulation of about 1,000 and is liberally supported. 

Churches. — The Baptist church in Frankfort was formed by a few 
persons who were granted letters of dismission from the church in 
Schuyler, in December, 1828. The church was organized by a council 
at Masonic Hall, Frankfort, January 27, 1829. This movement was 
effected chiefly by Elder Stephen Wilkins, who was the first pastor. 
In addition to several supplies who served the church at different short 
periods, the society has had as regular pastors: 

Elders N. G. Chase, 18.30-32; Lewis Ranstead, 1833-36; Rev. Thomas Houston, 
1830-42; Rev. Ne*eU Boughton, 1842-46; and th-n Rev. R. G. Toles became pastor in 
1849; Rev. William B. Curtis in 1853; Rev. M. Mumford in 1854; Rev. G. P. Martin 
in 1859; Rev. J. C. Ward in 1860; Rev. A. Lindsay in 1869; Rev. A. Le Roy, a part 
of 1873 ; Rev. H. M. Perry to 1876 ; Rev. H. Garliek, who began in 1876 ; Rev. M. W. 
Hayues, 1880-83; Rev. Amos Myers, 1883-85; Rev. J. A. Ford, 1885-88; Rev. J. R. 
Shaw, 1888-92. 

Services were held in various places until 1834, when the first build- 
ing was erected, at a cost of $1,300. It was burned in 1861, and in 



Town of frankfort. 395 

the same year another and a larger structure was erected at a cost of 
$2,500. The church membership in 1S92 was 153. 

There was a Methodist class in Frankfort long before the organiza- 
tion of the church, which took place about the year 1842. The society 
grew in numbers, but it was not made a station until 1849, '"^ which 
year the first church building was erected ; it was of brick and cost 
$1,800. It was dedicated in February, 1850, Rev. B. F. Devendorf 
preaching the sermon. About twenty years later the site of the old 
Dutch Reformed church was purchased by the Methodist society, and 
there the present church edifice was erected. The old Reformed church 
was moved away to make room for the new one. The Reformed 
church building was the first church erected in Frankfort, and was built 
about the year 1825. The new church cost about $6,000, and was 
dedicated in June, 1869. The pastors of the church have been as fol- 
low : 

1850-51. D.Stone; 1852-53,fT. D. Mitchell; 1854, R. S. Frasier ; ] 855-56, A. M. 
Smith; 1857, J. V. Ferguson; 1858-59, Orra Squire; 1860-61. C. H.Austin; 1862-63. 
F.Zimmerman; 1864-65, Cyrus Phillips; 1866-68, W. L. Tisdale ; 1869-71, B. F. Bar- 
ker ; 1872-74, S. P. Gray; 1875, J. L. Humphrey ; 1876-78, M. R. Webster; 1879-82, 
William F. Brown; 1882-85, Harlow Skeel ; 1885-88, R. J. Smith; 1888-90, J. L. 
Humphrey ; 1890-92, S. W. Brown. 

Other Methodist societies existed at an early day in this town, serv- 
ices being held in school-houses and elsewhere. These were consoli- 
dated in 1840, under the pastorate of L. Beach, and in that year a 
church was built. It was used until 1872, when another was erected in 
its place at Frankfort Hill, costing $8,000. The society has prospered 
satisfactorily and still holds services with regularity. 

About the year 1820 a class was formed at West Frankfort, with 
Samuel Barnes as leader. On the 28th of January, 1839, the class was 
organized into a church, which was called the Third Society of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Frankfort. A church was built in 
1840; was repaired in 1873-4 and rededicated February 18, 1874. 
The church property is worth about $2,000. 

The First Universalist church of Frankfort was organized in 1838, 
and Rev. Dolphus Skinner, a very able man, was pastor from that time 
until 1850. From 1838 until 1844 meetings were held in Masonic 
Hall, but in the last named year the present church was built. The 



39G HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtJNTt. 

present membership is sixty. Mr. Skinner was succeeded in the pas- 
torate by Richard Eddy, and he by Josiah Bartlett in 1851. D. C. 
O'Daniels was pastor in 1854; T. D. Cook in 1857; Daniel Ballou in 
1865, and again in 1873, and for a number of years thereafter. W. H. 
Grigsby and C. B. Richardson also served the church between 1868 and 
' S73. J. J. Drayton preaches at the present time in Frankfort and Utica. 

St. Alban's Episcopal church of Frankfort was organized in 1888. 
A church building had already been erected in 1886 at a cost of about 
$3,000. The first rector was Rev. Sheldon M. Griswold, of Ilion, who 
preached to the mission while the church was being provided. The 
church has since been served by pastors from Herkimer and Ilion, Rev. 
William Mason Cook, of the latter place, officiating at the present time. 
There are about forty communicants. 

St. Peter's and St. Paul's Catholic church was formed under the ad- 
ministration of Rev. Father J. H. Halpin, now of Herkimer, Decem- 
ber 16, 1885. A substantial and commodious brick church belongs to 
the congregation. When Father Halpin went to Herkimer he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Patrick Wallace. 

There are five post-offices in the town of Frankfort, the one at Frank- 
fort village being undercharge of Thomas Honahan as postmaster. At 
Frankfort Center the postmaster is W. L. Tisdale. At the Gulf John 
Alvord has the post-office ; at McGowan's, A. W. McGowan is post- 
master. At Frankfort Hill H. C. Pryne is postmaster. There is no 
business of consequence at any of these points. 

The present (1892) officers of Frankfort village are as follow: Pres- 
ident, C. C. Harter ; trustees, George Russell, G. F. Tine, A. L. Ash- 
ley, W. W. Duell ; clerk, Frank Duel!. 

West Frankfort (now known as Harbor Station, on the West Shore 
Railroad), is a small settlement in the western part of the town, where a 
hotel is kept by D. C. Penny, and stores by John Near and Frank Van 
Dyke. Mail is received at Utica, four miles distant. 

Frankfort Center was formerly known as Howard's Bush, and there 
has long been a saw-mill and cheese factory there. McGowansville, or 
East Frankfort, is on the canal about a mile east of Frankfort. It re- 
ceived its name from Hon. Archibald C. McGowan, ex-senator, who 
settled there in 1854, and is still living. He built a dry dock at that 
f)oint, and has for many years carried on a mercantile business. 



Town of schuylee. 397 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE TOWN OF SCHUYLER. 

THE town of Schuyler was formed from the town of Herkimer 
April 10, 1792. Since that date the town of Trenton was taken 
from it in 1797 ; Deerfield (Oneida county) in 1798, and a part of New- 
port in 1S06. A part of Herkimer was annexed in 1808, and rean- 
nexed to Herkimer in 181 1. (See New York session laws.) Schuyler 
is bounded on the north by Newport ; east by Herkimer ; south by the 
Mohawk River, and west by Oneida county. The valley of the Mohawk, 
with an average width of one and one-half miles, constitutes the 
southern part of the town, comprising about 6,000 acres, which is a 
rich productive section ; while the hilly region of the remainder of the 
town is a slaty, gravelly soil, quite well adapted to tillage. The streams 
are small and flow into the Mohawk. The whole of Kast's patent and 
parts of Cosby's manor and Hasenclever's and Walton's patents consti- 
tute the territory of the town. 

Among the white men who penetrated the wilderness in the western 
part of what is now Herkimer county as early or earlier than the Pala- 
tine settlements were made at Fort Herkimer (German Flats), was 
John Jurgh Kass (or Kast, as now written). He was one of the thrifty 
Germans who saw the possibilities of trade with the Indians, and it is 
known that he was among them in 1720 trading them ammunition and 
trinkets for their valuable furs. A tradition exists that he also sold them 
the coveted rum, and that for a keg of the " fire water " he bought 
about 1 1,000 acres of choice land, which he described, and that in 1724 
his titled was confirmed to him by Great Britain. This was the earliest 
date of a patent in this country, although the Burnetsfield grantees 
(Kast being one) settled on their lands a year earlier. Some of the de- 
scendants of Kast are still living in this county. 

The town of Schuyler probably sufifered but little in the French and 
Indian war, its situation on the west of the frontier saving it, in a large 
measure, from savage incursions. Permanent settlement began in the 



398 HISTORY OF HERKIMKR COUNTY. 

eastern part of the town about the year 1764, when Peter Hasenclever, 
an enterprising and wealthy German from Wurtemberg, came to the 
colon}' and erected iron works on the Hudson River near West Point; 
he also established trading posts farther west, and obtained a site for 
settlement at what is now East Schuyler. During the period preceding 
the Revolution this was the extreme western settlement in this State. 

While in Wurtemberg on a visit Hasenclever pictured to the German 
peasants the wonders of the new world in such glowing colors that a 
number of them consented to emigrate. Hasenclever provided them 
with means for their passage to his settlement, and agreed to supply 
them and their families with subsistence for three years in return for 
their service. He built an ashery, probably the first frame building, 
and the first manufactory of any kind within the present bounds of 
Schuyler. He also had a store (the first in Herkimer county), which 
was situated on land now occupied by the widow of D. I. Briden- 
becker. Potash and other products were shipped by Hasenclever 
down the Moliawk in flat boats, and merchandise and provisions re- 
turned in the same manner. He also began to build a saw-mill on a 
small stream flowing into the Mohawk. This settlement he named 
" New Petersburg." Over thirty log houses were built for tlie people 
employed by Hasenclever, among whom were families named Briden- 
becker. Staring, Bargy (formerly written Birchi), Clemens, Widrig, 
Oyer (formerly written Aiyer and Irer), Finster, Keller, Steinway, and 
others. Descendants of several of these families still occupy land on 
which their ancesters first settled. 

The Revolutionary War was the cause of the destruction and abandon- 
ment of New Petersburg. The business of the ashery and the trading 
were broken up and Hasenclever left the country for good. The ash- 
ery stood on ground now owned by Luther P. Staring. 

Early in the struggle for independence the settlers in Schuyler real- 
izing their exposed situation, adopted measures for protection. A 
piece of ground, now also owned by Mr. Staring, and on the rising land 
on which his house now stands, was enclosed by high pickets and was 
known as the " fort." Within this enclosure three or four log houses 
were built, into which the families retired at night, while during the 
day they worked on the near-by lands. The place was much harassed 



TOWN OF SCHUYLER. 399 

by the Indians and tories, and several of the inhabitants were killed or 
taken prisoners. The attacks at last became so frequent that the people 
were impelled to flee into Fort Dayton, abandoning their homes until 
the close of the war. Among the women who petitioned the Legisla- 
ture after the war for assistance, were several widows of settlers at New 
Petersburg. 

Schuyler, as we have seen, was a part of Herkimer until 1792. Be- 
fore that year a good many families from the Eastern States had come 
into this part of the valley, purchased the farms of some of the Germans, 
and settled permanently on the hill land back from the flats. In early 
times it was a prevailing theory that tlie valley would be extremely 
wealthy as a place for settlement and living, and nearly or quite all of 
the early emigrants located first on the high ground. The first roads 
were often on the hill sides. The increase of population following the 
Revolution led to the division of Herkimer and the creation of Schuyler. 
The town was named in honor of Gen. Philip Schuyler, who, with his 
relatives, the Bleeckers, owned a considerable tract in the eastern part 
of Cosby's Manor, Possession of several extensive lots was obtained, 
after some difficulty, by surveying five lots of one hundred acres each 
across the large lots. This tract was nearly midway between the river 
and the head line adjoining Hasenclever's patent ; it was just half a mile 
wide and nearly two miles long, and has been known as the "five hun- 
dred acre tract." The original large lots in the manor were surveyed 
with the lines running at right angles from the river to the north head 
line and numbered from east to west; but as Kast's patent was within 
the manor, those lots that lay between that patent and the head line 
were much shorter than those east and west of them, and hence have 
been and are known as " Short Lots." 

The "Windfall," so called, is in the northern part of the town. It 
gained its name from a portion of the original forest that was felled by 
a tornado. George Whaley and the Barbers were the first settlers in 
that section. 

" The Bush " was thus named by the Germans, it remaining an un- 
broken forest long after the lower settlements were made. Haywood 
Minott, and three Johnson brothers, Lyman, Josiah and Rawson, were 
among the pioneers in this immediate locality. The section has been 
known as Minott's Corners. 



400 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

A little north of East Schuyler (or New Petersburg, or Germantown, 
by all of which names it has been known) was Stone Arabia, situated on 
high ground, the neighborhood of which was long known by the Yan- 
kees as " the Dutch Settlement." In this vicinity Baultis Bridenbecker 
settled on land that is still in possession of members of the family. His 
grandsons, D. I. and Amos Bridenbecker, were prominent among the 
farmers of the town. Luther P. Staring also lived on land that was set- 
tled by his grandfather, and later was owned by his father. A son of 
Daniel Oyer still lives on the farm where his great-grandfather settled, 
who was killed in the battle ofOriskany. He spelled his name " Iver." 

The central and western parts of the town were not much settled un- 
til about the beginning of the present century. Elisha Ladd came in 
1804, and Stephen and Elisha Rose came from Connecticut and settled 
in the " Short Lots." Jonathan Richardson came in early and also the 
Budlongs. Thomas Wood, Charles Brown, and Charles Christian were 
among the first settlers at West Schuyler. Descendants of most of these 
are still residents here. The first brick house in town was built at West 
Schuyler by Lovel Burch in 1830, and Calvin Wood built one soon 
afterward ; both are yet standing. Hiram Tanner built the third about 
a mile north of West Schuyler. 

After the failure of Hasenclever to build a saw-mill, no other was 
built until about 1798, when John Finster erected one at East Schuyler, 
on the Bridenbecker Creek, opposite his house. Later he built another 
lower down on the same stream, and both were of great importance to 
the pioneers, in giving them lumber for houses and barns. Elisha Rose 
built the second mill in the town on the Staring Creek and a Mr. Augur 
also built one. These long ago disappeared. A saw- mill was built in 
1826 on the Mohawk by Amos Smith, Robert Burch and Mason Barken 
on what is known as the Bradstreet farm ; it was not operated very long. 
Two grist-mills had been built on the Staring Creek, but they long ago 
succumbed to the ravages of time. One of them was built by Dr. Joseph 
Carder, on the farm now owned by his grandsons, Homer and Horace. 
The other was built by Robert Hinchman, and was about half a mile 
below the Carder mill. A grist-mill was also built by a man named 
Brown above those mentioned and on a small stream flowing into Star- 
ing Creek, near where the State road crosses the creek ; he also built a 



TOWN OF SCHUYLER. 401 

saw-mill on the same site, which he operated a short time. All of these 
have disappeared. About 1845 Vaugn Sweet bought the clothing- mill 
at West Schuyler and built a grist-mill on the site ; with the failure of 
wa^er this mill was, like the others, abandoned. A cloth-dressing mill 
was built at West Schuyler not far from 18 1 2, by Charles Brown, which 
passed to possession of Lovel Burch, who operated it several years when 
lack of that class of business in a farming community caused its abandon- 
ment. Robert Burch carried on an early tannery at West Schuyler, 
and there was one at East Schuyler, both of which disappeared many 
years ago. All of these early manufactories have been displaced by the 
more profitable cheese factories ; of these there are now five in the 
town. 

Among the very early merchants it is said that a man named Thomp- 
son kept a store during the Revolutionary War, between the turnpike 
and the river, on, land owned in later years by James Staring, near the 
fording place. Hasenclever had a store near where Nicholas and James 
Bridenbecker live. Philip Knapp had a store at the end of Richardson 
lane. A store was also located near where the half-way house 
was formerly kept, and one has existed many years at East Schuyler, 
generally in connection with the post-office. Among the merchants 
there have been David Smith, A. G. Colwell, Jesse Johnson, George H. 
Elwell, Duane Richardson, Edward Haver (who is also now post- 
master), and Newell Miller. The latter has also the grist-mil! at East 
Schuyler. Isaac Tallman, Ira Gordon, Warren Budlong, and Dorman 
Robbins kept stores at West Schuyler, Brayton Wood and William H. 
Griffith are the present merchants of that place, the latter succeeding 
L. D. Goodwin & Son. 

Adam Staring, it is said, kept the earliest tavern of which there is 
any knowledge, ..1 a log dwelling where the fort stood at the time of 
the Revolution. Amos Smith afterwards built a public house near 
where Staring had been, which was used as a stopping-place for stages 
and in which the post-office at East Schuyler was kept. Next west- 
ward from this was the popular half-way house, so called from its being 
midway between Utica and Herkimer. The construction of the rail- 
road caused its removal, after which it was used as a farm house. 
Judge Henri Staring kept a tavern at one period, and nearly two miles 

51 



402 niSTORT OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

west William K. Knapp had a public house. At West Schuyler Charles 
Brown built a commodious tavern in i8li, in which he, Isaac Tallman 
and Ira Gordon kept a tavern or store, the latter during a period of 
twenty-two years. It is in this building that Brayton Wood now car- 
ries on business. The heavy stage travel of olden times through this 
valley gave liberal support to these various public houses; but with 
the building of the canal and railroads they rapidly fell into disuse. At 
the present time there is no tavern in the town. 

Schuyler was divided into school districts in 1813, but schools had 
been taught in the town long previous to that date. A German school 
was taught at East Schuyler under the patronage of Mr. Hasenclever, 
and another very early in the Stone Arabia section. A receipt is in 
existence given by " Henry Andrew Cramer, a schoolmaster," dated at 
"New Petersburg, iSth March, 1791," acknowledging that "Jacob 
Widrig paid one scheple (three pecks) of wheat, three scheples of maize, 
and one shilling for church and school bill in the year 1790 to the end 
of March, 1791, in full of all demands." A small school was taught by 
Cramer's wife in their dwelling on the farm now owned by Ira P. Bud- 
long. This was the old Cramer homestead. The first school-house 
was built on the site of the present one in district No. 4 in 1809, and 
others followed soon after the division into districts. There are now 
nine districts in the town. 

The Great Western Turnpike passes through this town, but it existed 
as a roadway, although more crooked than at present, long before the 
turnpike company was formed in 1802. The company took possession 
of the road, straightened and otherwise improved it and charged toll. 
What has been known as the " Steuben road " is partly in this town, 
some of it having been discontinued. It received its name from Baron 
Steuben, who was desirous of opening a highway from his home in 
Oneida county to the village of Herkimer, and accordingly employed a 
large number of men for that purpose. He laid out the road on the 
high land between the Mohawk and West Canada Creek, so as to avoid 
bridging the small streams that flow to the river and the creek. An 
early road was opened during the Revolution, from near the former resi- 
dence of Judge Staring, where the turnpike crosses Staring Creek to the 
river, and where there was a good fording place. It was long ago 



J 



TOWN OF SCHDTLER. 403 

abandoned. The State road, laid out by commissioners appointed by 
the State, leads from West Canada Creek through " the Bush." There 
are four bridges across the Mohawk in this town, two at the east and 
two at the west end. 

With no village of importance in a favorable locality, the town 
of Schuyler received little direct benefit from the opening of the rail- 
roads through the valley. Even if it had been otherwise, the proxim- 
ity of the inhabitants to the thriving city of Utica would have precluded 
any consequent growth from the railroad. The town population is 
almost wholly of farmers, and many of the older families, especially of 
the northern part, have gone away and their lands have passed to the 
possession of others. 

The first town meeting in Schuyler was held on the second of April, 
1793, at the house of Captain George G. Weber. The following officers 
were elected : 

Francis Guiteau, town clerk; Isaac Brayton, supervisor; George Witherick, G. G. 
Weber, W. Fanning and J. Stafford, sr., assessors; Ezra Pain, John Ladd and Thomas 
Nicholas, commissioners of highways; Abel Austin, collector; James Denslow, Abel 
Austin and Andrew Bennett, constables; John Warren and Peter Fox, poormasters; 
James Gary, James Denslow, John Warren, Nicholas Weber, David Andrew, Nicholas 
Staring, Nathaniel White and Thomas Cain, pathmasters. The spelling of these names 
is as they appear on the records. 

Following is a list of supervisors of this town, and date of their in- 
cumbency : 

Isaac Brayton, 1793-06; William Fanning, 1796-98; Henry Coffin, 1798-1800; 
Benjamin Larned. 1800-02 ; Asaph Mather, 1802-04; Robert Burch, 1804-07, 1814- 15; 
Gideon Johnson, 1807-14-15-26; Thomas Burch, 1826-29; Joshua Mather, 1829-31- 
32-34; Lovel Burch, 1831-32; Calvin Wood, 1834-36; Nathan Budlong, 1836-38; 
Nathan Budlong, jr., 1838-39-40-41-42-44 ; George Burch, 1839-40 ; Vaughn Sweet, 
1841-42-44-45; Henry N. Staring, 184,5-47; Charles B. Ingham, 1847-49; Samuel 
Budlong, 18-19-51 ; Warren Richardson, 1851-52 ; Erasmus W. Day, 1852-55, 1859-CO; 
John W. Davison, 1853-54, 1860-62; Leland L. Kane, 1855-57, 1862-71; Warren D. 
Budlong. 1857-58; James B. Ladd, 1858-59, 1871-73; John M. Budlong, 1873-74, 
1877-83; Warren W. Richardson, 1874-76; W. V. Minott, 1884-85; Duane M. 
Richardson, 1886-91 ; Rufus H. Smith, 1892. 

The town of Schuyler has been represented in the Legislature of this 
State by Robert Burch in 18 1 1 and 1812; Olmsted Hough in 1813 ; 
George Burch, son of Robert Burch, in 1840; Harris Lewis in 1857 
and 1858; and Erasmus W. Day in 1S69. 



404 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

It is known that the German early settlers held regular religious 
services from the first, as they did in all the towns in which they dwelt. 
The first building in which public services were held was Hascnclever's, 
and the first building erected for church services was the school- house 
(intended also for school) already alluded to in district No. 4. This 
building was erected by personal contributions and was used for many 
years for school and church purposes. It was removed in 1836 to make 
room for the present school-house. 

The Baptist society at East Schuyler erected a church building in 
1821-22, on the site since occupied by the stone school house of district 
No. 3. In 1833 this building was taken down and again erected about 
a mile east of West Schuyler. The membership declined, the church 
became disorganized and the owner of the land demolished the building 
under his lease. 

In 1835 the Methodist Protestant church, a small society in "Stone 
Arabia" and " the Bush," feeling the need of a larger and more com- 
modious place of worship than the old square-roofed school-house 
afforded, consulted with the few aged members of the old Lutheran 
society, and with others who were not members of any religious society, 
and all united to build a meeting house. At the first meeting the fol- 
lowing persons were chosen trustees: Francis H. Pruyn, Daniel 
Bridenbecker, Philip Finster, Frederick Rinia, Peter Finster, Jacob P. 
Oyer and Peter Rima ; and Alexander Johnson was elected clerk. The 
house was built by J. D. W. Heald on a site donated by Peter Finster. 
Tliis church was occupied by the Methodist Protestants, although occa- 
sionally other denominations had services there for thirty- two years, 
when it was suffered to decay, and was finally sold and taken down. 

In June, 1853, the people of West Schuyler held a meeting prepara- 
tory to building a church. A small Methodist society had existed 
there for some time and was then under care of Rev. T. D. Mitchell. 
It was resolved to build a church with room for Sabbath-school, to be 
called " Embury Chapel." William Budlong, Hiram Tanner, Warren 
Day, William Vivyan and E. W. Day were elected trustees. The 
result of this action was the erection of the present church over which 
Rev. Stephen Cobb is pastor. On the 7th of August, 1865, a meeting 
of Methodists was held, with Rev. L. J. Cooper as chairman. Gilbert 



Town of Newport. 4o5 

Palmeter, August Klock and George Widrig were elected trustees, and 
it was resolved to erect a church to be known as "The First Methodist 
Protestant Church of Schuyler." The plans were consummated in the 
erection of the church near the Miller cemetery, northeast from West 
Schuyler. The Methodists built a church at the "Windfall," in 1866, 
at a cost of about $2,000, which is still in existence. Another Methodist 
church was built in the Staring neighborhood in the central part of the 
town in 1862. No services are now held here and the membership 
is small in all the churches thus described. At East Schuyler a Union 
church was erected in 1868 on the site of the old Protestant Methodist 
and Lutheran church by Free Methodists and others. The trustees 
were Newell Miller, John Sheaf, Daniel Oyer, Ira Finster, and A. L. 
Johnson. Irregular services are held here. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE TOWN OF NEWI'ORT. 

NEWPORT lies in the western part of the county and is bounded on 
the north by Russia ; on the east by Fairfield and Norway ; on the 
south by Schuyler and Herkimer, and on the west by Oneida county. 
It was formed from Herkimer, Fairfield, Norway, and Schuyler, April 7, 
1806. The surface of the town is broken by ridges of highlands which 
rise from 400 to 500 feet on each side of the narrow intervale of West 
Canada Creek. This stream flows southeast across the town near the 
center. White Creek flows southerly through the eastern part. The 
soil is clayey loam, with some gravel on the high lands. A part of 
Hasenclever's and Walton's patents, and portions of the second and 
third allotments of the Royal Grant constitute the town. There were 
no settlements in the town prior to the Revolution. 

Daniel Campbell, of New York city, obtained title to the land where 
Newport village is situated in July, 1786, of the commissioners of 
forfeitures, but he did not settle on it. William, Ephraim and Benja- 
min Bowen purchased this land in 1788 and 1789. Christopher Hawkins 



406 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

was the first permanent settler in Newport and became its first super- 
visor. He was from Providence, R. I., and the town received its name 
from the fact that many of its early settlers came from the State in 
which the city of Newport is situated. Hawkins first came into the 
town of Fairfield and removed to Newport in 1791, settling on the farm 
south of the village now owned by the heirs of David D. Crumby. In 
the spring of 1791 Hawkins erected a small house for the Bowens on 
the lands they had purchased. In 1793 Benjamin Bowen built the first 
saw- mill in the town, and the next year put up a grist-mill, both of 
which were on the West Canada Creek in the limits of the present 
village of Newport, and on the site of the present mill. Soon following 
the pioneers came Joseph Benchley, William Wakely, John Burton, 
Stephen Hawkins, George Cook, Edward Coffin, John Nelson, John G. 
Green, John Churchill, George Fenner, and William Whipple, all of 
whom settled prior to 1798; and Israel Wakely, Westel Willoughby, 
Levi Bowen, and Sherman Wooster came soon afterward. These families 
were all from New England. Churchill, Coffin, Green, Bowen and 
Nelson purchased lands on the west side of the creek, and the others on 
the east side and near the site of the village. Descendants of several of 
them are now living in the town. The first death was that of Silas 
Hawkins, in 1793. The first school was taught by Abby Justine in 
1795, near the village site. William Wakely kept the first hotel in 1793 
near the present residence of Dr. J. B. Holcomb. George Cook was 
the first merchant and his store was near the site of the Catholic church. 
Nahum Daniels occupied the corner of Main and Bridge streets, where 
the hotel is ; it was formerly a store kept by Samuel Perry, father of the 
late Stuart Perry. John Burton owned the farm afterwards occupied by 
his son Darius, now owned by William Reynolds. John Burton was a 
carpenter and built for Benjamin Bowen the house now occupied by 
Miss Frances Waterman. 

The first town meeting held after the organization of the town was 
held on the 3d of March, 1807. Westel Willoughby was chosen mod- 
erator and the following officers were elected : 

Christopher Hawkins, supervisor; Phineas Slieniian, lovvn clerk; Stephen Brayton, 
Cyrus Butterfield and Seth Smith, assessors; Dan Post and Joseph Terry, overseers of 
the poor ; WilHam Wakely, Joseph Benchley and James Keith, commissioners of high- 
ways; Biisha Enos, jr., and Thaddeus Ketcliuni, constables; Ehsha Enos, collector; 
Ehsha Eaos, Jairus Bragg, Jabez Lyon and Elnathan Stephens, poundkeepers. 



TOWN OF NEWPORT. 407 

The usual votes were taken to control horses and cattle, offerino- 
bounties on wild animals, etc., and on the 9th of March, 1807, the town 
was divided into twenty road districts. The first census of the town, 
taken in 1807, showed 199 heads of families. The first board of school 
commissioners was elected in 181 3, and consisted of Sherman Wooster, 
Darius Hawkins, and Samuel Keith. 

Following is a list of supervisors of the town of Newport from its 
organization to the present time: 

Christopher Hawkins, 1807-16; 1823; Sherman Wooster, 1817-22, 1824-33 ; Henry 
Carter, 1834-3G ; Standish Barry, 1837, 1843-46 ; Daniel Post, 1838 ; William S. Benchley, 
1841-42; Henry L. Ward, 1847, 1867-71; Aaron G. Swift, 1848-50 ; Harvey Farring- 
ton, 1851-52; John C. Harris, 1853 ; Ira L. Cady, 1854-57; John G. Barry, 1858-59- 
1861-66 ; Nathan Bowen, 1860 ; John H. Wooster, 1865 (resigned in April) ; Richard 
K. Brown, 1872 ; William Getman, 1873-74 (resigned) ; Henry G. Burlingame, 1875-76 ■ 
Waldo Sherman, 1877; Henry W. Dexter, 1878; A. J. Browne, 1879, 1885; Warren 
A. Brayton, 1880-1882; C. J. Mather, 1883; Thomas E. Merritt, 1884, 1887; Daniel P. 
Wooster. 1886; George H. Hurlbut, 1888; Frank E. Pearoe, 1889, 1890; Clinton A. 
Moon, 1891 ; Fred D. Mather, 1892. 

The settlers in Newport down to about 1830 continued to come from 
New England ; but after that time and following the opening of the 
Erie Canal, many emigrants from Ireland located in the town, and at 
the present time probably constitute, with their descendants, one. quar- 
ter of the population, most of them being among the farmers. 

Col. Standish Barry was born at Baltimore, Md., in 1794. He 
removed to Newport with his father-in-law, Capt. Ezra Pierce, in 18 16, 
and engaged in mercantile business there and at Middleville, continuing 
until 1847. I" the last named year he was elected clerk of the county 
and held that office two successive terms. At the organization of the 
Newport Bank, in 1858, Col. Barry was chosen cashier, and occupied 
that position several years; he was also at one time vice-president of 
the National Herkimer County Bank, at Little Falls. In September, 
1861, he was appointed assistant treasurer of the United States by the 
late Gen. Francis E. Spinner, holding that office at the time of his 
death, which occurred at Newport, October 20, 1866. His widow, Mrs. 
Lydia C. Barry, is still living at Newport. Col. Barry's surviving chil- 
dreu are : John Barry, Mrs. Sherman Wooster and Mrs. Jane B. Pom- 
eroy, of Newport; Mrs. A. M. Mills, of Little Falls. 



408 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

The elder Sherman Wooster came to Newport in 1804, was super- 
visor several terms, and was father of the venerable Sherman Wooster, 
who still lives in the village. Henry Carter was an early merchant. 
William S. Benchley kept tavern in the village many years, and at one 
period was engaged in the manufacture of hats Jeduthun Steele, 
Ralph Waterman and William F. Fraser were lawyers in Newport be- 
fore 1825. Daniel Post was a prominent early farmer two miles east of 
the village. The late Harry Waterman was for many years a promi- 
nent citizen, and identified with the business interests of the town. 
Stuart Perry, the inventor, was born here in 1837, and lived at what 
has long been known as " Perry's Park," in which formerly stood the 
house of Dr. Westel Willoughby. 

Newport is essentially a dairy town and one of the best in the county. 
There are four prosperous cheese factories in the town, and since the 
opening of the railroad and its recent extension by the Adirondack 
and St. Lawrence Company, the markets are easily accessible. 

The Village of Nczvport — Was incorporated March 20, 1857, and on 
the 5th of May the first officers were elected as follow: President, 
Linus Yale ; trustees, John G. Barry, Hezekiah S. Bowen, Elijah 
Holmes and William S. Benchley; assessors, Jeremiah Fenner, Arza 
Newman, George B. Hawkins ; clerk, Clinton A. Moon. 

The following have been presidents of the village since its incorpora- 
tion : 

Linus Yale, 1857; ■John H. Woo.ster, 1858-G4 ; William Getman, 1865-69; Albert 
M. Mills, 1870, 1871; Elisha Thornton, 1872; George W. Payne, 1873; Henry W. 
Dexter, 1874, 1875; Albert J. Browne, 1876, 1877; William A. Ingham, 1878; George 
H. Hurlburt, 1880; E. P. Iladcock, 1881; A. J. Browne, 1882 ; T. E. Merritt, 1883; 
Jesse A. Perkins, 1884; D. P. Wooster, 1885; A. J. Browne, 1887; D. P. Wooster, 
1888; J. T. Davis and F. D. Mather, 1889; Thomas Bowen, 1890; W. A. Ingham, 
1891 ; H. W. Dexter, 1892. William E. Stronp, Benjamin K. Brown, and Howard 
Voorhees are trustees ; Charles L. Fellows, clerk. 

The stone bridge across the creek at Newport was built in 1853 and 
cost $4,000. The residence of Sherman Wooster was built by his 
father in 18 16, and its substantial walls are nearly as perfect to-day as 
then. Dr. Westel Willoughby was a prominent citizen of the village in 
early years and provided himself with a beautiful home on the eastern 
shore of the creek. (A further sketch of Dr. Willoughby will be found 
in the chapter on the medical profession.) 



TOWN OF NEWPORT. 409 

Bank. — The Dairyman's Bank was established in Newport in 1853, 
and continued in existence until 1857. Harvey Doolittle was the prin- 
cipal founder and manager. He was also cashier and largely interested 
in the Agricultural Bank at Herkimer, which failed and carried with it the 
Dairyman's Bank, causing a loss to depositors of about thirty per cent. 
In 1858 the Bank of Newport was organized under the banking laws of 
the State, with William W. Sweezey as president, and Standish Barry as 
cashier. This institution was continued thus until 1866, when it was 
reorganized as a national bank, with a capital of $50,000. Varnum S. 
Kenyon was made the first president under the new organization, and 
William Getman cashier. Upon the death of Mr. Kenyon in 1874, 
George H. Thomas was elected president and has held the office ever 
since. Mr. Getman died in 1873 and Joseph T. Wooster was chosen 
cashier, and is still in that position. The present directors, besides the 
two officers named, are D. B. Wooster, Elisha Thornton, H. W. Dex- 
ter. The deposits are about $90,000, with surplus and profits of about 
$38,000. The bank building on the corner of Main and Bridge streets 
was erected in 1854 by the firm of Perry & Sweezey, composed of Sam- 
uel Perry, Stuart Perry, and William Sweezey, who were then extensive 
dealers in butter and cheese. 

Manufactures. — Within recent years Newport has awakened to the 
fact that she is in possession of valuable water power; that her shipping 
facilities are good and being rapidly made much better through the build- 
ing of the new railroad, and that manufacturing enterprise is one of the 
chief elements in the healthful growth of a village. This feeling has led 
to the establishment of several properous concerns, which will be followed 
by others. A tannery was built at Newport in early years, which was 
being operated in 1 846 by Orin Brown, who sold it in that year to Henry 
Waterman. Afterwards it passed through the hands of H. G. Burlin- 
game, Snell & Ingham, and Luke Snell. In 1889 Mr. Snell sold it to 
the Newport Improvement Company, an organization of citizens formed 
for the purpose of advancing the interests of the place. By this com- 
pany the property was leased to Woodin & West for a period of forty- 
nine years, on advantageous terms, provided they would operate a 
factory. They immediately established a plant for the manufacture of 
knit underwear and continued until June, 1S90, when they sold out to 



410 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the West Brothers, who immediately doubled the capacity of the fac- 
tory, and now employ seventy- five hands, mostly girls. Their large 
product finds a ready market. The firm is composed of Eugene and 
George West. 

The Adirondack Knitting-Mills were started in December, 1891, and 
now employ thirty- five hands, making ladies', misses' and children's 
jersey ribbed underwear in various kinds of fibre. The company was 
organized with a capital of $5,500, with M. N. Pearce as president, C. 
A. Moore, secretary, and W. A. Ingham, treasurer. 

The saw-mill in Newport is now operated by the estate of Henry G. 
Burlingame and the grist-mill by M'chael Gallagher. F. D. Mather, 
M. N. Pearce, D. Wells, Dr. L, C Jexter and M. J. Brett are pros- 
perous merchants in the village ; and E. C. Spellman and Samuel 
Hodge are proprietors of the Spellman House and the Ingham House 
respectively. The postmaster is George Hurlbut, who succeeded F. D. 
Mather. Hon. Elisha P. Hurlbut, e.x-justice Supreme Court, resided 
here for several years after 1855, and removed to Albany. 

In 1 86 1 a committee was appointed by the trustees of the village to 
buy a fire engine with the fund that had been raised for that purpose, 
amounting to $802. The engine was purchased of Cowing & Com- 
pany, of Seneca Falls, and is still in use. The company is designated as 
Wadsworth Fire Company, No. 3. The engine-house was built about 
1876, with a village lock-up in the lower story. A chief of police is 
appointed by the trustees, Henry Joubin now filling the office. 

Schools and Churches. — Previous to its incorporation in 1847 the vil- 
lage of Newport was divided into school districts, one on each side of 
the creek. With the incorporation of the place the two districts were 
consolidated with the view of establishing a graded school ; but in spite 
of the efforts of several prominent citizens to this end the project failed, 
and the old school-house continued to be occupied until 1875, when the 
present commodious school building was erected. The district was or- 
ganized as a union free school district in 1877. There are now eight 
school districts in the town. 

Besides the churches now in the village of Newport, there were 
formerly three others, all located near the hamlet known as Martin's 
Corners. These were a Welsh, a Baptist and the old Roman Catholic 
church, all of which have substantially disappeared, as far as societies 



fOWN OF NEWPORT. 411 

and congregations are concerned, the churches in the village receiving 
a large share of those who formerly attended at that point. In New- 
port village there are four churches — Methodist, Baptist, Universalist 
and Roman Catholic ; but the material for their historj' is very meager. 
The Universalist church had its origin in an organization of March 28, 

1842, composed of persons who joined together to erect a church under 
the name of the Newport Union Association ; the union embraced 
Universalists, Unitarians and Episcopalians. Soon afterward the two 
last denominations failed to support stated preaching, and the property 
passed to the Universalists according to the compact. In January, 

1843, the Universalists and Unitarians organized under the name of 
"The First Christian Society of the Universalists and Unitarians of the 
Town of Newport." December 28, 1844, a new constitution was 
adopted, giving the society a distinctive Universalist character. On 
the 1st of March, 1858, the society title was dropped and the name of 
" The Church of the Reconciliation of the town of Newport " added. 
Previous to the erection of the present building meetings were held in 
the school- house and in the old stone church of the Baptists. The 
present church was built in 1843. The building has been improved 
and repaired recently. There has not been regular preaching in this 
church for some time. 

The date of the organization of the Methodist church in Newport is 
unobtainable ; but previous to its organization the Methodists were in 
union with the Presbyterians and erected the building that was sold to 
the Catholics in 1844. Between that year and 1871 the Methodists 
had no church edifice here. In June, 1871, the president building was 
dedicated, and the parlors were added in 1887. The present pastor of 
the church is Rev. Rev. W. F. Ball, who lives in Newport, and preaches 
here and at Poland. He has been in Newport since 1884. 

The present Catholic church building was purchased of the Method- 
ists and Presbyterians in 1844 through Henry Waterman. The Cath- 
olic society is organized under the name of St. John's, and is connected 
with the Church of the Assumption of Middleville. In 1844 the parish 
was ministered to by Rev. Father John Herbs, who was succeeded by 
Father Fitzgerald, and he by Father Keating. Father Thornton was 
the next pastor, and was succeeded by Father Burke. In 1875 Rev. 
Father Henry Herfkins came to the church and still remains in charge. 



412 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTlT. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

THE TOWN OF NORWAY.^ 

THE town of Norway was organized April lo, 1792, by act ot 
Legislature. 

Its boundaries included the towns of Fairfield, Russia, Ohio, and 
Wilmurt, and that portion of Newport lying easterly of the West Can- 
ada Creek in Herkimer county; portions of Oneida, Lewis and Clinton 
counties; all of Hamilton, and a large portion of St. Lawrence. About 
thirty-five towns are now located within its former limits. Fairfield 
was taken off in 1796; Remsen (Oneida county), in 1798; Russia (as 
" Union "), and a part of Newport, in 1806, and Ohio (as "West Bruns- 
wick ") in 1823. Since that date no boundary changes have occurred. 

The surface of the town is elevated and rolling. It is drained by 
numerous small streams flowing northward and westward into Black 
and White Creeks, tributaries of West Canada Creek, and a few rivulets 
flowing easterly into Spruce Creek, a tributary of East Canada Creek. 
An elevated ridge extending from southeast to northwest, through the 
central portion of the town, forms its geographical backbone, or 
"grand divide." Before settlement an unbroken forest of splendid 
timber covered the whole surface, composed mainly of maple and beech, 
with a generous sprinkling of birch, elm, basswood, butternut, and ash, 
and a border of hemlock along the streams. A narrow strip of ever- 
green timber extends along the northern border of the town, and sev- 
eral small cedar swamps are located in the eastern part. The soil in the 
main is strong and rich, and admirably adapted to grazing. 

One event that antedates the coming of the first pioneers deserves 
mention: In October, 1781, Butler and Ross, with a force of British 
tories and Indians, came from Canada, via Oswego, and engaged in a 
murdering raid in the Mohawk valley. Near Johnstown they were so 
roughly handled by the American forces under Colonel Willett, that 

* Prepared by Fred. Smith, of Norway. 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 4l3 

they were forced to retreat, and chose a direct route for home through 
the unbroken wilderness. On the night of October 29, 1781, Butler 
camped about four miles northeast of Norway village, and the location 
has since borne the name of " Butler's Ridge." Colonel Willett left 
Fort Dayton, now Herkimer, the same day with some 400 patriot sol- 
diers to intercept the enemy. He followed up West Creek to a point 
near where Middleville is now located, and then struck through the for- 
est in a northeast direction, and camped a mile and a half southerly of 
Butler. His scouts discovered the tory camp during the night, and 
early next morning both armies were on the march. Near the Black 
Creek fording place the rear of Butler's forces were overtaken and a 
skirmish ensued ; one or two soldiers were killed, and here Norway soil 
drank the blood of the Revolution. The allied forces of Butler made 
a hurried retreat across the present town of Ohio, closely followed by 
Willett, and at West Creek the notorious Butler was killed and the pur- 
suit abandoned. 

The first attempt to settle was made in the year 1786, by a Mr. Whip- 
ple and Christopher Hawkins, from Rhode Island, who made a small 
clearing and erected a log shanty about one mile west of the site of 
Norway village. Before making much headway in their enterprise, 
they found they had made a mistake in locating their lot, and of course 
abandoned it. The next year, 1787, as near as can be ascertained, wit- 
nessed the first permanent settlement. 

Jeremiah Potter was born in Cranston, R. I., March 3, 1737. He 
was the father of a large family of children, among whom were Fisher, 
Jeremiah, jr., Angel, Lemuel, Philip W., Keziah, Mary and Sarah. 
Marvelous stories of the cheap and fertile lands of the Royal Grant in 
"York State" had reached their ears, and they resolved to leave *' Lit- 
tle Rhody " and carve out new homes in the then far- off and almost 
unknown wilderness. Late in the winter or early in the spring of 1787 
the three sons first named, and the daughters Mary and Sarah started 
for " the Grant." The lot they selected was No. 4 of the third allot- 
ment of the Royal Grant, containing 300 acres, being 300 rods in length 
east and west, and 160 rods in width. The owner of the property re- 
sided at Albany, and he gave the Potters a lease for twenty-one years, 
with the privilege of purchasing at the expiration of that time for twenty 



4l4 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

shillings per acre. The southeast corner of tlie lot, near where the first 
clearing was made, is about half a mile directly north from Norway vil- 
lage. The first year's attempt of the Potter boys in farming was but a 
partial success; a very early frost seriously injured their growing crops. 
Winter set in early in November; snow fell to the depth of nearly four 
feet and remained until April. To add to their misfortunes, their pota- 
toes froze during the first cold weather. Having no bread, they were 
dependent during the early part of winter upon beans and a small 
amount of pork that they had brought with them. These were con- 
sumed before spring, and for some time they mostly subsisted upon 
frozen potatoes, and an occasional rabbit they killed. A cow they 
brought with them, the first in the town, they wintered in good condi- 
tion upon browse and the few cornstalks they had raised, and she was, 
no doubt, found an important addition to their supplies. With their 
nearest neighbors seven miles away, it is needless to add that their first 
winter in their wilderness home was long, dreary, and lonesome. About 
the 1st of April, 1788, their parents and other members of the family 
arrived. The land was paid for and divided among the family. The 
three daughters married as follows : Keziah, Clark Smith ; Sarah, 
Rufus Eaton ; and Mary, Dr. Amos Haile, all of the town of Fairfield, 
and well known as being among the early and most reputable citizens 
of that town. 

Jeremiah Potter died January 27, 1813 ; his wife May 13, 1826. 
They are both buried in the cemetery at Norway village. All of the 
sons left the town at an early day, except Philip W., the youngest, who 
died May 13, 1861, and was the last representative of the Potter family 
in the town. The Potter family was a fair average of the New England 
emigrants of that day. If undue prominence has been given this fam- 
ily it is on account of its members being the first settlers. 

Who next settled after the Potters is not positively known ; it is 
quite certain that other families came into their immediate neighbor- 
hood very soon after their arrival. 

Thomas Manly came into this town from Bennington county, Ver- 
mont, in the spring of 1789; made a small clearing and erected a log 
cabin about one mile directly south of Norway village. He moved his 
family, consisting of his wife and son Ira, then but a few weeks old, into 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 415 

the town in March, 1790, on an ox sled. Manly was a man of energy, 
intelligence and integrity, and at once became prominent in town and 
county, affairs. He died in this town January 21, 1852, aged eighty- 
eight years and six months. 

David Underhill, John and David Corp and N. Fanning, all from 
Vermont, settled in the town either in 1789 or 1790; Underhill near 
Manly's, the others about a mile and a half easterly from Norway vil- 
lage. Several families by the name of Brayton, from Rensselaer 
county, located about the same date two miles southeast of Norway 
village, but soon removed from town. 

The first birth in the town was that of a child of Gideon Brayton; 
the first death that of the wife of Elihu Hinman. 

John, Andrew and Amos Coe and Captain David Hinman, from 
Southbury, Conn., settled in Norway previous to 1790. They located 
a short distance northerly from Norway village. John Coe was a man 
of decided ability ; a noted law character, and a successful practitioner 
in justices' courts. Ira Coe, a son of Amos, was a prominent farmer, 
magistrate and lawyer. In 1840 he was appointed one of the judges of 
the County Court. He died in this town February 5, 1861. 

From 1790 to 1800 Norway was settled rapidly with emigrants from 
the eastern counties of the State and from New England. The beginning 
of the century found the town dotted over with clearings and log houses, 
there being at that date over one hundred and sixty families residing 
within the present town limits ; more families than at this date, not enu- 
merating village residents. 

Some of the prominent settlers during this period deserve notice : 
Edward Henderson came from Vermont in 1792 and settled in the 
south part of the town. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary 
Mathews, was a woman of remarkable talents and intelligence. Daniel 
C, a son, was one of the leading citizens in this town. He was a jus- 
tice for many years, served as supervisor one term, and was elected 
member of Assembly in 1826. He died in the town in i860. Hugh, 
another son, removed to Illinois, but died while on a visit to Norway in 
1856. 

David Smith, who came from Massachusetts in 1793, James Giles, 
Stephen Babbitt, Nathaniel Post and William Forsyth were prominent 



410 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

early settlers in the southern portion of the town ; James Norton, Jared 
Dorman, Benjamin Nichols, Sylvanus Ferris and Benjamin Hall were 
leading citizens in the eastern portion. Ferris was one of the most suc- 
cessful early settlers. He purchased a farm two miles east of Norway 
village; paid for it by the ashes saved and sold in clearing it off; 
erected good farm buildings ; bought several adjoining farms, and traf- 
ficked considerably in farm produce. He removed to the town of Rus- 
sia about 1830 with two of his sons, leaving four married sons on good 
dairy farms and in good circumstances. In 1835 the western fever in- 
duced him to visit Illinois, and he was so well pleased with the country 
that he purchased a section of land for himself and one for each of his 
si.K sons in Knox county, and near the present flourishing city of Gales- 
burg. Soon after he and all his sons but Timothy H. removed there, 
where he died at a ripe old age. 

Moses and Uriah Tompkins came into the town from the vicinity of 
Albany in 1793; Stephen, another brother, a few years later. Before 
coming they had purchased a tract of land in the northeast part of the 
town, without seeing it, of a Methodist minister, who represented that 
it was timbered with a splendid growth of pine. They found fine tim- 
ber, but the pines were all hemlocks, and the land poor and frosty. To 
the credit of that minister it should be said his misrepresentations were 
not intentional. Pardon Tillinghast, Philip Angell, Samuel Brainard, 
William Service, John Vandenburgh, Clark Baker, Samuel Rathbun, 
Sylvanus and Josiah Crosby, John Pullman, Moses Gage, Samuel 
Western, Timothy Johnson, Christopher Cadman, Joseph Bly, Jacob 
Bullock and Benjamin Benjamin each deserves notice. 

Daniel Hurlbut, an early blacksmith, was a man of considerable 
prominence. He was appointed one of the county judges in 1817, and 
held that position three years. His three sons, William H., Seth and 
Elisha P., were well known and prominent citizens. 

Jared Smith moved from Freehold, Greene county, in 1797. He had 
previously emigrated from Southbury, Conn., which was the native 
town of a number of early settlers, including the Coe, Hinman, John- 
son, Curtis, Hine and Munn families. He was a magistrate for some 
years, and died in the town in 1846. About or soon after 1800 Na- 
thaniel Salisbury, Ebenezer Hurd, Daniel Carpenter, Jared Thayer, 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 417 

Danforth Doty, Caleb Sheldon, Amos and Simeon Ives, Samuel Sher- 
man and Noble Ross settled in Norway. Two of Carpenter's sons, 
Samuel and Azel, became large land owners and wealthy. Salisbury 
and Ross were mechanics and farmers ; were men of character and in- 
fluence, and lived to an advanced age. 

Dairying. — The early settlers had their full share of the toils and pri- 
vations incident to pioneer life, but, hardy and hopeful, thej' battled 
courageously and successfully with adverse circumstances. A great 
majorit}' who remained and patiently followed agricultural pursuits ac- 
quired competence ; many wealth. 

The forests were reduced to ashes ; crops and herds of sheep fol- 
lowed, wool and flax furnished clothing — spinning wheels and looms 
were found in almost every household. The magnificent maples fur- 
nished an abundant supply of sugar. 

The New England emigrants brought with them the art of cheese- 
making, and were not slow in finding the soil much better adapted to 
grazing than grain- growing. Small dairies of from six to ten cows 
date back to 1806-10. The few small cheese manufactured were con- 
sumed at home or peddled around among the country merchants. Col- 
onel Jared Thayer was one of the early dairymen who took a special 
interest in developing cheese dairying. He located two miles east of 
Norway village on what has long been known as " Dairy Hill," and 
kept the first twenty- cow cheese dairy in the county. Norway claims 
the pioneer dairymen that have since given a world-wide celebrity to Her- 
kimer county dairy products. In 1 820 but few large dairies were estab- 
lished, but within ten years after dairying became the leading industry. 

Sylvanus Ferris, Nathaniel Salisbury, James Norton, Isaac Smith, 
Danforth Doty, Azel Carpenter, Lewis Barnes and D. C. Henderson 
were among the early cheese- makers in Norway. 

A cheese factory was built at Norway village in 1864, and there are 
now seven in the town. The village factory makes up the milk from 
nearly 900 cows, and claims to turn out more cheese than any other fac- 
tory in the world. With the exception of four or five private dairies, 
all the cheese is manufactured at factories. Within the past twenty 
years farm lands have depreciated one-half in value, and the mortgage 
indebtedness of the town is larger tlian at any former period. 



418 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Pioneers in Norway Village. — The first settlers where Norway village 
is now located were Seth Smith, his sons Josiah and Dudley, and his 
son-in-law Solomon Howe. Seth Smith was born in Northampton, 
Mass., September 25, 1734; the sons were born in Suffield, Conn., 
whence the family emigrated to Dorset, Vt., and from there to Norway 
in 1795 or 1796. Josiah Smith erected a log cabin a few rods north- 
east of the Baptist Church ; his brother one on the west side of the 
road a little south of the same church. Their father located his cabin 
some little distance north, near the present cheese factory, and Solomon 
Howe nearly opposite " Lieutenant Smith's," as the old gentleman was 
familiarly known. Nearly east from Josiah and Dudley Smith, a dis- 
tance of some thirty rods, lived Daniel Tuttle ; about the same distance 
south a family named King. These were the only known families re- 
siding on or near the location of the village at the beginning of the 
present century. The Smiths prospered ; they cleared off the adjacent 
forests, bought out their neighbors, and were among the first well-to-do 
settlers of the time ; but little thought that their farms were to be 
parceled out into lots, upon which the pleasant village of Norway is 
built. By common consent the future town center was fixed at Cook's, 
a half-mile north, and doubtless would have remained there but for the 
laying out and opening of the old " State road." The location of this 
road was sharply contested by the prominent citizens of this and the ad- 
joining towns; men were no more devoid of selfishness then than now, 
and the "best route" of course ran by their doors or through their 
farms. Josiah Smith, James Norton and Jared Dorman, and perhaps 
others, assisted not a little by Stephen Ayres, surveyor, living just east 
of the town line, controlled the location through this town. The road 
was surveyed in 1806 and opened during the coming two years; the 
road fixed not only the location of Norway village, but also Salisbury 
Corners, Cold Brook and Russia. 

About 1806 Josiah Smith opened a tavern in the village, and about 
the same time was appointed postmaster. From 1810 to 1816 two 
stores, the old Union church and several dwelling-houses were built. 
George Gardinier and Sylvanus Smith, blacksmiths; Benjamin Marvil, 
carpenter; Henry Wilcox, tailor; Galen Barstow, harness maker; 
James Churchill and Dean Gay, coopers ; and George A. Coppernoll, 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 419 

David Humphreville, and Lyman Swan, shoemakers, were some of the 
mechanics who first located in the village. 

During the next ten years a few dwelling-houses were erected. In 
1829 the tavern formerly occupied by Levi Brainard was built; in 1831 
the Baptist church, and in 1834 the large building now occupied for a 
store, dwelling-houses and shops, on the corner of the State road and 
Main street, and the present hotel on the opposite corner. Several 
dwellings were built during the same period. Robert H. Crandall 
built all or most of the buildings last mentioned. Only the M. E. 
Church and a few dwellings have since been erected. The village at- 
tained its full growth in 1840. Without water-power or any manfac- 
turing interests, it will simply remain the town center in the future. It 
contained in 1892 thirty- three dwelling-houses, three churches, two 
stores, a blacksmith shop and a hotel, and about one hundred inhab- 
itants. 

Schools. — The first school in Norway was taught by Jeanette Hen- 
derson in 1793, in a log school-house on the Jerseyfield road, a little 
south of the State road. Miss Henderson was a sister of D. C. Hen- 
derson, and afterward married John H. Sherwood, and died at an ad- 
vanced age in Steuben county. Charles Morton, Samuel Brainard, 
Charles King and John Moon were early teachers of note. 

In 1806 Miss Phebe Smith was hired to teach school in the Barnes 
district for one dollar per week, on condition that she should " board 
around " and receive any kind of merchantable produce for pay. 

Population and Civil History. — The town boundaries have not been 
changed since 1823, when the town of West Brunswick (since Ohio) 
was set off. 

The number of inhabitants by the census of 1825 was 1,168, the 
number of males and females being exactly the same. The succeeding 
enumerations have been as follow: 1830, 1,151; 1835, 1,131; 1840, 
1,046; 1845, 1,079; 1850. 1.052; 1855, 1,059; i860, 1,105; 1865, 
1,080; 1870, 1,117; 1875, 1,054; 1880, 1,045; 1890,817. 

In no other town in the county has the population remained so uni- 
form in numbers as in this since 1825 up to 1880. The decrease of the 
farming and increase of the village population has been about equal for 
the past fifty years. But few descendants of the early settlers remain in 



420 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

the town. A good deal of the enterprise of our forefathers consisted of 
frequent removals. The familiar names of an early day, Potter, Manly, 
Tillinghast, Henderson, Ferris, Barnes, Cole, Brainard, Coe, Babbitt, 
Corp, Benjamin, Dorman, Brunson, Ross, Reynolds, Hemingway, Hor- 
ton, Sheldon, Foisyth, Cadman, and many others are now unknown 
in the town. 

About 1850 Irish Catholics commenced immigrating into Norway 
and have continued until about one- fourth of the population is com- 
posed of that class. Generally they are industrious, economical, possess 
good judgment, are good citizens, and succeeding as well as could be 
expected under the present depressed state of farming interests. The 
great majority of the early settlers were natives of New England ; 
probably fully one- half were from Rhode Island. Connecticut and 
Massachusetts furnished about equal numbers, and quite a number came 
from Vermont. The two Du Bois families were descendants of the French 
Huguenots, and came from New Jersey to Saratoga county, and from 
there here. A few settlers were of German origin ; two families, those 
of John and Robert English, weie Protestant Irish. 

Tiie first town meeting, as required by the act of organization, was 
held at the house of William Whipple, supposed to be near or at the 
village of Newport. Early town meetings were held at Jeremiah Pot- 
ter's, Arnold Willoughby's and George W. Cook's. In 1806, when the 
town of " Union," afterwards changed to Russia, was set off, the ensu- 
ing town meeting for Norway was ordered to be held at the house of 
Josiah Smith, and from 1807 to 1831, inclusive, with the exception of 
four years, town meetings were held at the same place. The exceptions 
were 1808, when they were held at Arnold Willoughby's; 1816 and 1S25, 
at the Union church in Norway village, and 1819, at the old Methodist 
meeting house, situated a mile and a half east of the village. 

We give a complete list of supervisors from the organization of the 
town : 

Benjamin Bowen, 1793; Josliua Remington, 1794, 1795; Benjamin Uinman, 1796; 
Thomas Manly, 1797-99, 1803-09, 1835, 1837; Samuel Wright, 1800, 1802; Westel 
Willoughby, jr., 1801 ; Sylvanus Ferris, 1810-12, 1814; Stephen Babbitt, 1813; Jame.s 
Gile.s 1815; Roland Sears, 1816; Henry Tillinghast, 1817-22. 1824-26, 1828-31, 1834, 
183(;; David Clark, 1823, 1827; David Ilumphreville, 1832, 1833, 1849; William H. 
Hurlbut, 1838-40, 1842 ; Abram L. Hemingway, 1841 ; Kathaniel S. Henderson, 1843, 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 421 

1845, 1846; Henry Tillinghast, jr., 1844, 1863; Lathan Gray, 1847, 1848; David Du 
Bois, 1850, 1851; Daniel C. Henderson, 1852; Ira Coe, 1853; Hiram T. Horton,1854, 
1856; Morgan Norton, 1855; Abram Hurd, 1857, 1858; Stephen R. Millington, 1859; 
Frederick Smith, 1860; Benjamin Austin, 1861; W^ilham Carpenter, 1862 ;, Sylvanus 
B. Legg, 1804; William La Due, 1865-07; Munson Bunnell, 1868-72, 1883-84; 
Lorenzo D. Gage, 1873 ; Luke T. Du Bois, 1874-82 ; Charles B. Gray, 1885-87 ; Zenas 
B. Smith, 1888; William P. Van Vechien, 1889-91 ; Daniel W. Blj, 1892. 

Mills, Tattfieries and Shops. — The first saw- mill in the town was built 
in 1793 by Captain David Hinman, about half a mile northwest of Nor- 
way village on Sulphur Spring Brook. The next was built by W. H. 
and G. W. Cook about 1795, on Black Creek. They soon sold it to 
James Jackson & Bro. A saw-mill was standing on the same site in 
1878. 

The first grist-mill was built by Carpenter Cole in 1793, about two 
and a half miles northeast from Norway village on the Coe Swamp 
Brook. I judge it was a rude affair, as one of the old settlers face- 
tiously described it as " the mill that ground a kernel of corn into two 
pieces, and the meal was prepared for use by sifting it through a lad- 
der." It was used but a few years. 

Green Garner, an enterprising Rhode Island Yankee, came into the 
town not far from 1796 and bought 200 acres of land southerly from Nor- 
way village, and the mill sites on the Manly Brook, a mile south of the 
village. He erected a saw- mill in 1798 and a grist-mill and distillery in 
1803. About 1809 he sold his farming lands to Henry Tillinghast and 
Samuel Carpenter, and his mill property to Adam Coppernoll, and re- 
moved to Great Bend, Jefferson county- Thomas Manly subsequently 
purchased the mill property. The mills were in use until 1832 and then 
abandoned. Isaac Crosby built a grist-mill at Black Creek about 1830. 
It was afterward bought by Joseph Western. It was not used for mill- 
ing purposes over twenty years. 

Henry Tillinghast first commenced the tanning business in the town 
soon after he settled here in 1793, and followed it in connection with 
farming for many years. Asa Lord, an early settler from Connecticut, 
had a small tannery on Barnes street, where he followed the business of 
shoemaking in connection with tanning. He removed from town to 
Madison county in iSio. 

Mitchell Hinman had a small tannery in Wolf Hollow, on the road 
leading to Fairfield, near the south bounds of the town ; Isaac Crosby 



422 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

one on the farm now owned by Nathaniel Morse, and John and Timo- 
thy Smith one at Norway village, previous to 1810. About 1818 Levi 
Brainard built a tannery at Sulphur Spring, where he and others fol- 
lowed the business for some twenty years. Alfred Rurwell built a 
small tannery at Norway village about 1835 ; subsequently it came into 
the possession of Amos Tuttle, and afterward of Tuttle & Lamphier. 
It was a short lived concern. Soon after Peter Crosby made an 
effort at the tanning business on Barnes street ; it did not amount to 
much. In 1853 a large tannery was erected at Grayville, by Oliver, 
Harvey and William Ladue. It is claimed that $150,000 was invested 
in the enterprise, and seventy-five hands employed. It is now owned 
by T. E. Proctor, of Boston, but business was discontinued in 1887. 

Vale & Eddy built a fulling mill in 1793 on the Hurricane Brook, a 
short distance above where the State road crosses the stream. How 
long it has been in operation I have been unable to learn ; probably 
but a few years. Another fulling-mill was built about 18 16, on the 
Manly Brook, just above the bridge on the Fairfield road, probably by 
Thomas Manly. It was operated by Brush & Rockwell, and others, 
and was in use fifteen or twenty years. A fulling and carding- mill was 
built at Norway village by a Mr. Doty, previous to 1820; it soon 
passed into the possession of William Hurlbut and Thomas Ives, and a 
little later Hurlbut bought out Ives, and continued in business until 
about 1850, when he abandoned the clothing business, and manufac- 
tured cheese boxes for several years. Arnold Willoughby, previous to 
1800, erected a small shop, dammed an insignificant stream that flowed 
passed his house to secure water power, and commenced the manufac- 
ture of wheels — " big wheels " to spin rolls, "little wheels" to spin flax, 
besides quill wheels and reels. He followed the business until his death, 
in 1832, when it was continued for a short time by his son, Amos C. 
Willoughby. 

There were in 1892 three saw-mills run by water power. Within 
the town bounds are the deserted sites of five tanneries, five saw-mills, 
three grist-mills, three carding-mills and one distillery. 

Early Inn-Keepers. — Amos Coe and Thomas Bra)'ton are each said 
to have been the first inn- keeper in town. Bray ton was located on the 
Jerseyfield road, south of the State road crossing, and his opening 



, TOWN OF NORWAY. 423 

dates back to 1793 ; Coe's cannot be ascertained, neither is it known 
how long eitlier continued in business. 

Cook's store was a sort of semi tavern ; in fact, if a bar constitutes 
part of a tavern all the early stores can make a similar claim, as the sale 
of liquors was an important item in their business. 

Josiah Smith opened a tavern at Norway village previous to 1806, 
and continued in the business until 183 i, when he sold his property and 
removed to Whitesboro, Oneida county. 

The opening of the State road created a great demand for taverns ; 
on the western border of the town Eli and Zephi Brockett kept a tavern 
soon after the opening of this road ; at a later date and a mile further 
east Russell Hine embarked in the business. Two miles east of the 
village, at the intersection of the Jerseyfield and State roads, two tav- 
erns, but a short distance apart, kept open doors in friendly competi- 
tion for weary travelers for many years. Among others who erected 
" sign posts " at this point were Pinney, Dr. Mabee, Stockholm, Shib- 
nah Nichols, Havens and Benjamin Hall and Armstead. A mile 
further east, Dorman first and Colvin after were in the tavern business. 
None of these early taverns on the State road lacked custom. In 1829 
Levi Brainard built a hotel in the village, and for a year two rival 
houses existed. 

In 1834 Frederick Mason built the present hotel at the village. 
William H. Hurlbut was the first landlord ; he was followed by A. 
Hurlbut & Hill, J. D. Henderson, Addison Manly and Elias B. Pull- 
man, who purchased the property about 1844, and ran the hotel in con- 
nection with his farm some twenty years. Pullman sold the hotel to 
George W. Hadcock and it has since had half a score of owners and 
occupants. 

Amos Ives and Bailey Legg were former tavern keepers on the road 
leading from Norway village to Grayville, and Joshua Bennett, William 
B. Smith, Seymour Bullock and Hiram Gettman, from 1820 to 1840 
did something in the tavern business at Black Creek or Westernville. 

Post-offices and Post Routes. — Josiah Smith was the first postmaster 
appointed in 18 13 and kept the ofifice about twenty years in his hotel. 
He was succeeded by Levi Brainard, who held the position two years. 
David Du Bois was appointed in 1830, and was postmaster for seven- 



424 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

teen years. During all this time, and for some years after, the mail 
route was over the old State road. At first weekly and semi- weekly 
trips on horse-back were made. About 1850 the mail route was 
changed, and since that time news has come from the outside world via 
Herkimer ?nd Newport. Joseph C. Crane, William Vandenburgh, 
Jeremiah Smith, Charles K. Johnson, Alonzo Rust and John B. Root 
have since been postmasters. Dexter W. Smith was appointed July 
I, 1878. He was succeeded by H. J. Vrooman, J. C. F. Walker and 
Nathan Smith. J. H. Bliss is the present incumbent. 

Merchants and Stores. — Of Norway's first merchants, Thaddeus 
Scribner & Brother, but little is known. They came about 1790 or 
1 79 1, located a short distance north of the present village of Norway 
and remained but a short time. Peter Swinburne opened a small store 
soon after on the Jerseyfield road, a little north of where the State road 
now crosses the former. He removed at an early day to Deer River, 
Lewis county, where he died in 1832. 

George W. and William H. Cook came into the town in 1792 from 
Dutchess county, with both capital and enterprise. They purchased 
400 acres of land just north of Norway village ; erected a large building 
which served the double purpose of store and dwelling ; kept a large 
and varied stock of goods for the times, and for some twelve years 
secured a large trade. William H. Cook was appointed sherifif of the 
county March 17, 1802, and held that position for four years, in suc- 
cession. He was again appointed in 1808 and held the office one year. 
The Cooks left town for New York about r8o8. At an early day 
Dr. Westel Willoughby, Dr. Moses Tombling and John Nicholson were 
engaged in trade on a small scale at localities not far distant northerly 
from Norway village. Nicholson removed to Herkimer, and was elected 
member of Congress in 1808. 

Horace Dorman, a Mr. Weed and Preserved Hall had small stores 
in the eastern portion of the town, and Parsons & Brother and Dr. 
Roland Sears at the sulphur springs at an early date. 

The first store kept at Norway village was opened about the }-ear 
1800 by Nathan Hinman The house in which the store was located 
stood on the site of the present hotel. Soon after Truman White and 
one Carr were in trade here. Carr's store was near where Gage's shop 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 425 

now stands. Still later, probably about 1810, Cooper & Sanford built 
a store and embarked in trade ; two years later they sold out to Fred- 
erick Mason, who came from New London, Conn. Mason was a man 
of decided business ability, and well adapted to attain success as a 
country merchant. He continued in trade until 1838, when he sold 
his property to Charles W. Lowerie, and soon thereafter removed to 
Brooklyn, where he died. 

Charles Bradley built the store now occupied by J. H. Bliss in 18 16, 
and continued in trade for about ten years, a portion of the time in 
partnership with Henry Waterman, late of Newport. Bradley died in 
1825, when Buell & Hallett purchased the store, and after continuing 
the business for a time, sold to Stevens & Nichols, who were in trade 
a short time, when A. H. Buell again became proprietor, with John P. 
Mabee as a partner. Three years after Mabee sold his interest to 
William Vandenburgh, who continued business with Buell two years, 
when he retired, and the firm of Buell & Willard was formed in 1839. 
In 1844 George N. Willard bought Buell's interest and continued alone 
until 1848, when he sold to Stebbins & Ives. J. H. Ives & Co. bought 
out the last named firm in 1852, which was succeeded by the " Norway 
Union Store Company " in 1855, which existed three years. Jefferson 
Tillinghast occupied the store for a year or two after. The store was 
afterward used for a tin and a shoe shop until 1876, when it was pur- 
chased by D. W. Smith & Co., who continued the business until 1886, 
when it was sold to J. F. C. Walker. This store is now occupied by 
J. H. Bliss. 

After Mason's discontinuance of business his store was occupied two 
years by Burrell & Ives, who were followed by C. W. Lowerie, Lowerie 
& Henderson, Stebbins & Ives and A. Rust. In i860 the building was 
remodeled into a dwelling house. 

About 1850 Alonzo Rust bought the large corner building opposite 
the hotel, where he did business until 1 863. He was followed by Root & 
Service and J. B. Root. In 1867 another " Union Store Company " was 
organized for a term of ten years. Its stockholders comprised most of 
the farmers of the town, and A. S. White, C. A. Walker, J. M. Salis- 
bury and J. M. Root served as agents. Ten years' experience and 
$3,000 loss convinced the stockholders that they were not adapted for 
5i 



426 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

mercantile pursuits. Frederick Smith occupied this store from Sep- 
tember, 1877, to April 1883. 

Zenas Smith was in trade about two years in 1886-87. He was fol- 
lowed by J. C. F. Walker, who now occupies the building. 

In 1853 a store was begun in connection with the Grayville tannery, 
and is still in successful operation. 

Norway's Centennial. — One of the most notable events in this town's 
history was the centennial celebration of its settlement by the Potters 
in 1787. It occurred September 7 and 8, 1887, and was a marked suc- 
cess, in spite of unfavorable weather on the first and main day of the 
gathering. The programme had been carefully prepared and was suc- 
cessfully carried out. Nearly or quite 2,000 people were present. 
Large delegations from the adjoining towns attended and guests were 
present from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and most of the 
Western States, including California. Inspiring music was furnished by 
the Cold Brook drum corps and brass band. The exercises at the 
platform were opened with prayer by the Rev. C. H. Austin. Fred. 
Smith read an interesting historical sketch of the town. Addresses 
were delivered by Hon. H. H. Holt of Michigan, Hon. G. W. Smith 
of Herkimer and Hon. P. H. McEvoy of Little Falls. Fine poems 
were read by Rev. C. H. Austin of Ilion and Hon. J. D. Henderson of 
Herkimer. A free ride from the railroad at Newport and return, a free 
dinner served in the Mason mansion and a warm welcome for all at- 
tested the hospitality of Norway's citizens. 

The second day of the celebration was held in the old Union church, 
and took the form of a social love feast. It will long be remembered as 
a season of intense interest, as anecdotes and reminiscences of the olden 
time were related. 

" Friends and schoolmates meet once more, 
Playmates who wandered o'er the hills > 

lu by- gone years — now aged men 

And matrons gray — in sweet converse 

Recall their childhood hours again." 

The success of the celebration was largely due to the efforts of Fred. 
Smith, who, January i, 1887, commenced the publication of a small 
monthly newspaper, Norway Tidings, that awakened a great interest in 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 427 

the centennial. The Httle paper was continued for four j ears, was lib- 
erally patronized and gathered up a large amount of local history that 
otherwise would have been lost. 

Religious Meetings and Societies. — The first religious meetings were 
held by Rev. Mr. Robertson in 1792, upon the authority of the " State 
Gazetteer;" but by what denomination, I am unable to tell. A ma- 
jority of the early settlers from Connecticut and Massachusetts were 
Presbyterian in sentiment, while those from Rhode Island were Baptist. 
The first definite information concerning religious matters in town is 
obtained from the journal of Rev. Caleb Alexander, who made a mission- 
ary tour in the Mohawk valley in 1801. Mr. Alexander reached Nor- 
way November 10, 1801, and remained until the 23d of the month, 
visiting and preaching in this and the adjoining towns of Fairfield and 
Salisbury. In the closing portion of his journal Mr. Ale.vander asserts : 
"In the whole county of Herkimer there is neither a Presbyterian nor 
Congregationalist minister. The people seem in general to be growing 
up in ignorance and wickedness." 

The next year another Massachusetts missionary, of like religious 
faith, the Rev. John Taylor, visited the Mohawk and Black River coun- 
try. He reached Norway July 28, 1802, and from his journal we take 
the following : 

Norway, * * * A young gent by the name of Johnson has preached in this town 
for several Sabbaths, and the people have hired him for three or four Sabbaths to come. 
There is a considerable congregation of Presbyterians. But it is in this town as in all 
those parts. Tiiere is a mixture of Baptists, of Methodists, Universalists and Deists. 
In the various parts of the town there is preaching by sectarians of almost all kinds 
every Sabbath. There is one Methodist church, numerous ; two Baptist churches and 
part of a third ; no meeting-houses. 

A religious association styled the ' ' Calvary Society " was early formed ; 
its members were composed of different denominations, as well as those 
not church members. One of its objects was to procure preaching, and 
raise money to defray the expense. Its book of records dates back to 
1803. April 5, 1803, the association " voted to make choice of the Rev. 
Caleb Alexander for their minister, to preach in said society one- third 
part of the time, and that they give him $100 a year for his services." 
At a meeting held at Josiah Smith's, December 6, 1806, " it was found 
that the funds of said society were reduced to $66.50, in consequence 



428 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTV*. 

of deaths and removals from town. Voted that the trustees make a 
statement of the funds to the Rev. C. Alexander, and know if he will 
continue to preach in said society for that amount." " An assessment 
of eighty-six and a half cents on each dollar then collectable " was voted 
in order to make a settlement with Mr. Alexander. In October, 1813, 
"at a meeting of the trustees it was resolved to build a meeting-house 
on Dudley Smith's lot." The building of the first church in the village 
of Norway was an event that awakened unusual interest. Subscriptions 
to the amout of $1,640.75 were made. 

The Presbyterian church, organized in 1798, was the leading church 
in the town for over thirty years. Among the clergymen who preached 
for this church were : 

Revs. William Williams, Mr. Harrower, Phinias Robinson, Samuel Sweezy, Charles 
Bowie.'!, David Chassell, Seth Burt, Mr. Camp, Isaac Foster, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Cargon, 
Mr. Pratt, and Richard Knight. 

The church began to wane in members and prosperity after 1830, and 
disbanded soon after 1850. Among the prominent Presbyterians of 
early days were Seth Smith, Sylvanus Ferris, Zadock, Amos and Zenas 
Bronson, Abram Cole, Josiah Smith and Galen Barstow. 

Both the old Union and Baptist churches were adorned with high 
steeples, but during a severe thunder shower, June 4, 1856, both were 
blown off and have never been replaced. On the nth of April, 1871, 
the old church was again visited by the elements ; a stroke of lightning 
shattered it, but did not set fire to it; it was repaired the same season, 
but is now unfit for use. It was last used for a festival in March, 1891. 

The early history of the Methodist church in this town is shrouded in 
mystery. Probably a Methodist society was formed previous to 1800, 
as missionary Taylor reports a " numerous " Methodist church in 
1802. Comfort Barnes, and his sons Luther, Lewis and Cavit, with 
their families, and some of their neigbors, were Methodists. The Jer- 
seyfield road was a stronghold of Methodism. The first church build- 
ing erected in the town, and probably the first Methodist church in the 
county, was built on the road directly east from Norway village in 
1809. It was used as a church until 1839, when it was sold, removed 
and converted into a barn. Revs. Joseph Willis and Asa Cummins 
were appointed to labor on the Herkimer circuit in 1808, and are said 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 429 

to have been the first circuit preachers in the town. Rev. W. Brown 
was associated with Willis in 1809. Herkimer circuit then extended 
from St. Johnsville on the east to Trenton on the west. Rev. Messrs. 
Dunham, Lippitt, Chandley Lambert, David Shepard, John Ercan- 
back, Calvin Hawley, and Jolin Wallis were among the early preachers. 
The prominent members, besides those already mentioned, of this early 
church were Uriah Tompkins, William Comstock and wife, Stephen 
Comstock and. his wife, Eunice Comstock, Thomas Rathbun, John 
Kennedy, Asahel Burlingame, Moses Gage and his wife, William and 
David Haskins, and Selah Griswold, About the time the old church 
was abandoned two new Methodist societies were organized. The 
members living in the central part of the town met at Norway village 
March 20, 1837, chose the Rev. John Roper and Jeremiah Smith pre- 
siding officers, and Charles H. Austin, secretary ; resolved that their 
church title should be "The First M. E. Church of the Town of Nor- 
way," and that Jeremiah Smith, Johnson Smith, Joel Du Bois, Stephen 
Gage and Ackland Salisbury be trustees of said society. The members 
living in the north part of the town met at the Barnes district school- 
house May 29, 1837, designated their society as "The Second M. E. 
Church of Norway," and elected Benjamin Austin, Joseph Western, 
Hiram Getman, Stephen Case and Seymour Bullock trustees. A small 
but neat and commodious church was built at Norway village in 1837, 
at a cost of about $1,000, and a similar church at Black Creek soon 
after. Rev. George Gary preached the dedicatory sermon of the church 
at Norway village. 

The Sth of September, 1870, another Methodist society was formed 
at Gray, designated' " The First M. E. Church of Gray;" James V. 
Du Bois, W. W. Bullock, J. M. Brown, V. R. Tompkins and S. B. 
Legg were elected trustees. A fine church was built here in 1871, at a 
cost of nearly $5,000. The membership of the three societies, including 
probationers, numbers about one hundred. The church property is in 
good condition. 

A few of the early residents of Norway were Baptists, and became 
members of the Newport Baptist church. On the 25th of December, 
1823, the members of that church then residents of this town held a 
meeting at Dudley Smith's and petitioned the " rr, other church" to 



430 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

form a separate church organization. The petition was granted May 
24, 1830, and on the 28th of September the same year the church was, 
after a council, admitted into fellowship with its sister churches. The 
names of the twenty-three persons first composing the church are as 
follow : 

Osee Brunson, Dudley Smith, Isaac Crosby, Samuel Western, Westel Brunson, 
Phineas Hemingway, Jeiferson Tillinghast, Wilbur Tillinghast, Rebekah Brunson, Ara- 
bella English, Temple Ross, Anna Brunson, I.ydia Tillinghast, Mary Crosby, Priscilla 
Tillinghast, Mary Crandall, Abigail Nichols, Mary Hemingway, Sarali Western, Polly 
Underbill, Susanna Smith, Lavina Buck and Sarah Tillinghast. 

The ne.Kt year, 1831, the church erected a large and commodious house of worship, 
which was dedicated in the spring of 1832, the Rev. Elon Galusha preaching the dedi- 
cation sermon. The first regular pastor of the church was the Rev. R. T. Smith, who 
commenced his labors in January, 1831. He was succeeded by the Rev. William B. 
Curtis, Charles B. Brown, L. 0. Lovel, N. Gr. Collins, N. Furgerson, E. D. Towner, 
Francis Prescott, S. A. Douglass, Charles E. Brown (again), H. Steelman, L. B. Barker, 
J. W. Starkweather, R. D. Pierce, David Beecher, S. D. Ross and the Rev. George 
Fisher, who is the present pastor. 

For a period ©f twenty years after 1835 this church was strong in 
membership and influence, and its preachers were among the ablest in 
the denomination. Afterward deaths, removals and internal dissen- 
sions reduced its membership. For some years past it has been grad- 
ually growing, and in 187S numbered fifty-eight members. Twice since 
the meeting-house was erected it has been thoroughly repaired, the 
last time in 1878, which left the church property in good condition. 

A Freewill Baptist church existed for a time. Job Bly, Timothy 
SiTiith, David Humphreville and members of their families were some 
of the leading members. They had stated preaching for some years at 
the old Union church, but the church ceased to exist more than twenty 
years since. Quite a number of persons residing in the Hurricane 
district are members of the Poland Freewill Baptist churcli and sustain 
preaching in their locality. 

The Protestant Episcopal church in Norway was organized July 26, 
18 19, when it was voted that the title should be " Grace Church," and 
that Henry Lumm and Jared Smith be the first wardens, and Frederick 
Mason, Levi Brainard, Charles Bradley, Shibnah Nichols, William 
Forsyth, Danford Doty, James Giles, jr., and Ira Coe the first vestry- 
men. The first rector was Rev. Daniel McDonald, then principal of 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 431 

Fairfield Academy, who commenced his labors about this date. The 
first organization was not kept up in conformity to law, and a reorgan- 
ization was effected the 8th day of May, 1837, at which David Du Bois 
and Joseph C. Crane were elected wardens, and Frederick Mason, Addi- 
son Manly, J. C. Crane, D. Du Bois, Daniel C. Henderson, Isaac Corp, 
Morgan Norton and Ira Coe vestrymen. 

Rev. William Baker preached for this church many ^ years and is 
favorably remembered. Other well known rectors were Rev. Messrs. 
Northrup, William Johnson and E. N. Goddard. The church member- 
ship in 1878 numbered about twenty. The Rev. Mr. Morris was then 
rector of the church, being partly supported by the missionary fund of 
this denomination. No Episcopal service has been held for several 
years and the church organization is discontinued. 

Pliysicians. — The earliest physician in Norway was Dr. Westel 
Willoughby, who came, probably, in 1792. An extended sketch of 
this faithful physician will be found in the chapter on the Medical So- 
ciety. Members of the profession who practiced in the town at later 
periods were Drs. Abijah Tombling, Lazarus Tousey, Roland Sears, 
Bryant Burwell, William Frame, Moses Johnson, David Bingham, 
Shadrack N. Vincent, Simon Goodell, Stephen R. Millington, William 
M. Hayes, Thomas Hayes, H. A. France and Charks J. Hall. Dr. 
Henry J. Vrooman is now in practice. 

Cemeteries. — An acre of land lying on the northerly bounds of Nor- 
way village was deeded by Dudley Smith in 1803 for cemetery pur- 
poses. It had been used for a burying- ground at least ten Vears pre- 
viously. The first person buried here is said to have been a blacksmith, 
but the date of his death and his name are unknown. In 1889 a sub- 
stantial lime- stone wall was erected along the road front — a fine im- 
provement. Burying-grounds were located at an early day near the 
southeast and southwest corners of the town, and also in the Hurricane 
district, and all are still used and in good repair. 

The Barnes Street Cemetery was not opened until about 1808. Mrs. 
James Jackson, of Black Creek, in that neighborhood, died during a 
remarkable snow storm, in the spring of 1807, and the funeral proces- 
sion was two days in going to the Norway village cemetery and return- 
ing, a distance of four miles. This snow storm is noticed in an old 



432 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

memorandum made by Jared Smith, an old settler, as follows: "Nor- 
way, March the 30th, 1S07. — Snowed till April the 4th, and fell three 
feet; with the old snow, five feet deep the 6th day of April." 

Quite a number of private and family burying places were located in 
various parts of the town by the early settlers. 

Among ll>e prominent families in this town is that of Smith. Jared 
Smith, sr., a Revolutionary soldier, and Dorcas Beecher were both born 
in the town of Huntington, Conn. They were married August 20, 
1761, and soon after removed to Southbury, Conn., where their oldest 
child, Jared, jr., was born April 11, 1766. Dorcas Johnson was born 
in the same town June 23, 1766, and was married to Jared Smith, 
jr., January 14, 1787. Soon after marriage they removed to Freehold, 
Greene county, N. Y., where they resided about nine years. In 1796 
Mr. Smith made quite an extended tour through Central New York, 
which resulted in his purchasing one hundred acres of land a mile east 
of where Norway village is now located ; his choice probably being in- 
fluenced by several Southbury families who had previously settled in 
the town. Johnson Smith, their only son, was born in this town Octo- 
tober 30, 1798. 

Daniel Salisbury lived for a time and died at Swansea, Mass. One 
of his sons, Richard, was born in that town and married Elizabeth 
Easterbrooks, of Warren, R. I. One of their sons, Nathaniel, was born 
in Swansea, Mass., March 24, 1772. He married Joanna Wilson, of 
Thompson, Conn., January 27, 1796, and immediately settled in p'air- 
field, Herkimer county, where one of their daughters, Sarah, was born 
September 6, 1798. 

Johnson Smith and Sarah Salisbury were married January 25, 1825. 
Frederick Smith, their oldest son, was born in Norway January 9, 
1826, and married, November 20, 1851, Miss Maria E. Service, 
of the same town. His occupation has been farming and clerking 
mainly. The official positions he has held in the town are noted else- 
where. In June, 187 1, he was appointed deputy county clerk, and held 
that office about five years. At present he is engaged in mercantile 
pursuits at Norway village. 

The Norton Family. — Thomas Norton came from England in 1639, 
with his son John. John died in 1704 ; his son John (2d) was born in 



TOWN OF NORWAY. 433 

1668 and died in 1711. John 3d was born in 1699 and died in 1798 ; 
his son John (4th) was born in 1734, died in 1804, and was buried on 
Guilford Green, Connecticut. He married Lucy Lee in 1758. They 
had eight children. James Norton, their seventh child, was born July 
14, 1774. Huldah Chittenden was born October 10, 1777. James 
Norton and Huldah Chittenden were married at Guilford; Connecticut, 
in 1794. 

Mr. Norton came into this county in 1794 and located upon land 
purchased by his father in the town of Salisbury, but not being pleased 
with the location, he came to Norway and purchased the place upon 
which he lived until his death, in 1850. In May, 1796, he brought his 
wife and infant daughter (who afterwards became Mrs. Ira Coe) from 
Guilford. By dint of unflagging industry and much self denial, Mr. 
Norton cleared up his farm. A growing family made more room 
necessary, and in 1804 or 1805 he erected a frame dwelling on the 
site of the present Norton homestead, which a few years later served as 
a wing to a more pretentious " upright " two-story dwelling, which is 
now owned and occupied by Mrs. R. C. Norton, the widow of Morgan 
Norton. Morgan Norton was born in Norway, March 28, 1809. 
Elizabeth Tillinghast was born in Norway, March 28, 1808. They 
were married in October, 1836. Mrs. Elizabeth Tillinghast Norton 
died June 11, 1842. Rhoda C. Di.x was born at White Creek, Wash- 
ington county, N. Y., November 10, 1817. Morgan Norton and Miss 
Dix were married in October, 1846. Mr. Norton held various positions 
in the town, and was elected supervisor in 1855. In 1856 he was 
seriously hurt by falling from a tree, injuring his spine and incapaci- 
tating him for active business. He died July 15, 1872. 

David Du Bpis was born June 1 1, 1797, and is now the oldest resident 
of Norway. The family 'descended from the Huguenots, Louis Du 
Bois being a representative of that persecuted sect who immigrated to 
this country in 1660, and settled in Ulster county. His third child, 
Jacob, settled in Norway in 1795. David Du Bois married Sarah 
Tillinghast, December 29, 1829. The only offspring of this union now 
living are Luke Du Bois and Mrs. J. D. Henderson, of Herkimer. Mr. 
Du Bois has been a prominent man in business and politics, and for 
many years has been senior warden of the Episcopal church. 



434 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE TOWN OF RUSSIA. 

RUSSIA is one of the large towns of Herkimer county and situated on 
the northwestern border. It is bounded on the nortli by Wihiiurt 
and Oneida county; on the east by Ohio and Norway; on the south 
by Newport, and on the west by Oneida county. Russia was formed 
from Norway, as " Union," April 7, 1806. Its name was changed April 
6, 1808, and a part of Wilmurt was taken off in 1836, when the latter 
town was formed. The surface of the town is rolling and moderately 
hilly, descending quite abruptly on the west to the valley of the West 
Canada Creek which flows for a long distance on its western boundary. 
Black Creek flows across the northern part. Cold Brook flows across 
the southwestern part and affords excellent water power. Trenton 
Falls, on the West Canada Creek, are on the western border of the 
town ; and about two miles above the junction of Black Creek and 
West Canada Creek is believed to be the spot where Walter N. Butler 
was killed by Col. Willett's troops, as related on an earlier page. 

Russia contains a part of the third allotment of the Royal Grant, por- 
tions of Jerseyfield, Remsenburgh and Matchin's patents, and the whole 
of Lush's, Marvin's and Jacob's patents, nearlj' 37,000 acres. The 
town was not settled previous to the Revolution. In 1792 Stoddard 
Squire came from Connecticut and settled in the town, bringing with 
him John G. Squire, his son, then a boy seven years old. Dr. Truman 
Squire, a grandson of Stoddard Squire, was born in Russia and became 
prominent in his profession. He practiced for many years at Elmira, 
N. Y., where he died. He made important contributions to medical 
science, for which he received honors both in this country and 
Europe. The Millington family from Vermont, and the Smith family, 
came in and took up land within a few years after Squire's settlement. 
Farley Fuller, George Taylor, and Roscum Slocum moved into the town 
probably in 1794, and between that year and 1 800 quite a number of other 



TOWN OF RUSSIA 435 

families made settlements here. Among these were a man named Austin, 
with his son ; VVilham Buck, Jeremiah Smith, Jonathan Carpenter, father 
of Jotham Carpenter, and a family named Coon who settled on the State 
road. Farley Smith and Minerva Smith were the first persons married 
in the town (1794), and a son of a Mr. Allen and soon afterward Waite 
Robinson, were those who first died in the town. The first school was 
taught at Graves' Hollow (now Gravesville), the teacher's name being 
Morehouse. The first tavern in the town was kept by Stephen Smith 2d, 
on the State road opposite the William Buck homestead, and the first 
store was kept at Gravesville, where Lankton's old store stands. Benja- 
min Hinman built the first saw-mill in 1797, and in the same year he 
built a grist-mill on the site of the later mill at Gravesville. Dr. William 
Frame was the first physician in the town, and was succeeded by Dr. 
Sears. Other early comers are mentioned in the sketches of the vil- 
lages of the town. 

Outside of lumbering the principal occupation of the inhabitants of 
Russia is farming, in late years cheese and buttermaking receiving the 
most attention. The Utica and Black River Railroad approaches very 
near to the western border of the town. It was opened in 1855-6 and 
gave convenient access to a good market at Utica, which aided in the 
development of the agricultural industries of Russia. 

Poland Village — Is beautifully situated in the extreme southwest part 
of the town, and contains very many handsome residences. Consider- 
able business is carried on, but very little manufacturing. The settle- 
ment in this vicinity was not made until iSooor a little later; but after 
that date it rapidly filled up. Among the pioneers of the locality were 
Nathan Burwell, Samuel Wright, Daniel Swezey, Ebenezer Newman, 
Michael De Grofif, Jesse Brayton, George Arnold, Uriah and Cornelius 
Schermerhorn, Silas Beebe, Samuel Giles, Moses Mather, Amos Beebe, 
James King, William Truman, Samuel Newberry, Jenks Benchley, Na- 
hum Daniels, Daniel Jones, James Trask, John Gorton, James M. Dex- 
ter, and the Terry family. Many of these located in the vicinity of 
Cold Brook, whither they were attracted by the valuable water power, 
and many of their descendants still live in the town. 

The first school-house at Poland was erected in 1798, of logs, and 
stood on what is now Newport street, a few rods from the site of the 



436 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

present school-house; the second one was about half way between 
Poland and Swezey Hill, a mile northeast of the other one. A third 
school- house was built on Cold Brook street near where Arthur Sprague 
now lives. A frame house was built later nearly on the site of this 
last mentioned log house. The fiftii school-house was also on Cold 
Brook street. The sixth was built in 1868, on the site of the present 
commodious house. The old building was at first used as a part of the 
new one and a primary department was kept in a part of it in 1874. 
In 1877 the whole of the old building was taken for the primary depart- 
ment, and the new house remodeled and greatly improved. 

The first grist-mill in Poland was built by Moses Mather, father of 
Dr. William and Jairus Mather, of Fairfield, in 1 807. A valuable 
manuscript left by the late Dr. William Mather says that soon after 1803 
his father purchased a tract of land of Nathan Burwell, the pioneer, 
located at what was then called " Russia Flats," now Poland, which em- 
braced many valuable mill privileges. He removed his family thither 
in 1806 and immediately began improving the mill privileges on Cold 
Brook. He built the first grist-mill on that stream, became the owner 
of two saw- mills, besides building other mills for turning wood and forg- 
ing iron by water power. About the year 1809-10, when the secret of 
distilling intoxicating liquor from grain began to be known, he engaged 
in that business as one of the first in this section. The first year the price 
of whisky was high and the outlook favorable. He therefore largely 
extended his business in the second year; "but one thing he did not 
take into consideration, and that was that everybody else who could, 
would do the same thing." The consequence was an over- production 
and decline in prices. In the prime of life and after devoting several 
years to hard work, mostly in endeavoring to build up a village in his 
locality, Mr. Mather became pecuniarily embarrassed, sold out all his 
property at Poland, and purchased a house and lot at Fairfield, to which 
place he removed his family in 1816. After he left Poland business at 
that place declined ; but the building of the narrow gauge railroad con- 
necting Poland and Herkimer, and the value of the local water power 
gave it a new impetus and its growth was rapid. The mill and distillery 
formerly owned by Mr. Mather were afterward converted into a factory 
for the manufactory of cotton batting, etc., by Col. George Arnold, 



TOWN OF RUSSIA. 43f 

father of Thomas Arnold. Noble Gunn and Joshua Bennett were early 
millers at Poland, and Horace Kellogg and Russell Vincent were dis- 
tillers. The Putnam grist and saw-mills were built by Isaac, brother of 
Almond Brayton. While he owned the property the grist mill was 
burned, and he rebuilt it and sold the property to Edward Clieever, by 
whom it was transferred to John G. Webster, father of Robert and 
Frederick Webster. The property finally passed from the possession 
of Frederick Webster, who had greatly improved it, to John M. Putnam 
in 1874. The mill is now operated by Fitch & Howe. 

Michael De Grofif built a saw mill at Poland about 1802, which passed 
to the possession of Moses Mather. Mr. Mather also bought of Stephen 
Smith a piece of land and another saw mill which stood near the site'of 
the saw-handle factory at Cold Brook. The saw-handle factory is now 
operated by Thomas T. Rhodes. The De Groff saw-mill was on the site 
of the planing-mill at Cold Brook. Mr. Mather sold it to Philip A. 
Fenner, who changed it to a factory for the manufacture of cotton yarn, 
candle wicking, etc. Later the proprietor began the manufacture of 
rubber boots and shoes in the building, Mr. Fenner having taken as a 
partner Col. George Arnold. They carried on the business a few years 
and sold out to Jenks Benchley and Abraham Coffin, who sold to Sey- 
mour Bullock and Rev. Abram Fish, who began the manufacture of 
cheese boxes. The next owners were Samuel Arnold (brother of 
Thomas) and George Potter, who again took up the manufacture of 
cotton products. The business was not profitable and they began piak- 
ing wagons, and still later Rider & Brown manufactured fanning mills 
here. George Potter and Richard Sprague then began the manufac- 
ture of sash, doors and blinds in a small way. George Potter eventu- 
ally became owner of the works, which had been considerably enlarged, 
and upon his death in 1875, the property passed to his sons, Henry and 
Herbert, who have since continued a flourishing business. 

The first tannery in Poland was established by Jenks Benchley in 1 8 1 7 ; 
it stood on the south side of Cold Brook a little east of the stone bridge. 
Some years later he removed it to the opposite side of the brook 
and west of the bridge. The site of the vats was where the Union store 
is situated. In after years when Colonel Arnold's cotton factory sus- 
pended operations, Jenks Benchley and Ambrose Nicholson bought the 



438 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTV. 

buildings and the water right of Arnold and converted the building into 
a tannery, which they continued to operate together many years. They 
finally sold out to Nicholas Rider, who was succeeded by Peter Coun- 
tryman, who continued it until 1878, when the business was suspended. 
The property is now owned by Levi Schermerhorn. 

Nathan Burwell, before mentioned, was the first blacksmith in Poland, 
and a man of high character. He had six children, three of whom were 
sons named Bryant, Dudley and Charles. Nathan Burwell's blacksmith 
shop was of logs and in later years he lived in the stone house owned by 
Robert Webster. He also carried on farming and became owner of 
considerable land in the neighborhood. Dudley Burwell became a 
prominent citizen of Herkimer county, and a brief sketch of his career 
will be found in another chapter devoted to the legal profession. 

Daniel Jones was a skillful mechanic who was attracted to Poland by 
the water power in Cold Brook. He built a dam and a ditch for the 
diverted water, and erected a large shop, in which he placed a trip- 
hammer, the first one in the northern part of the county. Mr. Mather 
wrote: " I well remember the interest manifested by the inhabitants 
when, for the first time, they witnessed iron and steel hammered and 
moulded by water power." Jones was succeeded by James Trask, 
father of Isaac Trask, and two partners, John Gorton and James M. 
Dexter. For many years they manufactured sc}-thes. James Trask 
and his son Isaac subsequently built the brick shop still standing a half 
mile above on the same stream, where a trip-hammer was put in and 
the manufacture of axes carried on. The building is now unused. 

William and George Harrison established an iron foundry on the 
south side of Cold Brook and southeast of the Countryman tannery. 
They cast mill- gearings, small box stoves, hollow- w'are, etc. 

Daniel A. Sprague established the manufacture of wagons many 
years ago and was succeeded by his sons Arnold and Charles, who oc- 
cupy the "cobble-stone" building. Uriah Schermerhorn and his 
brother Cornelius were early boot and shoemakers and became, event- 
ually, wealthy farmers. 

Nearly all the manufactures of Poland have gone down, while various 
interests have sprung up in Cold Brook, nearby. There is a manufact- 
ory of veneers in Poland, carried on by the Perkins Manufacturing 
Company. The Poland cheese factory was established in 1863. 



TOWN OF RUSSIA. 439 

The first store in Poland was built and kept by Samuel Wright. The 
building was afterwards occupied as a cabinet shop by William Wright, 
and still later by Samuel Giles as a store. In 1861 it was converted 
into a dwelling and removed to Cold Brook street. Other merchants 
who succeeded Mr. Wright were Nalium Daniels, Samuel Giles, N. But- 
ler, J. Douglass, C. A. Brown, William Benchley, Abel Morse, H. Ba- 
ker, William Durant, Randall Rice, Samuel Arnold, and others. In 
order to provide for a well kept permanent store, the Union Store was 
established in 1853, which was successfully operated till 1857, when the 
present large building was completed. Its affairs are conducted through 
a board of officers who are elected annually by ballot. By the pay- 
ment of $20 any person may become a stockholder, entitled to receive 
goods at a certain rate of discount below those granted to outsiders. 
The store has always been remarkably successful, and draws patrons 
from many surrounding towns. 

Robbins Reed started a store in 1872, and soon afterward took his 
brother George into partnership. They are still in business. 

The Bank of Poland was organized October 5, 1872, by S. R. Mill- 
ington, Peter Countryman, M. A. Blue, William Buck, John Hemstreet, 
Isaac Beecher, and C. S. Millington. William Buck was elected presi- 
dent and Charles S. Millington, cashier. The bank was at first located 
in Dr. Millington's office, which was fitted up for that purpose. In 1876 
it was removed to the new Kellogg block, where a vault was built for 
it. In 1885 the institution was reorganized as a national bank. The 
present officers are Warren Brayton, president, and Charles Millington, 
cashier. Dr. S R. Millington is a son of Richard Millington, and was 
born in Russia in 1826. After studying in Geneva Medical College he 
practiced in Norway thirteen years and came to Poland in i860. In 
1872 he retired from his profession to engage in banking. 

The post- office at Poland was established in 1838, with Joseph ]?ench- 
ley as postmaster, and the office was kept in his public house. The 
present postmaster is Robbins Reed. 

Nathan Burwell kept the first public tavern in Poland, occupying for 
several years the large two-story house erected several years earlier by 
Samuel Wright. Mr. Burwell kept the house only a few years, and re- 
turned to blacksmithing and farming. Nahum Daniels soon purchased 



440 HISTORY OF HERKIMER C0UNT7. 

the house and a large farm with it and occupied it for many years. He 
was a prominent citizen, and the place was known as " Danielsville " 
for years. This name caused confusion with Dansville, N. Y., and 
Joseph Benchley's influence changed the name to Poland, from the fact 
that Poland in Europe is in the southwest part of Russia. Dr. Milling- 
ton purchased the Wright House in i860, and removed it to make 
room for his present handsome residence. The old house is now the 
home of Mrs. John I. Countryman, on Cold Brook street. 

After Mr. Burwell gave up his tavern, Samuel Giles kept a public 
house in the stone building now occupied by Thomas Arnold. This 
was continued only a few years and the building became the residence 
of George Arnold. 

The first really permanent hotel in the place was erected and kept by 
Joseph Benchley, about 1828. He subsequently left Poland and con- 
ducted a hotel in Ilion ; he died in Newport. The Benchley tavern af- 
terwards became the wing of the main building erected by Albert Hen- 
dricks, now, after numerous changes chiefly made by Van Zant Wil- 
loughby, called the Ellis House, kept by Frank Ellis. The Webster 
House, now kept by Eugene Lovett, is also an old building on a site 
where a hotel has long been located. It passed to the possession of 
Van Zant Willougliby, by whom it was greatly changed. He sold it to 
Mrs. Rouse, who leases it to the present proprietor. 

Previous to 1840 religious services were held at Poland in school- 
houses, private houses and elsewhere, and many families attended ser- 
vices in neighboring towns. On the lOth of April, 1840, a meeting was 
held at a school-house in Newport, to organize a "branch of the Free 
Baptist Church of Norway." The result was that a number of persons 
and families were constituted a church in Poland. In March, 1842, a 
subscription paper was circulated to raise money for a church building 
for the use of the " Newport and Poland Free Church." The connec- 
tion with Newport was for the benefit of a few families who lived 
""over the line in that town. The sum of $825 was raised and a plain 
building erected ; through other subscriptions the land was paid for. 
The first pastor of the church was Rev. Daniel McKoon. On the i6th 
of January, 1841, at a quarterly meeting held at Norway, a vote was 
taken on the proposition to constitute the Newport and Poland branch 



TOWN OF RUSSIA. 441 

of the Norway Free Baptist Church a distinct church by itself, and the 
meeting voted in its favor. The word " Newport " was subsequently 
omitted as inappropriate. The new church edifice of the Poland Free 
Baptist Society was begun June 6, 1872, and was dedicated December 
18 of that year. Its costs was $5,000. The present pastor is Rev. 
Isaac Hyatt. Deacons, A. W. Brayton, M. Root. Trustees, Henry 
Burwell, T. J. VVaful, S. R. Millington, Milton Howe, Peter Newman, 
Marshall Root, A. W. Brayton. 

The Methodist Society at Poland was organized in 1869, and services 
were held in the Baptist church, in Countryman's hall and elsewhere. 
In 1875 the church building was erected and dedicated on the 27th 
of June, 1876. It is one of the most attractive church buildings in the 
county, although its cost was only $4,000. The first pastor was Rev. 
P. Wright. 

Cold Brook. — This thriving little village is situated about two 
miles northeast of Poland where the State road crosses Cold Brook. 
Settlement began in this vicinity as early as 18 10. Seth Fenner 
was here as early as that, and in 181 r built the first grist-mill for 
Judge Bowen, about twenty rods north of the site of the present mill. 
Mr. Fenner also built for himself a saw-mill about the same time. A 
distillery was built in 1818 where the Fenner blacksmith shop stands. 
Waterman Fenner and Morgan Fenner are sons of Seth. Stephen Smith 
settled early nearly opposite where Waterman Fenner now lives. Nich- 
olas and Caleb Vincent were here before Fenner, and the latter bought 
land of Nicholas. Jonathan and Nathan Millington settled about three 
miles west of Cold Brook, where Alva Pullman lives. Peter and Eb- 
enezer Newman settled a little south of Cold Brook, where their descend- 
ants still live. In 1825 Lemuel Carpenter built a distillery where is 
now the sash and door factory of Charles and Roselle Rhodes, and in 
1830 Carpenter & Vincent built another where Charles Rhodes now 
lives. All these have gone to decay. 

A saw-set factory was established in 1835, but the business was given 
up and the building is now used by Stillman & Co. as a wagon factory. 
The first store in the place was kept by Daniel Terry in 1830, where A. 
P. Coonradt's house now stands. Allen Baker kept a store on the op- 
posite corner in 1835, and another was kept a little southeast of the 
00 



442 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

village on the State road in a building erected in 1838 by Peter Fake; 
it was burned. The first cheese box factory was established by Jeffer- 
son Moon in the old building where the Rhode shop now stands. Ben- 
jamin Hull, well known as " Governor," was the early blacksmith of the 
place, and had his shop on the State road southeast of the creek where 
Fred Payne now lives. The first tavern was kept by Stpphen and 
Arthur Smith. The present Uelevan House was built in 1832 by Ben- 
jamin Hurd and was called until recently the Mansion House. It is now 
kept by Michael Spellman. James L. Heffernan and David Walrath 
were early tailors, and Amos Carpenter was the first shoemaker. 
Luther Joles had a flax-mill in 1835 where the Davis cheese-box factory 
now stands. Stephen Smith 2d was the first postmaster here and was 
also a justice and surveyor ; the present postmaster is Franklin Forrest. 
A saw-handle factory has been in operation here a number of years 
and is now conducted by Thomas Rhodes, who also has the saw- mill; 
Heman Payne has anotlier mill. The grist-mill was built by Ira Torre)'. 
A button mould factory has been in operation here more than fifteen 
years. 

The village constitutes one school district, and the present commo- 
dious school building was erected in 1880. There is only one church in 
Cold Brook, the Methodist, which Was organized in 1835, with Rev. L. 
C. Rogers as pastor, and the following trustees: Amos H. Beebe, 
Joshua Overton, Jeremiah Smith, Asa Shaw, Aaron F. Bates, Roswell 
P. Smith. Rev. H. Casler is the present pastor, and following are the 
trustees: John M. Allen, Howard Newman, H. Payne, Jacob Rum- 
mel. 

Grant is the name of a small village situated on Black Creek, near 
the center of the town. It was originally known as "Potter's Bush." 
Isaac Woodin was the first settler here in 18 16, and in 1S20 John Post 
came and through his influence a post-office was obtained named 
" Postville." Alexander Booth settled near Woodin about as early, 
and in honor of his son the name of the place was subsequently changed 
to " Booth ;" but after the assassination*of President Lipcoln, the pres- 
ent name was given in honor of the great general, U. S. Grant. 

A tavern was established here in 1820 by Walter Howard, on the 
south side of the creek, a little east of the tannery, and in the same 



TOWN OF RUSSIA. , 443 

year Enoch Arnold kept a small store near-by. The tavern is now kept 
by A. H. Legg, who succeeded George Garlock six years ago. 
Stephen Smith built the first grist-mill in the place in 1821, on the site 
of the present mill. The mill has been often damaged and destroyed 
by floods, but was finally rebuilt by Adelbert Emery in its present 
form ; it is now owned by John Wood and run by Seth Fenner. The 
tannery was built in 1 82 1 byZina and Almond Beecher ; after several 
changes it came into the possession of Clark Dodge in 1877. ^'^ 1885 
W. C. Benedict bought it and has since operated it Between 16,000 
and 18,000 sides of leather are turned out annually. The building was 
twice burned, and rebuilt once by Griffith O. Jones and once by Mr. 
Dodge. Owen Kelly kept an early store where Miss Cramer now 
lives, and John Post, already mentioned, was a still earlier merchant. 
The present merchants are David Jones and James Carpenter. The 
postmaster is George Garlock. The first saw-mill was built by the 
Booths and Mr. Woodin, and the next by the Beechers, where the dam 
now is. This was carried off by a flood. On the stream below the 
village Loren Pardee built a steam mill about 1 850, which is now 
owned by the Abell estate. Mr. Pardee also built a mill at what is 
called " Pardeeville," about a mile from Grant. Alva Pardee, brother 
of Loren, built a tannery at that point, which was burned. Philip 
Young was the first blacksmith at Grant, and Elisha Hall was an early 
tailor. 

The Free Will Baptist church at Grant was organized July 19, 1856, 
with eleven members. It was called the " Free Will Baptist Society 
of Russia Center." Isaac Woodin was the first deacon. Rev. R. H. 
Ketchum was the first pastor. The church was built in 1856 and dedi- 
cated June 12. The society is very feeble and the last pastor was 
Elder Whittemore. 

The Methodist society at Grant was organized as early as i860, but 
the precise date is not known, and there was preaching long before that 
by itinerants. In the summer of i860 the present church was built. 
The society has nearly lost its identity and there is no regular preaching. 

The village of Gravesville takes its name from William Graves, who 
settled there in 1800. Previous to that time and about 1796, a Major 
Geer located there and began tanning hides in a small way. Mr. 



■)44 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Graves was from Vermont and was a man of energy and character. lie 
traded his horse and equipments with Geer for the tannery and went 
into business in the wilderness. In 1806 John Burr built a saw mill 
near the site of the late grist-mill. The first grist mill was built by the 
father of Col. J. E. Hinman, of Utica, on the site of the late mill. It 
was burned on the 4th of February, 1826, and on the loth of the next 
February Mr. Graves had the present mill running. In 181 3 William 
and Hobart Graves built the carding- mill, and the same year saw the 
building of a trip hammer shop by Reuben Sacket. The post-office 
was established in 1848, with Elijah Seavey as postmaster. The cloth- 
dressing mill, grist-mill, cheese- box factory and a machine shop have 
all been abandoned. A store is kept here by Frank Lankton, who is 
postmaster, and another by Sherman Holliday, who began business in 
1890 in the old store building, which had been occupied by Abner 
Moon as a dwelling. The carding- mill and a scale-board factory are 
owned and occupied by George Jinks. 

There has been a Methodist Episcopal society here for many years, 
but it is difficult to secure any connected history of the church. The 
present pastor is Rev. Harvey Casler. A Universalist society formerly 
existed here, having been organized in 1845, and erected a church 
in the same year, but the members are at present without a pastor. 

What is known as Russia village is a small hamlet in the southern 
part of the town, on the old State road, and was first settled by Samuel 
Wright, who owned the site of the village and sold it to Nathaniel Nor- 
ton. He built a store and tavern in 1803, and kept both, where Charles 
White now lives. Moses Prindle was the first blacksmith in 1804. Dr. 
William Frame was the first resident physician. William Smith kept 
the first store, after Norton, in 1804, on the site of the present store 
kept by L. F. Carpenter, who is also postmaster. Nathaniel Waters 
settled here in 1805, and was a carpenter. The brick house now occu- 
pied by Giles Reed was the first one of brick in the place, and was built 
by a Mr. Bishop. Isaac Norton, Elijah Ayers, and Stephen Smith lived 
here in 1804, and all of them were surveyors. Jeremiah Smith, an 
early settler, was the first mail carrier, going along the State road from 
Johnstown, in Fulton county, through Norwaj' and Russia to Trenton, 
Oneida county. A cheese factory was carried on here several years, 



TOWN OF OHIO. 445 

but was discontinued in i8S8. There is no manufactory in the village 
at present. 

A Baptist church was organized here in July, 1799, under the free 
will form. It remained thus until May 23, 1850, when it was merged 
into the close communion form. Elder Benajah Corp was the first 
preacher. Rev. J. F. Stilwell is the present pastor of the church. 

A Union church was built here a number of years ago, and is now 
used by the Methodist Society, with Rev. Harvey Casler as the pastor. 

Following is a list of supervisors of the town of Russia from its or- 
ganization to the present time : 

Amos Reed, 1807-10, 1812; Truman Walker, 1811, 1813; Nathan Millington, 1814- 
IG, 1821; John Graves, 1817-20, 1822-26, 1828, 1834, 1835; Roland Sears, 1827; 
Edmund Varney, 1829-33; Selah Lockwood, 1836-38, 1843-44, 1846, 1848, 1852; 
Walter Booth, 1839-40, 1842, 1850, 1853 ; Orson Moore, 1841, 1854, 1859-60; Palmer 
Root, 1845 ; Ambrose Nicholson, 1847 ; Timothy A. Ferris, 1849 ; William Robbins, 
1851; Isaac Beecher, 1855-56, 1861; Solomon Graves, 1857-58, 1863-65; P. A. 
Goonradt, 1862; James M. Walters, 1866-68; Clinton A. Moon, 1870-72; Ephraim 
Wheeler, 1873; Peter Smith, 1874; Wallace W. Moon, 1875-79; Milo Moore, 1880, 
1881, 1892; Henry A. France, 1882, 1883; James 0. Carpenter, 1884, 1887-1891 ; E. 
Robbins Reed, 1885, 1886, 1888, 1889 ; W. C. Benedict, 1890. 



CHAPTER XXVH. 



THE TOWN OF OHIO. 



OHIO is one of the comparatively recently formed towns of Herki- 
mer county, and was taken from Norway on the iith of April, 
1823, when it was given the name of West Brunswick. It retained this 
name until May 3, 1836, when it was changed to its present title. In 
the same year a portion of the town was taken off and annexed to 
Wilmurt. The town is all within the Jerseyfield patent, excepting the 
triangular portion lying northwest of the West Canada Creek, which is 
in the Remsenburg patent. The surface of the town is elevated from 
700 to 900 feet above the Mohawk River, and is moderately hilly. In 
the eastern and southern portions the soil is loam and gravelly, and 



446 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

good for tillage, while the remainder is sandy and light. The principal 
streams are West Canada Creek, flowing across the northwest part; 
Mount's Creek, crossing near the center of the town in a southwesterly 
direction ; Black Creek in the southern part, which flows into West 
Canada Creek five miles above Trenton Falls ; Fox Creek in the 
western part, and other smaller streams. There are several small lakes 
in the town, among them Mount's, Curtis, Crooked and Round Lakes. 
A small part of the northeast and northwest sections is still heavily 
wooded. 

This town was settled previous to the Revolution, when it formed a 
part of the Kingsland district, and was the theater of one of the cold 
blooded atrocities that marked that period. The first settler was named 
Mount, but his first name is not now known. He located on pleasantly- 
situated land on the east side of the stream that has always borne his 
name, near the center of the town ; the property is now owned by 
George R. Turner. There he had erected comfortable buildings, a saw- 
mill, fences, etc , gathered stock and planted an orchard. The dwellers 
in this pleasant home were doomed to suffering at the hands of a re- 
lentless foe. The father and mother went one day to Little Falls, 
twenty miles distant, with grain to be ground, returned home and found 
their two sons dead in the barn, their scalps taken, and a little negro 
boy, who lived with them, alive and ajixiously waiting his master's re- 
turn. " Mr. Mount came from New Jersey. His secluded position 
rendered it quite certain, being about twenty miles from the German 
settlements on the river, that neither he nor his sons participated in the 
conflict going on between the crown and the colonies, by any aggressive 
acts against the former, and if he had at any time previously been 
visited by any of the strolling actors in the bloody drama then being 
performed, he did not indulge in offensive language, as he seems not to 
have been molested." ^ Mount's buildings were not destroyed at the 
time his boys were killed, but later they were burned by some one. A 
mill, however, that was situated on Mill Creek, a few miles north of 
Grayville, was burned at that time.^ 

' Benton's History of Herkimer County, p. 455. 

' Another version has been tfiven me of this Indian murder by a gentleman who was em- 
ployed as a surveyor on the tract in 1808, and had gathered his information from persons then 
living near the Mount farm. From this relation the family consisted of Mr. Mount, his wife. 



TOWN OF OHIO. 447 

It is quite certain, but not now susceptible of proof, that other set- 
tlers were located in this town previous to the Revolution. The Mount 
tragedy is supposed to have occurred in the summer of 1782.- David 
Thorp moved upon the Mount farm soon after the Revolution and lived 
there many years ; he was father of David, jr., who was member of 
Assembly in 1832. 

In 1790 John Miller settled in this town, and was soon followed by a 
Mr. Warner, Aaron Thorp, Harmanus Van Epps, and others. The 
first tavern in the town was kept on the Mount farm by David Thorp. 

What is now known as Grayville (or Gray) was first settled on the 
north bank of the creek in this town by Philo McDonald in 1818. He 
built a saw- mill on the site of the present mill owned by C. B. Gray. 
He owned the land on that side of the creek, and in 1820 Latham Gray 
purchased 300 acres on the south side and began improvements. From 
him the settlement took its name. In 1828 he brought his family to 
the place and under his energetic labors and the efforts of others who 
were attracted thither, the hamlet became an active center of business. 
In 1837 Mr. Gray made for Perry & Swezey, who were then engaged 
in business at Newport, the first boxes in which cheese was ever sent to 
the New York market. Mr. Gray opened the first store in the 
place, where Ira Williams is now doing business. He also gave S. 
Bullock a lot on which was erected the first blacksmith shop in the vil- 
lage. W. W. Bullock still carries on business there. The first tavern 
in the village was built by George Benchley in 1844, on the site of the 
present hotel kept by Charles Wallace. In 1843 Jeremiah Petrie opened 
a boot and shoe shop, and in 1853 the present tannery was built by 
Oliver Harvey and William Ladue. Douglas Bennett was employed 
in this tannery for a time. The tannery was closed up a few years ago. 
The first postmaster was William L. Gray, and the present one is Dr. E. 
Kelly. The mail, which is now received daily, formerly came once a 
week. 

daughter, two sons and a negro boy. Two Indians had been lurking about the place several days, 
but had not made any hostile demonstrations, as the young men had taken their loaded rifles with 
them when they left the house, but on the day they were killed and scalped in the barn, they had 
neglected this precaution. When the report of firearms was heard in the house, the rest of the 
family fled to the woods and made their way to Little Falls as fast as they could. Mr. Mount did 
not see his wife and daughter, after leaving the house, until they met at Little Falls. The Indians, 
my informant says, burned Mount's buildings when they found that the family had left the place. 
— Benton's Herkimer County, pp. 455-6. 



448 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Many other mills have been built in the town at various times. Will- 
iam Hemstreet, father of John and Samuel Hemstrect, built a saw- mill 
that is still running between Ohio City and Grayville, on Mount's 
Creek. Just beyond that is the mill known as the Jacob A. Radley 
mill, now owned and operated by William Summers ; and between 
these is the steam mill of Augustus Christman & Son. Their father 
was John Christman, an early settler in that vicinity. Another saw- 
mill was built by John Dagenkolb, a mile and a half west of Ohio some 
fifteen years ago. The saw- mill at Grayville is now run by C. B. Gray. 

Ohio City is a hamlet a little west of the center of the town. There 
is no manufacturing carried on here. Albert Abeel came early to this 
section and kept a store at Ohio many years ; he died recently and is 
succeeded by his son J. W. Abeel. Gilbert J Johnson has kept a pub- 
lic house in a building erected by Albert Abeel in 1840. Abeel was 
a bright man and an active Republican politician. The father of Gil- 
bert J. Johnson was Henry I. Johnson, who came here in 1850 and 
settled two miles east of Ohio, adjoining Cornelius Turner, who was 
an early settler in that neighborhood. Michael Sweetman was also an 
early settler in the Turner neighborhood, and died in 1829, leaving de- 
scendants. Other settlers who should be mentioned are the father of 
tiie late Samuel Gibson, who located near the Hemstreet mill ; Asa 
Vickery ; William CoppernoU , whose father, G. A. Coppernoll, was an 
early farmer of the town ; the Willoughby family and others, sketches 
of whom appear a little further on. 

At the present time John Sullivan and Ira Williams are merchants at 
Graysville, and S. A. Nellis has a grocery at Ohio City. The present 
postmaster at the latter place is Gilbert J. Johnson. 

There are now eight school districts in the town. There was form- 
erly a German Lutheran church in which services were held a number 
of years, but they have been discontinued. The Methodist church at 
Ohio City was organized in 1 847, in which movement Jeremiah E. Phillips 
was prominent. The first trustees were James M. Coppernoll, Reuben 
H. Wood, Jeremiah Phillips, Rowland Emery, Gilbert Allen. It was 
then known as the Union Presbyterian and Methodist church. The 
Presbyterians do not have services now, although their society is still in 
existence. Richard Knight was the first Presbyterian pastor, and Al- 



TOWN OF WILMURT. 449 

vin Robbins the first Methodist, in 1843. The present trustees of the 
church are George Turner, John Cumniings, Lewis Wagner. Rev. H. 
L. Hastings is the present pastor. 

Considerable lumber business is still carried on in the town, mostly 
in the northern parts. But the chief industry is dairying, one factory 
being situated near Ohio City, and one just over the line in Norway ; 
the latter receives patronage from this town. 

Following is a list of supervisors of the town of Ohio from its organ- 
ization to the present time : 

J. D. Hemstreet, 1824-26, 1832, 1834; W. S. Fox, jr., 1826; David Thorp, jr., 1827- 
30, 1833; John Paull. 1831; Samuel Reese, 1835; Asa Vickery, 1836, 1839, 1840, 
1844; PhiloF. McDonald, 1837-38; Henry S. Conklin, 1841-42; William Coppernoll^ 
1843, 1845, 1850, 1853-54, 1859; Albert Abeel, 1846-49, 1851-52, 1855-58; R. H. 
Wood, 1860-61, 1865 ; M. L. Wood, 1862 ; Samuel Gibson, 1863-64. 1871-73 ; John 
Emery, 1866-67 ; William S. Burt, 1868-70 ; H. 0. Willoughby, 1874-75 ; John H. 
Fisher, 1876-77; James M. Brown, 1878-1880; Lewis Lawton, 1881-1884; ThorneE. 
Curtis, 1885; Christopher Wallace, 1886; James Abeel, 1887-1889; Firman Ouder- 
kirk, 1890-1892. 



CHAPTER XXVni. 

THE TOWN OF WILMURT. 

THIS is the largest town in the State of New York and includes 
the whole north part of Herkimer county. It extends a distance 
of nearly fifty miles in length north and south, and about sixteen in 
width. Its boundaries are as follow : Beginning at the southwest cor- 
ner of the town of Morehouse (Hamilton county), and running westerly 
on the north line of the Jerseyfield patent until it strikes the West Can- 
ada Creek ; thence continuing the same course of the Jerseyfield line 
until it strikes the west line of Herkimer county ; thence northerly on 
said line until it strikes the north boundary line ; thence easterly along 
the north bounds of the county until it strikes the northwest corner of 
the town of Morehouse ; thence southerly on said line to the place of 
beginning. Within these boundaries are all those parts of Remsenburgh 
and Vrooman's patents, Adgate's Brown's, Nobleborough, Moose River, 



450 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

and Watson's tracts, and Totten and Crossfield purchase which lie in 
Herkimer county. 

The surface of Wilmurt is rocky and mountainous and a large part 
of it is unfit for cultivation. In the deep valleys among the mountains are 
numerous beautiful and picturesque lakes, often connected by streams 
of pure cold water. The soil is a sandy loam. Numbers one to four of 
the Fulton chain of lakes are in the town and sources of the Moose 
River; while Transparent, Woodhull, Bisby and other lakes flow into 
Black River. These lakes, streams and forests are favorite resorts for 
the fisherman and huntsman. Trout abound in the pure waters, and 
deer are numerous in the remote wilderness of the northern parts. 

Wilmurt was formed from Russia and West Brunswick (now Ohio) 
May 3, 1836, when William Baker was chosen supervisor; he was suc- 
ceeded in 1839 by David Thorp. There has been only a little public 
improvement in the town, confined chiefly to the opening of necessary 
roads and the construction of bridges. 

In the year 1790 Arthur Noble, of Scotland, settled on the Noble- 
borough tract of 40,960 acres in the southeast part of Wilmurt. There 
he built a saw- mill, and attempted to colonize his land ; but he failed. In 
1792 Alexander Macomb, of New York, purchased of the State 1,920,000 
acres of land, at nine pence per acre, in the northern part of the State, 
and in the same year John Brown, of Rhode Island, acquired the title to 
about 200,000 acres of that purchase, which tract was divided into 
eight townships, numbered from one to eight. This has always been 
known as Brown's tract, and it extended into the northern part of Herki- 
mer county. Mr. Brown visited his lands near the close of the last centu- 
ry, made some limited improvements by opening roads, building houses 
and mills, in the hope of finding sale for them. He died before realiz- 
ing his expectations. A few years after Mr. Brown's death, his son-in- 
law, Charles F. Herreshofif, visited the tract and made a determined 
effort to settle and improve it. He cleared about 2,000 acres, repaired 
the mill formerly built by Brown, erected new mills, including an iron 
forge, and finally gathered about him thirty or forty families. These 
improvements were chiefly situated near what has ever since been known 
as "The Old Forge " in the town of Wilmurt. A little iron was actual- 
ly manufactured ; but Herreshoff's means became exhausted and his 
courage failed. He therefore " resorted to the experiment of drawing 
on his friends in Providence for the needful means to consummate his 



TOWN OF WILMURT. 451 

dearly cherished project. The draft was returned to him protested ; he 
felt dishonor keenly, and deliberately shot himself through the head." 
It is probable that HerreshofF was visionary and had poor judgment of 
business matters. The town as a whole was at that time, and is still to 
a considerable extent, a rugged wilderness, into which he should have 
seen the difficulty of building roads, upon which must have depended 
his success. Nothing but the most ambitious dreams could have kept 
him at his fruitless and herculean task so long. 

After Herreshoff's death the people he had brought to his settlement 
gradually dispersed, and all the buildings and improvements that had 
been made went to decay. A large portion of the tract eventually 
passed to the State for unpaid taxes. 

A second attempt was made to settle and improve the Nobleborough 
tract in 1793, but this also failed. Mr. Benton wrote of this as follows : 
" The remains of a grist and saw- mill were seen at this settlement about 
the year 181 1 by William Bensley, of Newport. Mr. Noble must have 
been influenced by a monomania like that of John Brown when he 
caused a carriage road to be cut and cleared to his lands, over which he 
passed in his coach. Mr. Noble sojourned for a time at Little Falls 
while his experiments in the woods were going on, but finally returned 
to Scotland." 

Great hopes have at various times been inspired by the large iron 
deposits existing in the northern part of this town ; but it is now gen- 
erally admitted that the ore, situated as it is and with a character such 
as it possesses, will not pay for working. Almost the entire town was 
formerly a dense wilderness of valuable timber, and much of it still re- 
mains. The practicability of turning this to valuable account in lumber 
business long ago attracted the attention of men of means In order 
that the West Canada Creek might be used for floating logs successfully, 
the State Legislature appropriated $5,000 many years ago to remove 
obstructions from its channel, and a heavy lumber business was founded, 
Gardner Hinckley being foremost in the work. Through this work a 
large tract of territory in the eastern and southern parts of the town has 
been cleared of the forest and considerable farming is carried on. 

There is a post-office at what is called East Wilmurt, at which J. 
Edward Spencer Wilkinson is postmaster, and keeps a store. A large 
mill is operated on the West Canada Creek by the Richard Brothers, 
and there is a steam mill on the Twin Lake stream. 



452 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

There are a number of popular summer resorts within the limits of 
the town. Mr. Wilkinson, before mentioned, has kept a public house 
for many years, which is well known over a wide field, and there are 
others on the lakes in the far northern part of the town. The opening 
of the Adirondack and St. Lawrence Railroad through Wilmurt in 1892 
will doubtless lead to the more active development of this town. 

Gang Mills post-office is in the southwestern part of the town and 
takes its name from the large mills built there many )'ears ago by 
Hinckley & Ballou (the latter, Theodore P. Ballou, a prominent business 
man of Utica). The business part of Gang Mills is in the town of Wil- 
murt, and the remainder in Oneida county. Robert Hall is postmaster 
there and keeps a store. The opening of the branch of the Adirondack 
and St. Lawrence Railroad to this point was effected in 1892. The ex- 
tensive mills are now owned by the Trenton Falls Lumber Company, 
and are operated for the company by Edward C. Hargraves. The 
company also keep a store on the east side of the creek. The Metho- 
dist church here was dedicated in 1873. 

Gardner Hinckley came into town early and became conspicuous in 
the lumber business and was associated with Theodore P. Ballou, of 
Utica, in the establishment of large saw-mills. (See biography in later 
pages of this work.) Francis Wilkinson was supervisor of the town in 
1852, and father of J. E. S Wilkinson, now postmaster and merchant 
at East Wilmurt. The elder Wilkinson settled in Wilmurt in 1824, on 
the Noble tract. Edward Fallen settled in the town in 1840 and be- 
came a prominent lumberman and mill owner, where the Richards 
Brothers' mill now is. John C. Richards was father of the Richards 
Brothers (John and William), and settled in Wilmurt in 1865 ; he was 
a farmer and lumberman, and now lives in Herkimer. 

Following is a list of supervisors of the town of Wilmurt from its 
organization to the present time : 

William Baker, 1836-38; David Tliorp. 1839; Caleb Walkins, 1840-42-43; Richard 
Fisk, 1841 ; Gardner Hinckley, 1844-47, 1849-51, 1853; William Becker, 1848; Fran- 
cis Wilkinson, 1852; John M. Lane, 1854-57; Charles Crippen, 1858; George W. 
Dawson, 1859-.61, 1867; Robert Bill&boro. 1862-63; J. E. S. Wilkinson, 1864-66, 
1870-72, 1877; Andrew J. Fonda, 1868-69; John C. Richards, 1873, 1879-80; Grif- 
fith Evans, 1874, 1881, 1885; Jerry Flansburg, 1875; J. Francis Flansburg, 1878-82- 
1891; John M. Richards, 1883-84, 1886-89, 1892; Peter Clancy, 1888; George S. 
Watkins, 1889; Henry Conklin, 1890. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 453 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 



HON. EZRA GRAVES 

Was of early New England ancestry. He was born at Russia in this county December 
1, 1803, and was the son of Hon. John Giave.s, who came to that town in 1795, clear- 
ing a farm in the " wild woods " and encountering all the hardships of frontier life, till 
he rose in position to be member of Assembly and then Sheriff, and living to tne age of 
seventy-six. His son Ezra at an early age worked at the trade of tanner and currier, 
having been employed as such by Abel Munson and Colonel Amos Griswold in Salis- 
bury, and by other residents of that and the neighboring towns. At twenty- three 
years of age he was married at Newport to Miss Maria Card. In the year 1827 he 
with others founded the village of Florence; but soon afterwards he determined to 
commence the study of the law. He pursued his studies in the law office of General 
Charles Gray from 1832 to 1835, when he was admitted to the bar and immediately be- 
gan practice. His first office was that of under sheriff, while his father was sheriff; 
his second was that of commissioner of deeds; his third that of supervisor of Herki- 
mer, to which position he was elected in 1840 and re-elected in 1841. 

He was then thirty-eight years of age; but so earnest and determined that he soon 
won a proud position, and in 1845 he was appointed first judge and surrogate. Two 
years later he was elected to the position, and was repeatedly re-elected until 1856, 
when Robert Earl was chosen for one term. In 1859 Judge Graves was again elected 
and served till the expiration of his term, January 1, 1864. In 1866 he was elected 
member of the Constitutional Convention of this State. In 1872 he was elected on 
the Republican State ticket as inspector of state prisons. Judge Graves took consid- 
erable interest in military affairs, and held the office of captain in the Sixty-eighth Reg- 
iment of Light Infantry in 1827 under Governor De Witt Clinton. In 1843 he was 
commissioned judge advocate in the Fourth Brigade of Riflemen by Governor Silas 
Wright, and two years later received a Commission for the same office in the Fourth 
Division of Rifles from Governor William C. Bouck. As a lawyer he was a good 
speaker, a conscientious adviser and an upright practitioner. During all the years of 
his judicial life he was honored alike for his abdity, his fairness and his good judgment. 
As a member of the Constitutional Convention he was useful, industrious and devoted 
to needed reformatory measures. His term as inspector of prisons was filled with in- 
defatigable efforts for the improvement of discipline, for the reformation of prisoners 
and for the prevention of abuses ; and among the proudest mementoes of his official life 
58 



454 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

were the resolutions adopted by the convicts of one of the prisons tTianking him for 
the efforts he had made for their improvement and reform while in confinement. 

Judge Graves was a strong man and a good man — strong in his determined will to 
achieve wliat he eet out to do — good in all that goes to make up true manhood. 

He had the courage of his convictions and he dared to act what he believed. When 
in early life he recognized the evils of intemperance he stopped absolutely and forever 
the use of liquors in any form. When in later life he realized the injurious effect of 
tobacco, he renounced the weed absolutely and forever. We allude to these circum- 
stances only as illustrative of his great self-control and determination. He believed in 
these reforms, and always afterwards impressed his sincerity upon his associates. His 
heart beat for humanity. He w^as the friend of the oppressed, of the besotted, of the 
criminal, of his brethren everywhere. 

In his home he was loved as only such a man can be. In the village where his man- 
hood was spent he was public-spirited, generous, abounding in all neighborly kind- 
nesses, and in all sympathy for sickness and distress. 

For many years he was a trustee of Fairfield Academy and of Clinton Liberal Insti- 
tute. He early united with the TJniversali.st church and became one of its pillars and 
strongest promoters. He was a member of the building committee of the new church 
of that denomination in Herkimer and was greatly interested in the success of the en- 
terprise. His early education was mainly obtained fet Fairfield Seminary, and he al- 
ways referred to his school days with great pleasure. He was a prominent Ma.son, 
being one of the charter members of Herkimer Lodge, No. 423, F. & A. M., and one of 
its first masters. He died at Herkimer on the 8th day of January, 1883, in his eight- 
ieth year. His widow, Maria Graves, died on the 23d day of August, 1884. 

Of his father's family there is but one survivor, Hon. Solomon Graves, of Russia. Of 
his own famil}' there remain his sons, General John Card Graves, of Buffalo, and Dr. 
George Graves, of Herkimer, and his daughter, Mrs. William H. Mayton, who was of 
late years a member of her father's household. 



JUDGE ROBERT EARL 

Is a native of Herkimer, in Herkimer county, where he was born September 10, 1824. 
He was educated in the Herkimer Academy and Union College, graduating in 1845. 
He read law in the office of Hon. Charles Gray, and also in the office of his brother, 
the late Samuel Earl, and was admitted to the bar in 1848. In 1846 he was elected 
school superintendent, and in 1849 supervisor of his town. In 1860 he was again 
elected supervisor, and he has been president and trustee of the village of Herkimer. 
In 1855 he was elected county judge of the county, and served as county judge and 
surrogate for one term of four years. In 1869 he was elected judge of the Court of 
Appeals, and served as chief judge until July 1, 1870, when the new Court of Appeals 
by an amendment to the constitution came into existence, and he then became a com- 
missioner of appeals, and he served as such until July, 1875, In November, 1875, he 



BTOGRAPHICAL. 455 

Was appointed by Governor Tilden judge of the Court of Appeals to fill tlie vacanny 
caused by the death of Judge Grover, and he served under that appointment until Jan- 
uary, 1877. In the fall of 1876 he was elected judge of the Court of Appeals for a 
full term of fourteen years from the first day of January following. In the fall of 
1890, having received the nomination of both the Democratic and Republican parties, 
he was again elected judge of the Court of Appeals for a full term, of which he can 
serve only four years on account of the constitutional limitation of age. By appoint- 
ment of Governor Flower he served as chief judge during the year 1892, filling the va- 
cancy caused by the death of Chief Judge Ruger. He received the degree of LL.D. 
from Union College in 1874, and from Columbia College in 1889. He was married Oc- 
tober 12, 1852, to Juliet Z. Wilkerson, of Richfield Springs. 



SAMUEL EARL. 

Samuel Earl was born August 9, 1822. His father was John Earl, a lineal descend- 
ant of Ralph Earl, who came to this country in 1638 and settled at Portsmouth, R. I. 
His mother was Margaret Retry, a daughter of Dr. William Retry of Revolutionary 
fame. (An account of the life of Dr. Retry occurs in the earlier pages of this work.) 
Samuel Earl had one sister, Margaret Earl, now deceased, and one brother, Robert 
Earl, who for the last twenty years has been a judge of the Court of Appeals of the 
State of New York. 

The education of Samuel Earl was acquired at common schools and at Fairfield Sem- 
inary, where he graduated. His early life was spent upon the farm of his uncle.Heniy 
Retry, near the head of Main street in Herkimer village, which for over one hundred 
years has been the home of the Petrys and the Earls. The present Earl residence, 
where Mr. Earl resided during his entire life, was originally built by Dr. Petry, near 
the close of the Revolutionary War, and is still in excellent preservation, and is now the 
home of his children. His early work upon the farm of his uncle gave him a practical 
knowledge of farm life and farm management ; and throughout his life he was largely 
interested in agriculture. 

At the age of twenty he began the study of law. Teaching school during the winter 
season, he studied his profession during the rest of the time. He began his studies in 
the oflBce of Hon. Michael Hoflman at Herkimer, N. Y. He also studied with Peckham 
and Colt at Albany, N. Y. He was admitted to the bar in 1847. 

Upon his admission to practice he opened an oflice in the village of Herkimer, N. Y. 
His brother subsequently studied with him ; and later the two brothers formed a part- 
nership under the firm name of S. & R. Earl. This partnership continued until Robert 
was elected judge of the Court of Appeals. Upon the elevation of Robert to the Ap- 
peals bench, Samuel was for a number of years associated in the practice of law with 
Hon. George W. Smith, formerly Oneida county judge, and Mr. E. A. Brown, under 
the firm name of Earl, Smith and Brown. Subsequently Mr. Earl became tlie senior 
partner and counsel in the firm of Earl and Prescott, Mr. William C. Prescott being as- 
sociated with him. Later, after practicing a few years alone, he formed with C. E. 
Snyder a partnership that continued until his death. 



45G HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Mr. Earl occupied a conspicuous position at tlie bar of Herkimer county and met 
with a large degree of success. 

He was earlj' associated with his brother and others as a copartner in the banking 
business under the firm name and style of The Herkimer Bank ; and upon the dissolu- 
tion of that firm and its formation as a corportion in 1885 he was elected a director of 
the new organization and a member of its executive conmiittee. which positions he held 
until the time of his death. 

He was one of the original incorporators of the Herkimer, Newport and Poland 
Narrow Gauge Railway Compan}', a business venture that has contributed very mate- 
rially to tlie prosperity of Herkimer village ; and in the development of that enterprise 
he was an energetic worker and spent considerable time and money. At the time of 
his death he was the senior attorney of the new Adirondack and St. Lawrence line 
from Herkimer to Montreal, the successor of the old Herkimer, Newport and Poland 
Narrow Gauge Road. 

He was an ardent Democrat in politics and an active and efiBcient worker in his 
party. He twice received the nominaton for county judge and although of conceded 
ability was not able to overcome the large Republican majority in the county. For a 
long time he was a member of the Democratic County Committee and repeatedly rep- 
resented the party in State conventions. In political campaigns, by his able contribu- 
tions to the Democratic pre.s.s, Mr. Earl rendered valuable service. 

Upon all matters pertaining to the history of Herkimer county he was well informed 
and was a recognized authority. He was always interested in the collection of ancient 
documents and records pertaining to local history ; and many interesting and important 
papers together with original research have been been furnished by him for preserva- 
tion to the Oneida Historical Society, of which he was a member. Valuable historical 
material left by him has been used in the compilation of this volume, and his writings 
and addresses relative to the valley of the upper Mohawk and the Palatines are author- 
itative contributions to local history. 

In character Mr. Earl was always plain and outspoken. It was written of him at 
the time of his death that " he always had the courage of his convictions. Frankness 
and outspokenness were his cardinal virtues. Sincerity characterized his friendships. 
He never shirked what he believed to be his duty no matter how great the evil or how 
high or elevated the position of the transgressor. In him the friends of good and 
honest government had a most efiicient aid." 

He was one of the organizers of Christ church, Herkimer, and held the position of 
vestryman until his death. He was twice married. His first wife was Isabella J. 
Putnam, of Herkimer, N. Y., and his second wife Frances Lansing, of Manheim, N. Y. 
He died, leaving four children, October 10, 1891. 



THE FEETER FAMILY. 

As will be seen from the sketch which follows of the Feeter family, James Feeter, 
whose portrait appears in this volume, is descended from the first families of the Pali- 
tinate who settled in the Mohawk valley. 



HIS' 



• liaitner in the li. 



ti. 

mai ,. „ .„^„ 

and a J ilie Palatines are author- 

itative c 

In cliar.i > It was written of hiii! 

the time ot ' ■^onvictionp Frap'' 

and outspok ■ 
He never shii 
liigli or elevati- 
lionest governm 

He was one of 
\ 'e was Isabel .1 

Pu if Manheiin, ^ i 

He Q,c. 



As will be seen from the ily, James Feeter, 

whose portrait appears in this i. 'irst lamilieB of the Paii- 

tinate who settled in the Mohi; 




,i^^^ /^^'^^^-^ 



Biographical. 457 

Among the oldest and in some respects the most historical families of the Moha-uk 
valley are those descended from Lucas and Annis Feeter, who came to this country 
from Wittenberg, Germany, and settled iu the Stone Arabia district, on lands now in- 
cluded in Fulton county. Lucas Feeter was .father of Col. William Feeter, who was 
born on the 2d of February, 1756. He subsequently became one of the most noted 
and conspicuous pioneers of the valley of the Mohawk, and married Elizabeth Bellin- 
ger, daughter of Adam Bellinger and Mary Elizabeth Petrie. The reader of the pre- 
ceding pages of this volume has learned of the prominence of the Bellinger and Petrie 
families in the history of this part of the State. Elizabeth Bellinger, wife of William 
Feeter, was born March 22, 1765, and their marriage took place m ri82. In the early 
years of his life the name of William Feeter was written " Veeder," and "Vedder," 
and in 1786. when he was commissioned ensign in the militia, it was written " Father."' 
In 1791 he was appointed a justice of the peace under the name of '' Veeder." 

Settled as the family were near to the neighborhood of Sir William Johnson's resi- 
dence at Johnstown, it is not surprising that they fell much under his influence, and to 
such an extent that all of the family, excepting William, followed the fortunes of Sir 
John Johnson and went with him to Canada. Such a course would have been impos- 
sible to young William Feeter, for his native patriotism and love of justice prompted 
him to adhere to the cause of the colonists, and to aid them to the best of his powers. 
On every occasion when the beautiful Mohawk valley was invaded by ruthless savages 
and no less blood-thirsty tories, he was among the foremost volunteers to repel the en- 
emy. One incident of this character is thus related by Mr. Benton in his history of 
Herkimer county. 

" A party of Indians and tories made a descent upon a settlement in the Palatine 
district for the purpose of plunder and murder, and the subject of this sketch took an 
active part in punishing the lawless intruders. It appeared that the object of the en- 
emy was to plunder and murder a family related to one of the tory invaders, which 
was not quite agreeable to him : he therefore gave himself up, and disclosed the nefari- 
ous intentions of the enemy, who, finding themselves betrayed, made a rapid fl'ght to 
the woods. Col. Willett did not feel disposed to let them oft" without a severe chas- 
tisement; he therefore ordered Lieutenant Sainmous, with twenty-five volunteers, 
among whom was William Feeter, to go in pursuit,and they moved so rapidly that 
they came upon the enemy's burning camp fires early the next morning. Feeter and 
six other men were directed to keep the trail, and after a rapid pursuit of two miles in 
the woods a party of Indians was discovered lying flat on the ground. The latter, 
when they saw Feeter approach, instantly arose and fired ; but one of the enemy be- 
ing greviously wounded by the return fire of the Americans, the whole gang of Indians 
and tories fled precipitately, leaving their knapsacks, provisions and some of their arms. 
The result of this afl^air was, that three of the enemy were wounded in the running 
fight kept up by Feeter and his party, and died on their way to Canada : one surren- 
dered himself a prisoner, and the wounded Indian was summarily dispatched by his 
former tory comrade, who had joined in the pursuit." 

Wilham Feeter found little sympathy in the neighborhood of his father's home, and 
took up his residence for a time with a Mr. Yauney's family. The latter was a firm 
patriot and he presented to young Feeter the musket which he carried through the 
war, and which is still preserved in the family. Soon after the close- of the Revolu- 
tion, during which Colonel Feeter rose to the rank which gave him his title, and per- 



458 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

formed service whicli entitles him to the patriotic remembrance of the country, he settled 
on a large farm within the present limits of Little Falls, and cultivated it for more than 
fifty years. In the year 1797, noting the discomforts of the people through the depri- 
vation of mail facilities, he conceived the idea of establishing a mail route on his private 
account. His son, Adam, was then sixteen years old, and his father fitted him out 
with a good horse and saddle-bags and started him in the new undertaking. The boy's 
duty was to solicit subscribers to newspapers and to carry all letters entrusted to him 
between Albany and Little Falls on both sides of the river, and to Johnstown and 
vicinity through the Royal Grant, north of Little Falls, and to German Flats and on 
nearly'to Utica, which was then the border of civilization. This unique mail service 
was continued three years and was thoroughly successful in its various features of pro- 
curing subscribers, doing business for Mr. Porteous, the only merchant then in Little 
Falls, and for a Mr. Kane, who had a store a little east of the village of Canajoharie, 
besides the delivering of a large number of letters. The hardships of Adam Feeter on 
these trips, summer and winter, in which he had often to cross the river by fording 
when it was swollen with floods, would furnish materials for a most romantic narra- 
tive. 

Colonel William Feeter reared a family of twelve children, and died at his home- 
stead on the otli of May, 1844, aged eighty-eight years. He was a member of the 
Lutheran church and of the Fairfield lodge of Masons. His wife died August 30, 183L 

Following is a list of commissions held by Colonel Feeter during his life: 

William Father, by commission dated the second day of October, 1786, signed by 
Geo. Clinton, governor, &c., was appointed ensign of Captain Jacob Petry's company 
in regiment of militia in Montgomery county, whereof Henry Staring is lieutenant- 
colonel commanding. 

William Veeder, by commission dated the 11th of February, 1789, was appointed en- 
sign of a company of light infantry in the regiment of militia in the county of Mont- 
gomery, whereof Henry Staring is lieutenant-colonel commanding. 

William S'eeder, by commission dated the 8th of March, 1791, was appointed cap- 
tain in the regiment of mditia in Herkimer county, whereof Henry Staring is heuten- 
ant-colonel commandant. 

William Feetor, by commission dated the 9th of October, 1793, was appointed cap- 
tain of a company of light infantry in a regiment of militia in the county of Herkimer, 
whereof Jacob Pelrie is lieutenant-colonel commandant. 

The above commissions are all signed by Geo. Clinton, governor. 

William Feeter, by commission dated the 11th day of April, 1796, signed by John 
Jay, governor, &c., at our city of New York, was appointed second major of the regi- 
ment of militia in the county of Herkimer, whereof Jacob Petrie is lieutenant-colonel 
commandant. 

William Feeter, by comnii.ssiou dated the 27th day of March, 1797, signed by John 
Jay, governor, &c., at our city of Albany, was appointed first major of the regiment of 
militia in Herkimer county, whereof Richard Petri is lieutenant-colonel commandant. 

William Feeter, by commission dated the 29th of March, 1798, signed by John Jay, 
governor, at Albany, was appointed lieutenant-colonel commandant of a regiment of 
riTilitia at Herkimer. 

Adam Feeter, son of Colonel William Feeter, was born in the tovv-n of Little Falls, 
October 27, 1782. The successful conduct of the mail route established by his father 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 459 

has been mentioned. This business gave him a very wide acquaintance throuo-h the 
Mohawk valley, and also among oiEcials at Albany, by whom he was often entrusted 
with the carriage of important State papers. It was his pride to relate that in his 
three years as mail carrier he never missed a trip, or lost a letter or paper. In the year 
1800 a government mail route was established which was tendered to him ■ but he 
declined it, preferring a more quiet domestic life. After his marriage to Mara Keyser, 
February 10, 180.5, he settled at Ingham's Mills, where he carried on a milling business 
a few years, but as it did not agree with his health, he purchased a farm in the town of 
Mauheim and there spent the remainder of his life. He died April 15, 1865 at the 
age of eighty-three years, in the enjoyment of the respect of the whole community. 

Among the eight children- of Adam Feeter was James Feeter, whose portrait is 
found in this work. He was born at Ingham's Mills, Herkimer county, N. Y., on the 
14th of January, 1806, and inherited the hardy German characteristics which gave 
himself and his ancestors long lives of activity. After securing a fair practical educa- 
tion while living at his home in Mauheim, Mr. Feeter settled permanently in Little 
Falls in 1831 and three years later engaged in the grocery business with the late Orrin 
Searles. He had previously on the 24th of September, 1829, married Cynthia Small 
daughter of Jacob and Hannah Small, of the town of Herkimer. After two years' business 
connection with Mr. Searles, Mr. Feeter purchased his interest and from that time on 
until his death he continued in the same line of trade, in which he was thoroughly 
successful. At a time when Little Falls was a small village, Mr. Feeter erected a busi- 
ness block, which until this day is an evidence of his belief in the pro.sperity of the " 
village. His business career in Little Falls covered a period of nearly si.\ty years, and 
during all that time it received his undivided attention and supervision. Naturally 
prudent and economical, he accumulated a large fortune, although he lost heavily by 
the freshet of 1842, and a fire in 1848, when his store and contents were wholly de- 
stroyed. Mr. Feeter's acquaintance with the older citizens of Little Falls and the 
immediate surrounding country was extensive, and among them his character and 
business ability was held in the highest respect. His sagacity and foresight as applied 
to his own transactions were remarkable, while his business habits were founded upon 
unimpeachable mtegrity. He was in business affairs uncompromising, but privately he 
was a charitable citizen. An ardent lover of his home and its associations, he sought 
little for personal pleasure in society, but found contentment and enjoyment in the 
companionship of his contemporary fellow citizens, and the attachments of his home. 
Forbearing and kind to all and upon all occasions, he still was firm in his convictions and 
outspoken in expressing them. He built and owned the Feeter block and improved 
other real estate in the village, and was always ready to lend his aid as far as judicious 
in the advancement of the interests of the place. He was long a member and vestry- 
man in Emanuel Episcopal church and a believer in the teachings of religion. In 
politics Mr. Feeter was an ardent Republican after the formation of that party, and in 
early years took a very active interest in its success. In 1847 he was elected to the 
Assembly, and held the office of president of the village several terms. It should be 
remembered that his election as assemblyman was on the Whig ticket, in a district 
strongly Democratic. In his political work he made the acquaintance and friendship 



460 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

of Gov. John Young, Millard Fillmore and other prominent men, and was a lifelong 
friend of Roscoe Conklin? (and his allegiance to him could never be shaken) and Thur- 
low Weed. His election as a Whig in a district so strongly Democratic, gave him 
considerable local prominence and led to his subsequent activity in the counsels of his 
party. .\s a recognition of his political services he was chosen a member of the State 
committee and presidential elector from his district. Mr. Feeter was one of the prin- 
cipal organizers of the Little Falls ^National Bank and one of its directors until his 
death. A resolution adopted by the board after his death said : 

" In the death of Mr. Feeter we are deprived of an associate whom aii acute faculty 
of observation and long business experience made a safe adviser in all fiscal matters, 
and the loss of whose sound counsel and ever ready assistance is deeply felt by our 
board ; the stockholders of this bank have lost an officer whose efforts have largely 
contributed to its prosperity and who de.servedly possessed their entire confidence." 

Mr. Feeter's death occurred January 23, 1892. 

Mr. Feeter left him surviving, only one son, James D. Feeter, at the present time 
cashier of the Little Falls National Bank and one of its principal stockholders. 



ALBERT G. STORY — ALBERT STORY. 

The immediate ancestry of the family of this name was from New England. Will- 
iam Story removed from Connecticut to Cherry Valley in the early days of that his- 
toric ground, and long was proprietor of a stage route on the old Albany turnpike. He 
died in Cherry Valley. His wife was Eunice Cary, and his children were Albert G., 
John, Fred T., Charles, George, Julia, Eunice. 

Albert G. Story, son of William, was born in Cherry Valley October 19, 1812. He 
was given opportunity to secure an ample education, finishing with a course in Union 
College. Leaving hi." studies he entered the Central Bank of Cherry Valley as a clerk, 
where he continued until 1833, when he removed to Little Falls as a candidate for the 
cashiership of the Herkimer County Bank; in 1833 he was chosen teller, which posi- 
tion he held only six months, when he was promoted to cashier. This responsi- 
ble office he held many years and until the death of Col. William H. Alexander 
(which occurred February 22, 1867), then president of the bank, when Mr. Story was 
placed in that position until 1886, and has continued to be connected with its alTairs 
until the present time. During his long business career in Little Fall.s, Mr. Story has 
risen to a foremost position in financial circles and in the esteem and confidence of his 
fellow citizens. With unassuming integrity of purpo.se and singular devotion to duly, 
Mr. Story has guided the Herkimer County Bank to an honorable place among banks 
in the State, and has passed a far longer life than that commonly allotted to man in 
the active service of that institution. Mr. Story was formerly and down to the war 
period, a Democrat in politics; but when the country was placed in peril his sympathies 
and his patriotism carried him over into the Republican fold, and there he has since 
remained ; but he has taken no active part in politics. In local public spirit he has not 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 461 

been lacking, especially in the work of educational advancement. He was largely- re- 
sponsible for the organization and establishment o£ the Little Falls Academy and held 
the office of treasurer many years. In the introduction of gas-lighting in the village 
also he took a very prominent part, laying the foundation of the enterprise himself. 
Mr. Story married Sarah Morse, of Cherry Valley, who is deceased. Their children 
were five, as follows: James, Mary, both of whom died young; Sarah, married S. B. 
Neff, of Philadelphia ; and Emily, married B. P. Janes, of New York. 

Albert Story, son of A. G. Story, was born in Little Falls August 1, 1841. His 
education was obtained in the schools of his native village, at Stockbridge, Mass., and 
one year at Clinton, finishing when eighteen years of age. After leaving school and 
for a short tmie he was in the bank with his father, which he left in July, 1862 to take 
the post of quartermaster of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment New York 
Volunteers. At the end of a year ill health forced him to resign his commission, and he 
returned to Little Falls and accepted a clerkship in the Herkimer County Bank, where 
his father was then cashier. In 1867 he was promoted to the position of teller, which 
place he filled until 1888, when he was made cashier, and still occupies this responsible 
position. An active Republican in politics, Mr. Story has received evidence from his 
constituents that they placed confidence in his ability and faithfulness. He was elected 
village trustee in 1872, supervisor February 4, 1873, being then the first Republican 
supervisor elected in the town in twenty years ; was elected county treasurer in 1878 
and held the office two terms; and in March, 1892, was chosen president of the village. 
In these various positions of trust and responsibility Mr. Story has served with the 
utmost acceptance to his friends and demonstrated his possession of administrative 
qualifications of a high order. His long career in the bank has added to public con- 
fidence in its stability and in. his capability as a financier. Mr. Story is a member of 
Emanuel Episcopal church, and is vestryman and treasurer. He was married June 21, 
1876, to Mary Josephine Arnold, of Little Falls. 



WILLIAM G. MILLIGAN. 

The subject of this sketch is of Scotch ancestry. His father was William Kerr Mill- 
igan, a native of Glasgow, who came to this country about the year 1812. He served 
as clerk for Wihiam Alexander, the Little Falls pioneer and merchant, and son-in-law 
of John Porteous. (See preceding history of Little Falls.) He died in Little Falls in 
January, 1828, at the early age of thirty-four years, a few months after his return 
from a visit to his native land. He was a man of excellent business qualifications and 
character and principles above reproach. His wife was Mary Fergus, of Glasgow, a 
woman of marked characteristics, who died in Little Falls at the age of eighty-six 
years. 

William Kerr and Mary Mdligan had seven children, as follows: William G., Mary, 
Andrew, John, James, Henry, and David. Of these William G. is the only survivor. 
He was born at Little Falls January 30, 1817. He attended tlie district schools of his 
59 



462 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COTJNTT. 

native village after reaching a proper age, until he was six years old, when he was 
taken by his father to Scotland, to remain four years. While there he attended a high 
school in Glasgow, and after his return was in school in Little Falls until about fifteen 
years old. It was his father's request that he should become a practical mechanic, and 
he accordingly spent four years in learning the cabinet-maker's trade. As a journey- 
man workman he then traveled quite extensively in the south and west, working at 
various places on the way. With the natural thoroughness of his habits he had made 
himself an excellent workman, and was never without a place when he desired employ- 
ment. Finally returning to Little Falls he married the daughter of William Girvan, 
Elizabeth Ann, and settled in the grocery trade, which he continued about eight years, 
his store being on Mam street. After a year of idleness, Mr. Milligan made all prep- 
arations to join the grand concourse of gold-seekers to California. But at just that 
time the late Amos A. Bradley left the Herkimer County Bank, in which he had acted 
as teller, creating a vacancy, and Mr. Milligan abandoned his plans of going to Califor- 
nia and entered the bank as bookkeeper. He filled this position four years, when he 
was promoted to the office of teller. In 1867 he was chosen cashier and filled that place 
until 1888, when he was elected president of the bank. This responsible oflice he still 
holds. In all these positions Mr. Milligan has not only given the highest satisfaction to 
patrons and stockholders of the bank, but has demonstrated his possession of business 
qualifications of a high order. Prudence, sagacity, sound judgment, and unwavering 
integrity — these are the marked characteristics which have distinguished his adminis- 
tration of the affairs of the bank ; and at the present time, although far advanced in 
years, Mr. Milligan is active in body and mind, and gives the same cfevoted and con- 
stant attention to his duties that has been his custom during so many past years. No 
man in Little Falls has to a greater extent won the confidence and esteem of the com- 
munity, while his geniality and courteous demeanor on all occasions have given him a 
wide circle of sincere and devoted friends. 

Mr. Milligan's business capacity and integrity have conspired to throw into his care 
numerous estates, of which he acts as a careful custodian. He was treasurer of the 
Warrior Mower Company for many years, until its affairs were recently wound up; 
was treasurer of the Little Falls Knitting-Mill for a period, and is now treasurer of the 
Superior Furnace Company. He is one of the directors of the recently completed 
Little Falls and Dolgeville Railroad. A Republican in politics, Mr. Milligan has found 
little time to devote to that field of activity. He held the oftice of town clerk, and has 
received the nomination for supervisor, but in a Democratic community was defeated. 
In all the relations of life Mr. Milligan has exemplified an honorable citizenship. Mrs. 
Milligan died in 1855, leaving no children. 



JOSIAH SHULL 

Was born in the town of Danube, county of Herkimer, N. Y., January 5, 1820. His 
father was Jacob Sholl, son of Johan Jost Schol', who came from the Palatinate, Ger- 
many, with his parents when sevenlieen yeais of age and settled at Fort Herkimer in 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 463 

1769. He was subsequently a farmer, miller and merchant at Ephratali, N. T., and in 
1810 he removed to the town of Danube. 

Mr. ShuU's mother was Anna Klock, daughter of George I. Klock and granddaugh- 
ter of Jacob G. Klock, who was colonel in command of the Second Battalion at the 
battle of Oriskany. Colonel Klock was judge of the Court of Common Pleas, mem- 
ber of Assembly in 1777 and State senator for the eight ensuing years. Johan Jost 
Scholl was also in the battle of Oriskany, ranking as ensign in Colonel Klock's com- 
mand. 

Mr. ShuU was educated in the common schools of his native town and at the Herki- 
mer and Fairfield Academies. He devoted himself to a course of mathematical studie.^ 
purposing to become an engineer and surveyor, which profession he subsequently 
practiced, in connection with other occupations, for forty-five years. 

He married Sally Maria Staflxird, daughter of Thomas Stafford, of Danube, January 26, 
1843. Two children w*re born of their union, a daughter. Augusta, who married 
Peter H. Steele in 186.3, and died in March, 1865; and a son, Winfield, who in 1866 
married Libbie Benedict, daughter of Jasper M. Benedict and granddaughter of 
Thomas R. Benedict, of Bphratah, Fulton county. Winfield died in December, 1871 
and his wife died in 1885. They left a daughter, Mabel, who in 1888 married Lincoln 
C. Ackler, of Ilion. 

Mr. Shull has been variously occupied as a farmer, teacher and surveyor. In 1852 
he removed to the village of Mohawk, and in 1867 purchased a farm on the westerlv 
border of the village of Ilion. After the death of his son he retired from active farm- 
ing and built a house on West Main street, Ilion, where he now resides. Mrs. Shull 
died December 21, 1891. 

He was superintendent of common schools in the town of Danube, 1846-50; deputy 
clerk of the Assembly, 1860 ; member of Assembly, 1861, and deputy clerk of the 
Senate, 1864-5. In February, 1871, he was chosen corresponding secretary of the 
New York State Dairymen's Association and Little Falls Board of Trade, which posi- 
tion he held until 1877, when he was chosen secretary of the New York State Dairy- 
men's Association, and continued to hold said office until 1891, when he was chosen 
president of the Association, which office he held for one year. 

For the past twenty-five years Mr. Shull has been closely identified "with many 
movements which had for their object the promotion of the agricultural interests of 
the State. In this connection he has been frequently called upon to deliver addresses 
upon agricultural topics before farmers' clubs, farmers' institute?, dairymen's associations 
and agricultural societies. In 1887 he organized the first dairy conference held on 
this continent. 

At the Centennial Exposition of 1876 he was a member of the Committee of Man- 
agers for the exhibition of dairy products. He has taken an active part in arrang- 
ing the details of the dairy exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition to be held at 
Chicago in 1893. In October, 1892, he was appointed manager and director in charge 
of the New York State Dairy Exhibit at the World's Fair, which position he now oc- 
cupies. He also is president of the Central New York Farmers' Club. 

Mr. Shull is a Free Mason, a Unitarian in religious belief, and in politics a Piepubh- 
can. In temperament and demeanor he is one of the most genial of men, and meets 



4G4 niSTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the humblest and the highest with the same innate affability and courteoupness. 
With a mind of judicial character, he has sought to enlarge his views upon all topics 
of importance in public affairs, and to form just and elevated ideas upon the problems 
of life by intelligent and extensive reading and observation. His career and habits of 
life have been founded upon principles of integrity and honorable intercourse with his 
fellow men, which constitute good citizenship. 



FRANCIS E. SPINNER. 

Francis Elias Spinner was born January 21, 1802, in the town of German Flats, at 
the parsonage (which was burned when he was but a week old) that stood near the 
center of the pre.sent village of Mohawk. His father, the Kqv. John Peter Spinner, 
of Werbach, in the grand duchy of Baden, a highly educated Roman Catholic priest, 
at the age of thirty-three years became a Protestant, and married Maria Magdalena 
Fidelis Brument, of Lohr, in the kingdom of Bavaria, but whose ancestors were im- 
migrants from Normandy, in France. He was an early pastor of the Herkimer and 
Fort Herkimer Reformed churches, as elsewhere recorded. 

The subject of this notice was the oldest of nine children — six sons and three daugh- 
ters — who all arrived at the age of majority. Francis chose to become a merchant, 
and for a whole year or more was employed as a clerk in the store of Maj. Michael M. 
Myers, a heavy dealer, who made his purchases himself in Europe. Major Myers, in 
1817, failed. Thereupon the boy, at the age of sixteen, was bound out to Mr. Benne, 
a manufacturer and wholesale dealer in confectionery, in the city of Albany. His 
father, two years after, on ascertaining that the son was employed as a salesman and 
bookkeeper, had the indentures broken and put the young man to the trade of a saddle 
and harness-maker, with Mr. Francis Choate, of Amsterdam, N. Y. Here for a short 
time, and before he was of age, he, in partnership with Mr. David De Forest, carried 
on that business. 

Up to his going to Albany the only instruction ho received was from his father in 
the languages, and in reading, writing, arithmetic, and English grammar at the com- 
mon schools in Herkimer. At Albany he had the good fortune to become acquainted 
with many men of culture, who took a great interest in his welfare, and had access to 
Col. Peter Gansevoort's library. While at Amsterdam he became a shareholder in the 
circulating library of that village, and while learning his trade he read through every 
book contained in the library. In 1824 he removed back to his native county, and, in 
copartnership with Maj. Alexander W. Hackley, a merchant, again started business at 
Herkimer. In 1829 he was appointed deputy sheriff, and had the sole charge of the 
sheriff's office and of the 'county prison during the shrievalties of the Hon. John 
Graves and of Col. Frederick P. Bellinger, after which, in 1834, he was himself elected 
sheriff" of the county of Herkimer, thus having charge of that office for nine consecu- 
tive years. In the mean time^he raised the "La Fayette Guards," and helped to or- 
ganize the Twenty-sixth Regiment New York State artillery. He commenced as lieu- 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 405 

tenant in 1825, and was elected to, and held, all the intermediate grades up to the rank 
of major-general of the third division of artillery, which latter office he resigned at 
the beginning of the year 1835, when he assumed the duties of the office of sheriff. 

At the end of his term of the shrievalty he was appointed commissioner for build- 
ing the State Lunatic Asylum at Utica. In the summer of 1839 he was invited by the 
directors of the Mohawk Valley Bank, an institution then being organized, to take the 
cashiership. He accepted this invitation and removed to the village of Mohawk, the 
place of his birth. Subsequently he was elected president of that institution. In 1845 
he was invited by the Hon. Michael Hoffman, then the naval officer of the port of New 
York, to serve under him as his deputy and auditor. This invitation he accepted, and 
held these offices for over four years, without severing his official connection with the 
bank at Mohawk. Up to this time he had held various minor offices, as State inspector 
of turopikep, commissioner of schools, supervisor, etc. In 1854 he was elected to 
represent the seventh district of New York, composed of the counties of Herkimer 
and St. Lawrence, in the Congress of the United States. During this Congress he was 
a member of the Committee on Elections that had the famous contested seat from 
Kansas committed to its charge. He served on various special committees, among 
which were the one to investigate the outrage on Senator Sumner, and that famous 
committee of conference that agreed to disagree on the army appropriation bill. On 
this committee, Messr.s. Orr and Campbell, of the House, and Messrs. Douglas, Sew- 
ard, and Tombs, of the Senate, were his associates. During the session of this Con- 
gress the Republican party was formed. To the next, the Thirty-fifth Congress, he 
was elected as a Republican by over nine thousand majority, and to the Thirty-sixth by 
a like majority. In the Thirty-fifth Congress he was placed on the Committee on Ac- 
counts. The Speaker, in a confidential interview, asked him to keep a strict watch 
over the actions of his Committee on Accounts, and also over the accounts of the dis- 
bursing officers of the House. Subsequent events proved that his fears were well 
grounded. In the Thirty-sixth Congress General Spinner was placed chairman of the 
Committee on Accounts. At the close of the last session of this Congress, in March, 
1861, he was invited by Governor Chase, the then newly-appointed Secretary of the 
Treasury, to take the office of treasurer of the United States. His nomination to this 
place by President Lincoln was confirmed by the helping votes of loyal Democratic 
senators, among whom were Andrew Johnson, Stephen A. Douglas, and James W. 
Nesmith. 

Mr. Spinner entered upon his duties as United States treasurer March 22, 18G1, and 
was thenceforward found constantly at his post, keeping a strict eye upon the people's 
money. At the close of his service his praise was upon the lips of all the people, 
and they regretted to lose his services in this most responsible place. It seemed, 
too, Hke parting with an old friend ; for, though his face may not be so familiar, 
no signature is as well known to the American people — not even that of John Han- 
cock- as F. E. Spinner, written in those curious, bold letters, constituting the most 
unique feature of every greenback issued by the Government during his. treasurer- 
ship. Of course an office like that of United States treasurer might open many 
■^venues to gain, entirely apart from what are usually known as pickings, and which 



466 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

most would reparc] as neither dishonorable or dishonest. But, avoiding the very ap- 
pearance of evil, Mr. Spinner availed himself of none of these, and retired from his 
place with only a modest competence. Ills death took place Decendjer 31, 1890. 



CHARLES BAILEY. 

This well known citizen of Little Falls was born in Hanging Heaton, Yorkshire, 
England, in 1830. His father was a respectable maker of boots and shoes, and 
never came to America. The son was favored with very little opportunity to secure 
an education, and like many other boys of his class, was put at work in factories at the 
age of nine years. It was'a woolen mill, and there he learned in three years to operate 
a power loom. He was faithful and industrious, and finally learned hand-loom weav- 
ing, and eventually had partial charge of a small cloth and woolen factory, where he 
remained until his twentj'-seventh year. At that period he resolved to better his pros- 
pects in America, and accordingly immigrated. landing here in 1857. He had in the 
mean time married Ellen Senior and one child was born. Squire Bailey. 

Mr. Uailey went to Little Falls and there found employment in setting Jacquard 
looms, for which work his long experience thoroughly fitted him. Afterwards he was 
employed as spinner in the Saxony Mills, then operated by S. B. Stitt. In 1862 he 
formed a copartnership with his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Mitchell, and they began a 
small business together in Little Falls. A year later they engaged in the manufacture 
of stocking yarn and knit goods in Oriskany, which they carried on until 1865, when 
then- factory was burned. Returning to Little Falls the partners began the manufac- 
ture of shoddy, in which they continued until the organization of the Little Falls 
Knitting Comjjany in 1872-3.> This company originally comprised Titus Sheard, W. H. 
Robinson, Charles Bailey, Jeremiah Mitchell, J. J. Gilbert, Rodney Whitman, W. W. 
Whitman, W. M. Dorr, Edward McHenry, and Rugene Wahath. The incorporation of 
the company was efTected with a capital stock of $60,000 with the following officers: 
President, Titus Sheard; vice-presidefl't, Charles A. Girvan ; treasurer, J.J. Gilbert; secre- 
tary, D. H. Burrell; manager, Charles Bailey. With this organization Mr. Bailey has 
been identified since that time, and it is no disparagement to his a.ssociates to say that 
much of its success, especially in the practical part of the business, is due to his efTorts. 
The pre.sent oflicers of the company are : Charles Bailey, president; J. J. Gilbert, vice- 
president ; Elijah Reid, secretary and treasurer ; Squire Bailey, superintendent ; Thomas 
Bailey, salesman. 

While Mr. Bailey is possessed of ample public spirit and always takes an active in- 
terest in public aflairs, as far as they relate to the welfare of the community, he has 
not sought preferment through political or other influences. He is recognized as a man 
of sturdy common sense and sound judgment in all practical matters, but devoted to 
the business for the growth of which he is largely responsible. He is a director in the 
Superior Furnace Company, belongs to the Masonic Order, etc. His son. Squire 
Bailey, who was born in England, is a member of the Board of Village Trustees, 




'"'^ ^yFGKsr-rum.l^y 



mf 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 4G7 

and his son Thomas, born in Little Falls, is now county treasurer. These two 
sons, with Susie, Charles and Emma, who are deceased, were children of Mr. 
Bailey's first wife, who died in IStJO. He married second, Ann C. Brooks, of Otsego 
county, by whom five children have been born, two of whom are deceased ; the others 
are daughters, Jennie, Emma and Nellie. 



HENRY DWIGHT ALEXANDER. 

Among the early settlers in Herkimer county was Henry Augustus Alexander, the 
father of the subject of this sketch, who came from Connecticut, and after locating for 
a short time at Paris, Oneida county, removed to Winfield, in this county, where he 
cleared and improved a farm and reared his family. His ancestors were originally from 
Scotland. His wife was Elizabeth Gallup, of Connecticut, whose grandfather was set- 
tled in that State in 1710, and her father, Nathaniel Gallup, was a Revolutionary sol- 
dier. Henry Augustus died in 1856, and his wife, Mrs. Alexander, died in 1842. They 
had four children : Martha, who married Welcome Scott, of Bridgewater, and is de- 
ceased ; Rachel, who married Dean Burgess, of Richfield, and afterwards of Winfield 
and Herkimer, and is deceased ; Giles M., who married Eva Clapsaddle, of the town of 
Columbia, and is deceased ; and the subject of this sketch, who was born in Winfield, 
Herkimer county, October I'.i, 1830. He was given an excellent education, considering 
his circumstances, his period in the district schools being supplemented by a course in 
the Clinton Liberal Institute, from which he graduated in 1849, wlien nineteen years 
old. After teaching school one winter, Mr. Alexander entered a country store, that 
preparatory school of so many of our excellent business men at Winfield, where he 
served faithfully as a clerk for two years. In 1852 he went to Hion and began a period 
of three years' service as teller in the Hion Bank, and was then called to the same po- 
sition in the Oneida County Bank at Utica, where he remained continuously for twelve 
years. In 1857 he was married to Martha Kirkland, of Hion, N. Y. While at Utica 
his reputation as a careful, faithful employee, and as one who.se experience amply qual- 
ified him for the most responsible position as a banker had become somewhat widely 
known, and especially so in Central New York. The National Mchawk Valley Bank 
was at that time in need of a careful and prudent business manager, and Mr. Alex- 
ander was called to fill the office of ca.shier. The bank had no surplus and it became 
necessary to pass several dividends; but from the time when he accepted the chief 
executive office of the institution its affairs began to prosper, and it finally became a 
profitable and trusted bank, and has now a surplus of about $40,000. For a quarter of 
a century Mr. Alexander has given almost constant attention to the affairs of this in- 
stitution, watching its every detail with zealous care, winning for himself the confi- 
dence and esteem of his associates, and sharing in the satisfaction resulting from the 
merited success of the bank. The first bank building, erected in 1849, was displaced 
in 1891 by the present handsome and substantial edifice, costing about .«;10,000. which 
is devoted solely to the banking business It was erected largely under direction of 
Mr. Alexander, and is a model of convenience and beauty. 



468 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

The confidence of the community in Mr. Alexander found expression in 1873 by his 
selection for the office of secretary for the Mohawk and Ilion Street Railway, and in 
1887 he was chosen president of the Mohawk and Herkimer Street Railroad. He was 
one of the original promoters of the knit goods industry in Mohawk, and is president 
and treasurer of the Mohawk Valley Knitting-Mills, Limited, of Mohawk, and treas- 
urer of the Knitting Company of Mohawk, Limited. Outside of business relations, 
he held the office of treasurer of the village of Mohawk, and was its president three 
years. He was aLso president of the Board of Education six years. It is, perhaps, 
superfluous to add that in these several honorable and responsible positions, he has 
demonstrated his possession of the sterling qualities of sound judgment, sagacity, pru- 
dence and public spirit that must be the attributes of the progressive and respected 
citizen. 

Mr. Alexander is a Democrat in politics, but would never accept candidacy for any 
public office. He is a member and vestryman of the Episcopal Church of Mohawk, 
the organization and .support of which are largely due to his efforts. He has no 
children. 



ALEXANDER H. BUELL. 

Roswell Buell, a native of Killingwortli, Conn., came to Herkimer county at an early 
day and located on the site of Fairfield village. In 1795 he married Sarah Griswold, 
a daughter of Daniel Griswold, also a native of Killingworth, who settled at Fairfield 
about the year 1790. About the year 1800 Roswell Buell opened a store in Fairfield 
and continued mercantile business tor some years. He was distinguished for his en- 
terprise and benevolence. He donated an acre of land to the trustees of the Fairfield 
Academy in 1802. on which the first academic edifice was erected. In the midst of an 
active and useful life he fell a victim to the prevailing epidemic in the winter of 1812- 
13, at the age of forty years. His aflairs were somewhat involved by this sudden 
event, and after the settlement of his estate was eflected, only a small patrimony was 
left to the surviving members of his family. The subject of this sketch was a son of 
Roswell Buell and was born on the 14th of July. 1801. The following brief biography 
is taken from Mr. Benton's History of Herkimer County and was from his personal 
pen : 

The loss so early m life of the counsel and sustaining aid of a father, when both were 
so much needed, was no doubt viewed by young Buell as a severe calamity. He soon 
seemed to appreciate the circumstances which surrounded him, and was fully impre.ssed 
with the idea that he must be the artificer of his own fame and fortune; that success 
could only be looked for through his own exertions. The position in which he was 
placed had great influence in nioulditig his character and developing those traits which 
led to his subsequent success in life as a merchant. His opportunities for an accom- 
plished academic education were somewhat limited by his engagements as a clerk in 
the store of Mr. Stephen Hallett, then one of the principal business "men at Fairfield. 
His time at school was however well employed, and he sought to make up by diligence 



BIOGRAPHICAL.' 469 

and studious application during his leisure hours, what he lost while engaged in the 
store of his employer. 

A marked feature of young Buell's character is developed in the following facts : 
During the first three years of his employment with Mr. Hallett, and he commenced 
at the age of fourteen, he was diligent and attentive as a clerk in the store, supporting 
himself by his own exertion.', and at the same time superintending the affairs of his 
widowed mother with all the efficiency of a man of matured years, and with a kindness 
and solicitude that carried with it a sweet and soothing solace. Nor was this all • his 
sisters, orphaned like himself, were not unfrequent recipients of presents from the sur- 
plus of his earnings. He had become so accomplished in busine.«s, several years before 
he reached his majority, that he was repeatedly sent by his employer to the city of 
New York to purchase goods to replenish his store. 

Mr, Buell, at the age of twenty-one, became a partner in business with his former 
employer, and at Mr Hallett's death, assumed the sole proprietorship of the business at 
Fairfield. He subsequently, in connection with different individuals, extended his 
mercantile business into the neighboring towns and villages in the county ; afterwards, 
giving scope to a clear and comprehensive mind, and the exertion of an excellent busi- 
ness talent, his commercial operations were extended to counties in this State remote 
from his native home ; and he did not finally stop until he reached the distant shores of 
the Pacific Ocean ; even California was not neglected by the accomplished and success- 
ful Fairfield merchant. I am not aware that Mr. Buell ever thought of removing to 
New York, where fortunes are so rapidly made and marred in commercial pursuits. 
He was several time gratified and honored by the confidence of his townsmen, in elect- 
ing him to local offices of trust and confidence. He was a member of the Assembly 
from this county in 1845. This, I believe was his first appearance at Albany as a leg- 
islator. He was placed at the head of the important committee on banks and insur- 
ance companies, in a house in no respect destitute of men of talents. Although it is 
not usual to select the chairman of the leading committee from new members, the 
appointment in this instance was judicious, and the compliment well deserved. In 
this new and untried position, Mr. Buell sustained himself in every respect to the sat- 
isfaction of the house and his friends. An ardent politician of the Herkimer school, 
and I use this term because our neighbors in other counties charge us with being " of 
the strictest sect," it was his duty and his pleasure to square his official conduct to suit 
the feelings and opinions of his constituents. 

Mr. Buell was chosen member of the Thirty-second Congress from the Seventeenth 
Congressional District, composed of Herkimer and Montgomery counties, at the No 
vember election, 1850. His competitor was a personal friend, and then the member 
from the district, Henry P. Alexander. The canvass was briskly conducted and 
adroitly managed by the contestants and their friends. The district was one in which 
there could not be much doubt when the whole vote was polled and party lines 
strictly drawn as " in olden time." He was married to Miss Harriet E. Gruman, of 
Clinton, Oneida county, November 9, 1840. Before taking his seat in the Congress, to 
which he had been elected, Mr. Buell closed his connection with most of the mercan- 
tile establishments in which he had been interested, over which he could not well ex- 
GO 



470 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ercise a personal supervision. He won and enjoyed the confidence and regard not 
only of the business community, but of his political friends and associates. By his 
industry, application and unwearied exertions he accumulated a fortune, enough to 
satisfy the reasonable desires of an ambitious man a little removed from the commer- 
cial and financial emporiums of our State, where a few men are counted rich who are 
rated under a million of dollars, where comparLsons serve only to stimulate to haz- 
ardous experiments and even wild and imaginary speculations. He must, of cour.se, have 
been punctual in all his pecuniary engagements and prompt in all his other business 
relations. His surviving townsmen have cause to remember him for his public spirit, 
and the worthy recipients of charity never solicited his aid in vain. 

Mr. Buell died at Washington city on the 3ist of January, 1853, after a brief and 
painful illness, in the fifty-second year of his age. The House of Representatives 
passed the usual resolution of condolence ; and while a monument in the Congres- 
sional burying ground commemorates his official connection with that eminent body of 
American statesmen and his death, his mortal remains, distinguished by a suitable 
memorial, have found a final resting place in the grounds of Trinity church, Fairfield. 
His wife and three children survived him. 



WILLIAM F. LANSING. 

It was not long after the Pilgrims planted their resolute colony at Plymouth, and 
before the little settlement of Holland Dutch had made much progress near the head- 
waters of the Hudson river, that the first immigrant ancestor of William F. Lansing, 
who was a Hollander, came over and settled at Albany. His name was Gerrit Lan- 
sing, and the year of his arrival in America was 1630. The line of descent from him 
to the father of William F., is as follows: Gerrit ], Gerrit 2, Jacob 3, Gerrit Jacob 4, 
Sanders 5, Abraham Ten Eyck fi, Samuel Stewart 7, who was the father of the 
subject. 

Sanders Lansing, the great-grandfather of William F., was the first of the family to 
settle in what is now Herkimer county. He was born June 17, 1766, and his father's 
family became a distinguished one. His brother John was chief justice of the Supreme 
Court, chancellor, etc. Sanders Lansing married a daughter of Abraham Ten Eyck. 
He was a distinguished lawyer and was appointed register in chancery upon the pro- 
motion of his brother. He came to Little Falls in 1820, and had charge of .several land 
agencies and in 1821 was appointed judge, which office he held until after 1828, the 
date of his last appointment. He was a man of lofty character and exceptional ability. 
His death occurred in the town of Manheim September 19, 1850. 

Abraham Ten Eyck Lansing, son of Sanders and grandfather of William F., was 
a prosperous merchant of Albany previous to his removal to Herkimer county. The 
family homestead was made a few miles below Little Falls, in the town of Manheim, 
where the settlement was made in 1827, and where Abraham Ten Eyck Lansing died. 
His children were Samuel Stewart Lansing (father of the subject), Dr. Edward San- 




^Ay^ju^o^^^^SA^ ^^^^y^ 




BIOGRAPHICAL. 471 

ders Lansing, now of New Jersey, Congressman Frederick Lansing, of Watertown, N. 
T. Samuel Stewart Lansing was born at Waterford, N. T, at the residence of his 
grandfather. Gen. Samuel Stewart, December 12, 1823, and was brought to Herki- 
mer county when three years old, to live with his grandfather. On the 2Gth of Octo- 
ber, 1854, he was married to Catharine Fox, a daughter of Capt. Jacob Backer Fox, of 
the town of Danube. Her grandmother was a daughter of Judge Jacob Backer, of 
Revolutionary fame. It was Capt. George J. Backer, a son of Judge Jacob, who fought 
a duel with Philip Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton, and slew him, on account of 
an insult relating to a Fourth of July oration delivered by Backer, upon the invi- 
tation of the mayor and common council of the city of New York. Samuel Stewart 
Lansing died in the ancestral brick residence in Little Falls, built by Sanders Lansing, 
on the 17th of July, 1891. This building is among the oldest in Little Falls, has always 
been in possession of the family, and is still occupied by the widow of Samauel Stewart 
Lansing and her son, the subject of this sketch. The children of Samuel Stewart and 
Catharine (Fox) Lansing were Jacob Fox Lansing, who died at eleven years of age; 
Edward Ten Byck Lansing, now a resident of Little Falls, and William F. The latter 
was born in the town of Manheim, Herkimer county, N. T., on the 29th of July, 
1856. After attendance in the district school until he was twelve years old, he studied 
four years in the Little Falls Academy and followed this with two years in a prepara- 
tory school connected with Union College in Schenectady and graduated from the lat- 
ter with the degree of A. B. in 1878. During his senior year he studied law and after 
graduation pursued the same study with Hon. Austin A. Yates, of Schenectady. In 
1879 he entered the law office of Judge Rollin H. Smith, of Little Falls. In the spring 
of 1880 he was the recipient of the degree of LL.B. from Hamilton College and in 1881 
of the degree of A. M. from Union College. He was admitted to the bar at general 
terra in the spring of 1880. In the fall of the same year he went to New York city 
and for two years was associated with Treadwell Cleveland, of the firm of Evarts, 
Southmayd & Choate, of 52 Wall street. In the year 1883 his somewhat adventurous 
temperament led him to Colorado where he spent two years in stock raising. Return- 
ing to Little Falls he opened a law oflfice and practiced two years to the spring of 1886, 
when he joined with Edwin J Nelson in the knit goods industry at Middleville, Her- 
kimer county. The cares of the estate of his grandfather and father now devolved 
upon him and demanded his return to Little Falls and the devotion of a large share of 
his time. The partnership at Middleville was accordingly dissolved on the 1st of Oc- 
tober, 1890. In 1891 he organized the Little Falls Electric Light and Power Company 
and has since that time filled the position of secretary, treasurer and manager. 

Such is a concise record of the professional and business career of Mr. Lansing. It 
is proper to state that in its various connections and relations he has maintained the 
reputation for intelligence, industry and integrity which constitutes useful and honor- 
able citizenship. Still a young man, he occupies a station of importance in the busi- 
ness and social life of Little Falls. He has always taken an active interest in pubhc 
affairs, not from selfish ambition, for he has always declined profiered preferment in 
the political field, though active in the success of the Democratic party, of which he is 
a member. He has evinced a deep interest in military matters and believes that tlie 



472 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

regular soldiery of the State and nation should in some degree represent their great- 
ness and honor. From January 1st to September 12, 1888, he acted as colonel and aid 
on the staff of Gov. David B. Hill, and was promoted from that post to brigadier-gen- 
eral and quartermaster-general of the State; he retired from this honorable office on 
the lat of January, 1892. Mr. Lansing is prominently connected with social life in the 
metropolis of the State and is a member of the Elks, the Reform club, and of the 
United Service Club of New York city. A position in which he feels a natural pride 
is his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution of the State and of the 
United States, for which he was able to qualify through the long line of ancestors 
above described, as well as through eight other male ancestors in the direct Imes, who 
were prominent in the great struggle for American Independence. A man of unusually 
pleasing address, alive to all of the important projects and events of the day, and pos- 
sessed of broad and intelligent information upon public aflairs of interest, General 
Lansing enjoys the esteem and friendship of the community in which he lives. 



ISAAC SMALL. 

Among the early immigrants to this country from Germany, who settled in the 
central part of the State of New York, was Jacob Small. He located in the town of 
Herkimer and bore a conspicuous part in the early trials of the settlers in the Mohawk 
valley through the savage warfare of the Indians and the perfidy of the tories. Mr. 
Small joined the Revolutionary array, rose to the rank of captain, and finally met a 
sad death a few days after the declaration of peace, and after his return to his home. 
Parties of prowling Indians lingered in the valley and committed depredations after the 
war was officially closed, and one of these came upon Mr. Small near his home and de- 
liberately shot him. The tragic incident is one of the saddest recorded and constitutes 
a memorable part of the long struggle for freedom in America, as it was related to 
this vicinity. 

Among the children of Jacob Small was a son who was also named Jacob, who was 
born in Herkimer. He married Hannah Potter, daughter of William Potter. He was 
a farmer and died in that town at an advanced age. Mr. Small was the father of 
eight children, as follows: Jacob, William, John, Isaac, Eli, Cynthia, Daniel and 
Darius. Of these all are dead excepting Darius, and Isaac, the subject of this sketch. 

Isaac Small was born in the town of Herkimer on the 11th of November, 1805. 
After attending the district school and working on his father's farm, he began clerking 
for James Byers, who was one of the early merchants of Herkimer village. He re- 
mained in that store one year and then began business for himself as a country mer- 
chant. For fourteen years he successfully conducted a store, when he formed a part- 
nership with his brother William and Esek H. Williams and invested his accumulated 
capital with them in the wholesale grocery trade at 52 Front street, New York city. 
The firm was a strong one and in its successful conduct the excellent business habits 
and knowledge of Isaac Small were a powerful factor. Especially was this true of 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 4?3 

the management of the finances of the firm and in that sagacity which enabled him to 
foresee the proper course to follow in large transactions. The business was continued 
with increasing and gratifying success for six years, when the firm was dissolved and 
Mr. Small returned to Little Falls and purchased a dry goods store ; but wisely con- 
cluding that the competency already acquired by him was sufficient for the future, he 
retired from active business (1850) after one year, and has since that time given such 
attention as he has been able to the management of his private affairs and the direc- 
tion of some speculations in which he was engaged. A painful rheumatic disease has 
for many years kept him confined to his home a large share of the time ; but he bears 
this deprivation with that cheerful philosophy which is a part of his nature. In Little 
Falls Mr. Small is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. He was the chief 
organizer of the Little Falls National Bank and has since been one of its directors. A 
Democrat in politics, he has never accepted office other than to serve as trustee of the 
village. G-enial and courteous in his intercourse with others, possessed of a kind 
heart and sympathetic nature, Mr. Small passses his declining years in the secure en- 
joyment of the friendship of a large circle and the respect of the whole community. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian church and active in promoting its welfare. He 
was married in 1828 to Susan Knapp, of Utica. She died in March, 1873. They have 
had six children — Hannah, married Luke Usher, president of the National Bank of 
Potsdam, N. Y. ; George, deceased young; Ella, died young; Evalyn, married Capt. 
L. A. Beardsley, of the U. S. Navy, and living in South Carolina; and Frederick I. 
Small, a successful attorney of Little Falls; Louise, died in 1876. 



PHILO REMINGTON. 

The story of the inception and development of the great industries founded in Ilion 
by Eliphalet Remington and perpetuated by his sons, Philo, Samuel, and Eliphalet, jr., 
has been told in detail in the preceding history of the village of Ilion. On that ac- 
count this sketch of Philo Remington may be principally confined to his personal life. 
He was born on the 31st of October, 1816, and died on the 4th of April, 1889, at Silver 
Springs, Florida, whither he had gone in quest of "better health. 

Philo Remington's business career was intimately associated with the manufacture 
of fire arms, sewing machines and agricultural implements by the famous firm of which 
he was a moving spirit and in many respects the head. Founded by his father on his 
home farm a few miles south of the site of the village, the industry grew apace be- 
tween the years 1817 and 1830, when it was removed to Ilion where the elder Rem- 
ington had purchased a large tract of land of John A. Clapsaddle. The settlement 
then comprised only seven dwellings, two storehouses and a school-house. The little 
hamlet took the name of '' Remington's Corners," which was afterwards changed, as 
related in the history of Ilion village in this work. The business grew in its new loca- 
tion and in ISGl, Eliphalet Remington died leaving as a heritage a good name and a 
well-established industry. From that time until 1865 few great industries in this 



474 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

country were more prosperous or attracted more extended attention than that of the 
Remingtons in Ilion. In the year last mentioned the works were incorporated, with 
Philo Remington as president ; Samuel Remington, vice-president, and Eliphalet Rem- 
ington, secretary and treasurer. The business was marvellously succeft-ful for many 
year.s, and embraced the establishment of the manufacture of agricultural implements, 
sewing machines and finally of typewriters, all of which industries are still in existence 
and a great source of growth and prosperity in Ilion, but all in other hands than those 
of the men who built them up. It was in the year 1866 that the combmation of cir- 
cumstances and conditions which has been explained, brought down the great house in 
financial disaster. 

During all of this varied career — in the development and final height of prosperity, 
as well as in the days of adversity which followed, — Philo Remington remained the 
same unostentatious, gentle-mannered, unselfish, honorable Christian man that he had 
always been. For nearly fifty years he was a conspicuous figure in Ilion through his 
connection with the great industry, but in all that time he never acted or spoke in any 
manner to aggrandize himself, or to gain fame or authority, or wealth. His modesty 
was proverbial, and equaled only by his unselfishness. His thoughts while the great 
factories were being built and equipped were given fully as much to the benefits likely 
to be conferred upon thousands of needy workmen, as to what would possibly accrue 
therefrom to himself and his brothers. While his business sagacity was unquestioned 
and his prudence and wisdom remarkable, these attributes were so tempered by kindli- 
ness, gentleness and unselfishness, that his character was made a remarkable one thereby. 

In politics Mr. Remington was a Republican, but he had a decided distaste for active 
partisan methods and never sought or accepted public oflSce. If it can be said that a 
man of his temperament had a hobby, it was the advancement of the temperance 
cause. It was his most earnest desire that the village of Ilion should be practically free 
from the vice of intemperance, and that the cause at large should be promoted. To 
this end he gave much time and liberal means. And so gentle and forbearing was his 
nature that he could throw his influence strongly against such an evil and make less of 
enmity than most reformers. He was emphatically the friend of humanity and ever in 
full sympathy with the oppressed and suffering. 

A memorial service was held in the opera house at Ilion a few days after his death, 
which was largely attended, a part of the exercises consisting of the preparation and 
reading of a series of resolutions eulogistic of the deceased, as follows: 

Whereas, by the death of our esteemed citizen, Philo Remington, the village of Ilion 
has lost a wise counselor and a life-long friend ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, that we, the citizens of this place, by these resolutions bear a fitting testi- 
mony to the high and noble character of the deceased. 

Resolved, that his consistent and exemplary Christian deportment and philanthropic 
nature ; his generous, humane and democratic spirit towards the people with whom 
he lived as a citizen ; that the marked desire for justice which controlled his actions in 
the distinguished and responsible duties he was called upon, by circumstances and by 
the expressions of his fellow citizens, to perform ; and that his manly qualities have 
endeared him to the people of this place, and be it further, 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 475 

Resolved, that we recognize his eminent and sincere services as a leader in the in- 
dustry and prosperity of this village, for to him more than others is its thrift due. 

Mr. Remington was an active and honored member of the Methodist church, and 
the official board met and adopted a series of resolutions expressing their estimate of 
Mr. Remington's character and their appreciation of his Christian work. From these 
resolutions it is fitting to make the following extract : 

" That while we make record of our sense of personal loss in the death of our brother, 
and would fain mingle our tears and our sorrows with those of his immediate family 
and friends, we yet counsel for ourselves an humble recognition of the Divine Father 
who thus with severe stroke and in love and for wise purposes adds another to the 
countless hosts composing the church triumphant above. That we do but voice the 
general sentiment of the membership of our large society in making recognition of 
Brother Remington as one of the earliest adherents of the Ilion church ; one who 
aided in its planting and cultivated it in its growth; who, as president of the board of 
trustees for many years, and in other relations as well, not only devised broad plans 
and gave wise counsel for the help of his associates year by year, but who in seasons 
of emergency was ever ready to assume the heaviest burdens of personal labor and to 
make the largest contributions to the general good. That, while in memory we shall 
henceforth think of Brother Remington as a central figure among us for many years, 
passing and repassing before our eyes with quiet step and modest demeanor ; as a man 
of kindly, sympathetic and generous nature; a man who long commanded the defer- 
ence of a leader in every line of educational, moral and religious improvement, by rea- 
son of the quiet forces of his own nature, rather than by an aggressive, ostentatious 
exercise of power; a man not without faults, but whose virtues shone more brightly 
because multiplied and strengthened and illumined by Christian faith, and hope and love ; 
while in retrospect we shall revere his memory for these things, we shall yet turn our 
eyes with chastened gaze and see in him a good man gone to his rest, a faithful Chris- 
tian pilgrim at the end of his toilsome journey, a redeemed soul at the gates of the 
eternal city listening to the rapturous welcome, ''enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 

In the year 1841 Mr. Remington married Caroline A. Lathrop, of Syracuse. Their 
children are Ida R., now wife of W. C. Squire ; and Ella, wife of H. C. Furman, of 
New York city. 



ELIPHALET REMINGTON 

(Who has been mentioned as a son of the elder Eliphalet Remington), was born in 
the town of Litchfield November 1'2, 1828. After receiving a moderate education he 
early became interested in the new work established by his father. In the up-build- 
ing of that great industry he was an important factor, as above recounted, the growth 
of which is fully described in the history of the village of Ilion in earlier pages of this 
work. Mr. Remington was connected with the works founded by his father until 1886, 
and is still a resident of Ilion. In 1854 Mr. Remington was married to Miss Catherine 
M. Stevens ; they have had three children, as follows: Philo, now a resident of Ilion ; 



47C HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Mrs. W. J. Calder, of Harrisburg, Pa. ; and Mrs. T. E. Patterson, of Philadelphia. 
In personal character Mr. Remington is a man of the purest principles in the broadest 
sense of the term. His integrity lias never been questioned, while his innate kindness 
of heart and his broad and unostentatious charity are acknowledged by all who have 
the pleasure of his friendship. 



WILLIAM K. JENNE 

Was born in Lenox, Mass., on the 14th of January, 1837. He is a son of Siloam S. 
Jenne, who was a native of Grantham, N. H., where he w-as born July 26, 1809. 
Tracing the ancestors of this family farther back we find that the father of Siloam S. 
Jenne was Thomas Jenne, who was born in New Bedford, Mass., January 11, 1773, 
that his father was James, who was also born in New Bedford on tlie 14th of August, 
1744, and that his father was Isaac, who was of Welsh parentage and came to this 
country from England or Wales somewhere about 1720. Siloam S. Jenne died in 
Pittsfield, Mass., March 1, 1892. His wife was Amelia P. Root, and their marriage 
took place November 26, 1829. She died at Lenox, Mass., January 27, 1892. They 
had four children, as follows: A daughter, who died in infancy; Mary A., mar- 
ried Albert Rideout, of Lee, Mass., and now living in Holyoke, Mass. ; William K., 
and Frances, who died unmarried. Siloam S. Jenne was an ingenious and versatil 
mechanic. He spent a few of his early years as a school teacher, and afterwards 
worked at various times as a carpenter and builder, millwright, a wagonmaker and ir. 
the manufacture of special machinery. In the latter capacity he assisted Prof. Lyman 
in making a sixteen-foot telescope ; he also built a set of machinery for a bookbinding 
establishment which contained special devices of his own invention, among them being 
one of the earliest machines for cutting out and making envelopes. As a wagonmaker 
he also used several labor-saving machines of his own invention and manufacture. 

William K. Jenne secured his education in the common schools, after which he spent 
a year or two on a farm ; but he was born with a strong predilection for mechanics 
and entered a machine shop for the purpose of learning that trade, where he continued 
three years ; this was in Lee, Mass. He advanced rapidly and laid the foundation of 
the rare mechanical skill which became of so much importance to him in after years. 
He continued for a time working at his trade in Massachusetts, finally in the employ- 
ment of Plaisted & Whitehouse, of Holyoke. In 1861 that firm secured a large 
contract with the Remingtons, for the manufacture of certain parts of fire arms, and 
Mr. Jenne was sent on to Ilion as a skilled mechanic for the manufacture of the fine 
and accurate tools necessary in the business. He remained with that firm until they 
fulfilled their contract, when Mr. Jenne was promoted virtually to the position before 
occupied by them, and was given a contract for the manufacture of the Eliot pistol. 
Long before this time he had become known in the great works as a mechanic of un- 
usual skill and possessed of inventive talent of a high order. Before the time when the 
sale of the Eliot pistol declined, Thomas Halligan brought to the Remmgtonshis inven- 
tion of a sewing machine for heavy work on leather and using a waxed thread. The 




'/ V / 




-£^-^9<y2^i^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 477 

Remingtons made arrangements to aid him in perfecting his device and placing it in 
process of manufacture, and delegated Mr. Jenne to work with Mr. Halligan on the 
machine. Before it was fully completed Mr. Halligan was killed by the cars and work 
on the machine was perforce brought to a close ; but it proved to be the opening wedge 
for the establishment by the Remingtons of sewing machine manufacture, which later 
became a very important part of their great industry. In the development of the 
Remington sewing machine and m the later execution of a considerable amount of con- 
tract work in that department, Mr. Jenne was prominent. While thus engaged in 
1873, and under the superintendency of J. M. Clough, James Densmore and G. W. N. 
Yost brought to the Remingtons the first crude type writer to negotiate for its manu- 
facture. This event opened a new field in mechanical work in which Mr. Jenne has 
ever since found congenial and profitable employment, and which called forth his 
highest qualifications as a workman and inventor. To those who are conversant with 
the subject, it is known that the task of developing and perfecting the typewriter until 
it would meet the exacting requirements of a perfect writing machine was one full of 
perplexing disappointments, trials of new devices, overcoming apparently impossible 
mechanical problems, and the invention of now appliances to accomplish certain ends. 
In all of this work Mr, Jenne has been the moving spirit and it is not too much to say 
at th's time that he has been more largely instrumental in making the Remington type- 
writer what it is to-day than any other person. The first machine was constructed by 
Mr. Jenne and Mr. Clough together, and from that one two others were built as sam- 
ples ; on these Mr. Jenne did most of the work, and they were pronounced satisfactory ; 
but Mr. Jenne made still another one embracing various improvements and from that 
one some 1,500 or 2,000 were built and placed on the market. Since that time the 
changes in the machine have been constant and numerous, and Mr. Jenne has been in 
charge of their manufacture and substantially dictated as to what should and what 
should not be done in reference to their construction. 

Mr. Jenne was married in 1859 to Mary McSherry, of Lee, Mass. They have had 
four children, as follows: Willis P., born in Lee August 9, 1860, lives as a bachelor 
in Ilion ; Elmer B., born in Ilion September 23, 1863, resides in Ilion ; Eva Alice, born 
November 15, 1865, died December 7, 1872 ; George D., born October 13, 1873, lives 
with his parents. 



FREDERICK HORTON PHILLIPS 

Was born in Litttle Falls June lo, 1836. lie was a son of John Phillips, who vas a 
native of England, born October 15, 1786, and came to America when young with his 
father, Richard Phillips, who settled in Little Falls in 1788, where the family have 
lived since that time. John Phillips married Fanny Hoag, a native of Bennington, Vt., 
who was born August 12, 1791. They settled in Little Falls early in the present century 
and there all of their children were born, as follows : Sarah Ann, born December 3, 1809, 
deceased; Sophia, born September 29, 1811, deceased ; Mary A., born July 18, 1814, de- 
ceased ; Abigail, born April 9, 1816, living; John S., born May 10, 1818, deceased ; Rich- 
61 



478 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ard .T., born August 28, 1821, deceased; Charles P., born March 5, 1824, living in Syra- 
cuse, N. Y.; William P., born July 28, 1826, deceased ; and Frederick H., the subject of 
this sketch. His life was an uneventful one, but one of great usefulness and honor. 
Leaving school at the age of twelve years, a few years after the opening of the railroad 
through Little Falls, he was selected by A. W. Andrews, who had been sent there to act 
as stationmaster and telegraph operator, for his assistant. He readily took up the art, and 
was the first person in Little Falls to learn how to transmit the Morse signals by telegraph. 
The young man gave his best energies to his business and with the usual results, for he 
was regularly promoted through the various stages of railroad employment until he 
reached that of superintendent under Major Z. C. Priest. In this responsible position 
he fully met the requirements of his superiors and was ever found faithful to his trusts. 
Mr. Phillips was wholly devoted to the duties of his life-work, and for that reason 
gave little attention to public affairs ; but by his manly qualities, his integrity and his 
faithfulness to all of his obligations, he won the friendship and regard of his fellow 
citizens. His death occurred in Little Falls on the 7th of July, 1890. 

Mr. Phillips married, on the Gth of October. 1869, Amanda Ackerman, of Little Falls, 
a daugliter of Nicholas Ackerman ; she still survives. They have one son, Fred C. 
Phillips, born August 28, 1870, and now living in Little Falls. 



C. C. WITHERSTINE 

Was born in Steuben, Oneida county, on April 13, 1832. An an early age he began 
learning the printing trade in the office of the old Herhimer County Journal at Herki- 
mer. In the year 1850 he acquired an interest in the establishment, and for nearly 
forty years was connected with the Herkimer Democrat &s proprietor and editor. Dem- 
ocratic in politics, he, during that long period, made his paper an organ of powerful 
influence in the central part of the State, and occupied himself a prominent position in 
the councils of that party. Although living in a county that has been uniformly Re- 
publican in its political complexion, Mr. Witherstine has been honored with public 
office by his constituents. He held the ofiBce of supervisor of the town several terms, 
and in 1854 was elected county treasurer, holding the office one term. His acquaint- 
ance throughout the county is very extensive, and he everywhere enjoys the respect 
and confidence of the people. At the present time (1892) he is one of the loan com- 
missioners of the State. A writer of acknowledged ability, genial and courteous to 
all, and public-spirited in all matters connected with the welfare of the community, 
he has made a record of citizenship that is in every way honorable. 



ALFRED DOLGE 

Was born in Chemnitz, Sa.xony, December 22, 1848. He was educated in the public 
schools of Leipsic, and at the age of thirteen became apprenticed to his father, a well 
known piano-maker. At seventeen he left home and sailed for New Yok, where. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 479 

after many hardships and vicissitudes, he estabhshed himself as an importer of the 
various materials used in piano manufacture, and in the course of time became recog- 
nized as the head of this business in this country. Being of an enterprising disposi- 
tion and thoroughly American in spirit, Mr. Dolge determined to start the domestic 
manufacture of felt, for which our piano manufacturers were entirely dependent upon 
a foreign market. His first ventures were made in Brooklyn, N. Y., after which he 
removed to Herkimer county (Brockett's Bridge, which name was, by unanimous con- 
sent of the inhabitants, later changed to Dolgeville). Mr. Dolge not only made the 
manufacture of felt a positive success, but his particular brand became known as the 
finest in the world, and at :he Exhibitions of Vienna, Paris and Philadelphia obtained 
the highest award over all competition. In 1883 he established another entirely new 
mdustry, that of the manufacture of felt shoes, which has made his name a household 
word all over the United States. In developing these various industries extensive au- 
tomatic machines have been invented and built in his own machine shops, and Mr. 
Dolge was honored by a request from the Patent Department at Washington to send 
his models to Chicago to form part of the Government Patent E.xhibit at the World's 
Fair as ''marking a distinct advance in the art of felt manufacture." But it is in the 
almost phenomenal building up of. the town that bears his name that Mr. Dolge most 
deserves public attention. Within sixteen years he has transformed a forlorn little 
hamlet of one hundred persons in the backwoods of the Adirondacks and eight miles 
from a railroad, into a prosperous and thriving village of over two thousand inhab- 
itants, with the best free public schools in the center of the State, where manual train- 
ing, foreign languages, music and domestic economy are taught in addition to the usual 
school courses, with large felt mills, saw and lumber mills, a cloth factory, a large 
piano factory, wire factory, musical instrument factory, an illustrated weekly paper 
(with a circulation of over 10,000 a week) and otlier enterprises ; with two churches, five 
hotels, excellent stores of all kinds, club house, large free library and a public park, 
which includes a magnificent water-fall, and extends over four hundred acres. The 
town is lighted by electricity and its sanitary condition is excellent. A railroad from 
Little Falls to Dolgeville has just been completed, giving it by means of the New York 
Central and West Shore roads direct communication with all the great commercial 
centers. Mr. Dolge has also attracted a large share of public attention by his system 
of " earning sharing" with his employees. Under this system, which includes pen- 
sions, free life insurance, endowment, etc., he has already paid out to his work people, 
or on their account, over a quarter of a miUion dollars. 

The future of Dolgeville is assured by reason of the enterprising and public spirit of 
the inhabitants, the diversity of its industries, its water-fall of ."jjOOO-horse power, its 
Adirondack location for manufacturing purposes and its wonderfully healthful and 
picturesque surroundings. 



ABRAM B. STEELE. 

The ancestry of the subject of this biography was English on his father's side, and 
German on his mother's. His father was George C. Steele, a native of Franklin county, 
Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. He married Rebecca Fisher, a native also of Frank, 



480 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

lin county, Oliio. The family removed to what is now Rochelle, Ogle county. 111., in 
1839, where most of their children were born. While not a public man in any sense, 
George C. Steele has led a life of respectability in the community where he still resides 
in the enjoyment of the esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is the father of nine children, 
viz.: Frances, born October 10, 1840; married first. Orrin Millett, and after his death, 
Allen Thorp and now (1892) a resident of Washington county, Kans. Calvin F., 
born August 8, 1842, and a resident of Fairbury, Nebr. Hannah M., born November 
12, 1848, married Osborn Randall and living at Flagg, 111. Phoebe A., born July 3, 
1851, and died in 1867. William Oscar, born November 16, 1854, and died in infancy. 
Alice J., born August 8, 1857, married Fred Randall and is now living in Kansas. 
Minnie, born January 17, I860, and married E. L. Orput January 17, 1878, died at 
Rochelle, 111., in 1887. George W., born November 30, 1862, married Phoebe Pierce, 
and livnig in Flagg, 111. Abram B., the subject, born in what is now Columbus, Ohio, 
January 10, 1845, while his parents were on a visit to that place. 

The circumstances surrounding the early life of Abram B. Steele on the wild western 
prairies of Illinois were not especially propitious, although he was given opportunity to 
obtain an excellent education. His father began life under adverse circumstances and 
without much mean.s. In seeking his western home m Illinois, lie drove across the site 
of the present city of Chicago, where his team became hopelessly mired, and he was 
offered forty acres of land in what is now the heart of the great city, for his horses and 
wagon. His reply was, that he had started westward in quest of land that would have 
some value ; he spoke solely from the standpoint of the agriculturist. With a large 
family to rear, he succeeded in enabling them to reacli manhood and womanhood equipped 
at least as well as he had been, for the responsibilities of life. In the common schools 
near his father's home, Abram B. Steele laid the foundation of his education, and fol- 
lowed this with a course at the seminary in Rochelle, 111., and a two year's scientific 
course in Wheaton College, finishing in 1866. He had long previous to that date re- 
solved to made the legal profession his life-work and in order to obtain means for the 
prosecution of his legal study, he taught .school at Rochelle nine months and followed 
this with a few months as principal of the school at Ashlon, 111. As a teacher he was 
successful and doubtless might have attained an honorable station among the leading 
educators, but his sole ambition was to become a lawyer, although in this he was op- 
posed by his parents as they desired him to become a doctor or a minister rather than a 
lawyer. At the close of his period as a teacher (April 8, 1867), he came to Frankfort, 
Herkimer county, N. Y., and entered the law ofiice of liis cousin, J. A. Steele, as a 
student, and acted as chore boy to pay his expenses while studying. It is a somewhat 
remarkable fact, and a clear indication of his industry and great capacity for work, that 
in just one year from that time he passed his exammation and was admitted to the bar 
in Syracuse, N. Y., and this without ever having read a page of law before he began 
his study in this office, and in the class for examination with sixteen applicants, six of 
whom were rejected, and all of them had studied over two years. A month after his 
admi.ssion he formed a copartnership with his cousin in Frankfort under the firm name 
of J. A. & A. B. Steele. After a year's practice in Frankfort, the firm determined to 
seek a broader field of business and (vith that object in view A. B. Steele went to Lin- 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 481 

coin. Neb., then a small but growing village. He was at once admitted to practice in 
that State and formed a oopartnership with Setli Robinson, then attorney-general of 
the State, it having been arranged between Mr. Steele and his first partner that if the 
prospects in Lincoln were sufficiently promising. J. A. Steele would follow him west. 
Three months in Lincoln, where he found thirty-five lawyers in practice and only two 
thousand people, was a long enough period to convince Mr. Steele that his prospects 
there were not what he had hoped for, and he returned to Frankfort, the copartnership 
with J. A. Steele having been kept alive. In February, 1870, Mr. Steele removed to 
Herkimer, his partner remaining in Frankfort. This arrangement continued until June, 
1874, when J. A. Steele also removed to the county seat, and the partnership existed 
until January 1, 1880, when it was dissolved. Mr. Steele remained alone until October 
8, 1882, when he formed a copartnership with W. C. Prescott, which still contmues. 
This period of active practice by Mr. Steele has been substantially unbroken, with 
the exception of a few months spent in Europe in 1878, when he visited England, 
Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland and other parts of the continent, a tour ren- 
dered necessary by failing health. In his profession Mr. Steele has attained more than 
ordinary success. This is especially true in reference to his practice in courts and before 
juries in both criminal and civil cases. By exercise of the industry, which is a part of 
his natural qualifications, his keen insight into the various details of the case in hand, 
and his ever-present ambition to do his best for his client, he has been enabled to reach 
success on many occasions where circumstances seemed arrayed against him. In argu- 
ment and address before a jury he is always forcible, while his thorough preparation of 
cases and knowledge of the law have rendered him a desirable counselor and advocate, 
and an opponent not readily overcome. These qualifications were early recognized in 
this county, both in and out of the profession, and led in 1879 to his election as district 
attorney, and his re-election three years later. Previous to that time he had served as 
town clerk of Frankfort, trustee of the village of Herkimer (1887-8) and later president 
of the vdlage two terms 1890-1. His career as district attorney was a somewhat not- 
able one and gave great satisfaction to his constituents. He was called upon to try 
many cases for capital crimes (during last year four of these cases were tried), among 
them being the famous Druse murder case, in which he displayed the qualifications be- 
fore mentioned m a manner reflecting great credit upon his ability as a lawyer. He 
convicted the only person who was ever executed in the county. While attorney for 
the village of Herkimer (1873-5) he secured the charter incorporating the village and 
conferring the authority for the expenditure of such sums for public improvements as 
the citizens should vote. This was accomplished against the determined opposition of 
a large and influential element. He also secured the charter for the incorporation of 
the Herkimer and Mohawk Street Railway, which was the forerunner of the now im- 
portant system connecting the villages of Herkimer, Mohawk, Ilion and Frankfort. 
He was trustee of the village of Herkimer when the water works were put in and was, 
perhaps, the most efficient power in the successful inauguration of that most beneficent 
improvement. While president of the village the electric light system was established 
and various other public measures of improvement were instituted. A sincere and act- 
ive friend of education, he has always thrown his influence in favor of the extension of 



482 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the school system of the village. On the occasion of the holding of the Fireman's State 
Convention in Herkimer in 1891, he was president of the village and acting chairman 
of the citizens' committee and chairman of the reception committee, and labored zeal- 
ously and efficiently for the great success w^hich attended that event._ In short, Mr. 
Steele is a public-spirited citizen in the broadest sense, and no good cause that promises 
an advance of the general welfare of the community seeks his aid in vain. His character, 
his ability, and his daily life are such as to bring him the respect and esteem of all with 
whom he has been associated. A Republican in politics and with the ability to elo- 
quently and forcibly express himself upon the subjects of current political interest, it 
will be inferred that he might have had public office of distinction had not his tastes, 
inclination, and ambition confined him closely to his profession. 

He is now often called as counsel by other attorneys, both in and out of Herkimer 
county, a fact that clearly indicates his standing among the members of the bar in Cen- 
tral New York. 

Mr. Steele was married July 2, 1885, to Miss Franc Irwin, daughter of John Irwin, 
of Poland, Herkimer county. They have no children. 



THE PRESCOTT FAMILY. 

The ancestry of this family is traceable back to the time ot Queen Elizabeth in 
England, when they dwelt in Standish, Lancashire. James was the name of the first, 
as far as known, and John Prescott, of the fourth generation from James, of Standish 
(15G4), came to Boston, Mass., in 1G4S, and from there to Watertown, Mass., where he 
settled in 1640. Among his children was a son named Jonas, who was born in Lancas- 
ter, Mass., in 1648, and this Jonas had a son of the same name, born in 1678, and a 
resident of New Hampshire. Among the children of the second Jonas was a son Eben- 
ezer, who was born in Groton, Mass., in 1700. He had a son, the first Oliver, who 
was born in Groton in 1725. Oliver had a son whom he named Oliver, who was 
born in 1760, in New Hampshire. He settled first in Jaffray, N. H., but in 1793, when 
he was thirty-three years old, he removed to what was then the western -vvilderness of 
Whitestown (now New Hartford), Oneida county, and there purchased a large farm 
and cleared and improved it, and it has remained the property of some of his descend- 
ants ever since — now just one hundred years. He married Keziah Howard before his 
removal to Whitestown. Among the fourteen children of this second Oliver was 
Oliver 3d, who was the eldest of the children and was born on the home farm January 
8, 1789. He married Ruth Morgan and had ten children as follows: Elizabeth, born in 
1812: Harriet, born in 1814; Catharine, born in 1816; Daniel M. (who was the father 
of William C), born December 15, 1818; Mary, born in 1821; Amos H. (the late 
Judge Prescott), born in 1823; Ruth Ann, born in 1826; Phoebe, born in 1828; 
Oliver, born in 1831, and Abram, born in 1833. The father of these children, Oliver Pres- 
cott, was a man of prominence in the community where he lived and his native ability 
was recognized by his selection to fill important public positions. He held several town 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 483 

offices and in the year 1848 was elected to the State Assembly. He was a man of 
strong character and correct principles, and in every way a valuable citizen. His death 
occurred in 1872. 

Of the children of Oliver Prescott 3d, Daniel M., father of William C, is a conspicu- 
ous member of the community. He is a progressive, broad-minded man, of much more 
than ordinary intelligence. He has during his life given much attention to politics, was 
a member of the Whig party and later of the Republican, and has been honored with 
several public positions, the first of which was that of sergeant-at-arms of the State 
Senate, and afterwards was postmaster of both the Senate and Assembly. In 18G3 he 
was elected a member of Assembly and served one term to the satisfaction of his con- 
stituents. He held the office of assessor for many years. .July 24, 1842, he married 
Mary Wood, of Herkimer county, who died in 18.50, and for a -second wife he married 
Lydia Bacon in 1853. Mr. Prescott and his wife are both still living at the homestead 
in New Hartford, in the enjoyment of the respect of the community. 

Daniel M. Prescott's children by his first wife were Harriet Fidelia, born May 15, 
1843, who married Joseph Carter, and now hves at Darien, Genesee county, N. Y. • 
Lucius L., born in 1846, was a member of the Third New York Light Artillery, in 
which he enlisted at the age of seventeen, and was killed in the service; and William 
C, noticed a little further on. The children of Daniel M. by his second wife were 
Oliver B., born April 8, 1855, and died in 1882 ; he was a farmer and lived just over the 
line in Herkimer county, on a part of the homestead ; Daniel Dayton, born August 7, 
1856, a farmer and now living on the homestead; and Rose May, born March 12. 1871, 
married Wilbur J. Davies, of Litchfield, ''Herkuner county. 

William C. Prescott, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born December 11, 
1848, in New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y. His younger days were passed on his 
father's farm and in the district schools, where his naturally studious habits and a mind 
that readily absorbed education, enabled him to rapidly advance. Leaving the district 
school he studied four years in the Utica Academy and graduated in 1867. To com- 
plete an already excellent education he then entered Tufts College, in Massachusetts, took 
the full four years' course and graduated with high honors. This was not all accom- 
plished without sacrifice and hard work, and a part of the means necessary to pay his 
expenses in college was obtained by him in teaching, a part of the time in the same 
school where he began his studies as a boy. While in college Mr. Prescott joined the 
Zeta Psi society and begame a prominent member. In 1870 he was president of their 
annual convention, which was held in Easton, Pa. 

Long before leaving college Mr. Prescott had determined to enter the legal profession, 
and soon after his graduation he came to Herkimer and began his studies in the law 
office of Earl, Smith & Brown. He was admitted to the bar in 1875 and at once 
formed a partnership with Hon. Robert Earl, who was in the same year elected judge 
of the Court of Appeals. He then associated himself with the late Samuel Earl, and 
their business connection continued until 1882, when he formed the partnership with 
A. B. Sceele, which still exists under the firm name of Steele & Prescott. Mr. Pres- 
cott's career as a lawyer has been one of honorable effort and marked success. His as- 
sociation with Mr. Steele during a part of the period in which the latter served as dis- 



484 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

trict attorney, brought him into connection with the trial of several very important 
cases, among thera the murder trials of Mrs. Druse and Mondon and Richter. In these 
cases he made the opening addresses and shared in all the exhaustive work necessary to 
the successful issue of the trials. He is generally regarded as a safe counselor, careful 
and conservative in his opinions and thorough in his study of every question that comes 
before bim. These valuable qualiBcations render him a factor of importance in the 
large business that has been accorded to the firm of which he is a member. 

Mr. Prescott is a Republican in politics ; but until quite recently he has declined to ac- 
cept nominations for public office. He was chosen as one of the Board of Police and 
Fire Commissioners upon its formation in 1887, and was made chairman of the board. 
He was reappointed in 1888 and resigned in 1892. He was largely instrumental in 
raising the fund of $12,000 for the recent extension of the Adirondack and St. 
Lawrence Railroad, which is destined to confer great benefits on the village of 
Herkimer. He is a Mason of high standing and for two years held the office of 
worshipful master of Herkimer Lodge. In 1890 he was appointed grand marshal of the 
Grand Lodge and served two years. 

In private life Mr. Prescott long ago won the confidence and universal respect of the 
community at large for his straightforward, upright and conscientious course and manly 
qualities. For many years he has been a member and one of the important officers 
of the Episcopal church, and is vice-president of the Young Men's Christian Association 
of Herkimer, and has been chairman of its Board of Directors. 

In the fall of 1892 Mr. Prescott was induced to accept the nomination for member of 
Assembly from this district and was elected by a more than average majority. He will 
enter the legi.slative halls of the State fully equipped for his duties and bearing with him 
the confidence of his constituents. 

Mr. Prescott wa.s married in 1876 to Frances M.. daughter of Charles B. Cotten, of 
New York city. They have no children. 

It is proper at this point to introduce a brief record of the life of Amos H. Prescott, 
a brother of Daniel M., and whose name and birth have already been given. He re- 
ceived his education in the district schools and the Sauquoit Academy ; studied law 
with Hon. Volney Owen, of Mohawk, beginning in April, 1842, and was admitted in 
Mav, 1847. From that date until 1857 he was a partner with Mr. Owen. After the 
dissolution of the firm in the last named year he continued in practice alone at Mohawk 
until 1870, when he removed to Herkimer and resided there until his death. As a 
lawyer he attained prominence and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen he 
ranked among the foremost. He was president of the village of Mohawk three terms, 
and served as supervisor of the town in 1866-1867, and was chairman of the board. 
He was also brigadier-general in the National Guard. He became a member of the 
Native American party in politics and was conspicuous in its councils. In 1855 he 
received the nomination for the Assembly at their hands and was elected. In the 
Legislature he was placed on several important committees and performed valuable 
service. From that time until 1867 he gave close attention to his profession and was 
accorded a large practice. In 1867 he was elected county judge and surrogate by the 
Republicans, having joined that party soon after its organization. For sixteen j'ears 
he filled the important office to which he had been chosen, winning the approbation 



BEOGRAPHICAL. 485 

and confidence of the whole community. Aa a judge he was upright, impartial and 
fearless. His term of service extended to within a few years of his death, which took 
place October 11, 1887. Judge Prescott married first Pamelia C. Allen, of Mohawk; 
she died in 1857, and he married in 1864 Mrs. Martha H. Dygert. By the first wife 
he had one son, Charles W., and a daughter, Zinnia Ruth, by the second wife. 



ADDISON BRILL. 

The ancestry of Addison Brill is traced back to his grandfather, who was David I. 
Brill, a native of Dutchess county, ]S1. T., and who died in 1837. Among his children 
was David Brill, who was born January 2, 1796, in Beekman, Dutchess county. He 
married Hannah Pearsall, daughter of Joseph Pearsall, of Pleasant Valley, N. Y. David 
Brill was by trade a tanner and currier and shoemaker, which occupation he followed 
in his early life; but later he engaged in faiming, lumbering and mercantile pursuits. 
In 1831 he removed to North Western, Oneida county, N. Y., where most of his active 
life was passed, and where he died on the 21st of April, 1880, in the enjoyment of the 
respect of the community where he lived. He was the father of eight children, as fol- 
lows: David Tompkins born December 5, 1819, died December 18, 1840, a farmer by 
occupation. Elizabeth, born July 29, 1821. married Ezra Clark of North Western in 
February, 1840, and still living. Delia Melissa, born August 19, 1823, and died April 
6, 1866. John, born September 16, 1825, married Cynthia Tibbetts August 30, 1849, 
and died May 20, 1886; he was a farmer and later in life a merchant. Permelia M., 
born February 18, 1828, married Nathaniel D. Bronson, of North Western, in 1851, and 
living. Addison, the subject, born in Saratoga county, N. Y., February 16, 1831. 
Augustus H. and Mary Augusta, twins, born December 1, 1836. Augustus H. married 
Mary D. Baker in October, 1876, and is now living, and is engaged in hardware busi- 
ness at 0.xford, N. Y. Mary Augusta is unmarried and live? at North Western. 

Addison Brill's early life was pleasantly and profitably surrounded. Reared in a 
Christian home, he early imbibed the principles which have safely guided him through 
life, and was also fortunate in having oppoi tunity to secure a good practical educa- 
tion. After the usual period in the district schools, he attended three terms at the 
Cazenovia Seminary, where his industry and a remarkably retentive memory enabled 
him to store his mind with an excellent knowledge of the branches taught. Leaving 
school finally at twenty years of age, he entered his father's store (where he had 
already served for a time), and remained until he reached his majority, in the capacity 
of clerk. On the 13th of April, 1852, he became a partner with his father and 
brother-in-law, Nathaniel D. Bronson, in general merchandising, which was continued 
until 1865, when he removed to Ilion and took up his permanent residence. Here 
he engaged in the wholesale grocery and provision business, in connection with and 
as member of the firm of Edson Delano & Company, and continued it with success 
five years to 1870. In April, 1871, he formed a partnership with A. N. Russell (see 
62 



48G HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

sketch of Mr. Russell herein), in the lumber and mill business. This partnership 
continued with mutual satisfaction and pronounced success nearly ten years, when 
in 1880 Mr. Hrill withdrew; and in 1882 established the Remington Sewing Machine 
Agency. Mr. Brill was secretary and treasurer, and had the management of this 
organization and its immediate and signal success reflected credit upon his business 
capacity and executive ability. In 1886 occurred the great failure of the Remington 
industry when the enormous business, with its several branches and its endless com- 
plications and details, was passed into the hands of receivers. Mr. Brill was appointed 
one of the receivers of the estate, in association with Mr. Russell, his former part- 
ner. An account of the manner in which the great interests were handled and pro- 
tected by the receivers, so that the creditors might get the greatest possible benefit, 
has been given in the history of the village of Ilion, in earlier pages of this work, 
and need not be repeated in detail here. Let it suffice to say that the affairs of the 
corporation were conducted by the receivers until 1892, when all of the vast interests 
had been closed out in such a manner as to give a good measure of satisfaction to all 
who were concerned. 

In politics Mr. Brill is a Democrat, but not in any sense a partisan, his liberality 
leading him at times to vote for candidates of the opposing party, who seemed to him 
to be worthy of support. He'never sought office and lives in a county where such a 
course would ordinarily be a waste of time; but he was elected supervisor in the face 
of these conditions and served in 1886-87. In the board his habitual straightforward 
business methods and his belief that public aflairs should receive the 8anie attention, 
and the same treatment given to one's personal business, led him to advise an investi- 
gation of the bills and charges of the county clerk, which seemed to him to be exor- 
bitant. Although he did not succeed fully in bringing about the reforms that he 
desired, owing to the fact that too many of his associates, if not interested in the out- 
come, from improper methods of transacting public business, were in sympathy with 
those who were ; yet partial restitution for unlawful and excessive charges was 
secured. 

The final developments from that first resolution for investigation have only recently 
(1892) been reached through the courts, and the details leading up to them would re- 
quire many pages for explanation. But it may be said thousands of dollars have been 
saved to the county, and new methods instituted, which if followed will be of large 
advantage in the future. 

Mr. Brill was made director of the Frankfort and Ilion street railway at its organiza- 
tion and held the office for a number of years; also of the Ilion Manufacturing Com- 
pany, of which he acted as treasurer during the most of its existence. He is a mem- 
ber and active worker in the Methodist church, and has been honored in that connec- 
tion by election as district representative for many years, and also as lay delegate to 
the General Conference, a position of honor in the church. He has been a steward in 
the local church since 1868. Mr. Brill is an ardent temperance man, but his efforts for 
the diminution of the evils resulting from drink are conducted upon Christian lines, 
which embody the desire to lift the unfortunate out of their bondage. 

From tlie foregoing it will not be difficult to form a conception of the principal char- 
acteristics of Mr. Brill. His conscience is the dictator of his rules of living, and his 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 487 

career was founded upon a basis of integrity. With great capacity for labor, pliysical 
and mental, sound judgment, sagacious foresight, and executive ability, he has been able 
to command success and at the same time so order his living as to inspire confi- 
denoe and respect in his fellows. He is public spirited, aids liberally all good 
work.s, and endeavors to realize the best ideas of good citizenship. 

Mr. Brdl married on May 6, 1858, Mary Comstock, daughter of the late Arnon 
Comstock, of North Western, a man of prominence in that community, and at one 
time county judge. Mr. and Mrs. Brill have one son, Charles Comstock, born at 
North Western, N. Y., January 1, 1862, who, after preparatory studies at the Ilion 
Academy, graduated from Syracuse University in 1885, and later spent one year in 
a post graduate cour.se at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. He is now 
superintendent of Norwich University, at Northfield, Vt. He married October 29. 
1889, Carrie Hoefler, daughter of John Hoefier, of Ilion, N. Y. They have a daugh- 
ter, Marion Elizabeth, born at Ilion, N. Y., March 17, 1892. 



ALBERT NEWTON RUSSELL 

Was born on a farm m Kirkland, Oneida county, N. Y., March 17, 1826. 

His ancestors on his father's side emigrated to what was then called Whitestown, 
from Gu'lford, Conn., and were of English descent. Simeon Hatch, his grandfather 
on his mother's side, was of Scotch descent and was one of the early settlers of what is 
now New Hartford, emigrating there from Wethersfield, Conn. 

When nine years oH his father, Samuel Baldwin Russell, sold his farm and removed 
to Sherburne, Chenango count}', where he died, leaving three children, Albert Newton 
being the youngest, about eleven years of age. 

Returning to New Hartford, his mother gave him such educational advantages as the 
schools in that vicinity afforded, and while attending the select school he paid his way 
by working nights, mornings and Saturdays, in a cabinet shop, where he acquired some 
practical knowledge of mechanics. 

After leaving school he worked for a short time on a farm, then as clerk in a general 
store, later emigrating to Fairfax county, Virginia, for the benefit of his health. 

After two years of farm life there, having regained his health, he obtained a position 
as foreman under the superintendent of capitol and public works in Washington, D. C. 
Later he returned to Virginia, where he soon after married Miss Mary, daughter of 
Wells Hatch, a former resident of Chenango county, N. Y., and settled as he then sup- 
posed permanently, having become owner of a steam saw-mill and lumbering business, 
which he operated, with farming and fruit growing in a small way as an auxiliary. 

At the time of the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Russell, who was 
a strong Union man, had no alternative but to take his family and seek safety in 
the North, as the position of an avowed Union man was one of great peril. Under 
the cover of darkness he commenced his journey in a democrat wagon drawn by a 
single horse, and before proceeding far, his vehicle was only one of a caravan of 
twenty-seven, filled with Union refugees. 



488 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Arriving at Wellsville, Allegany county, where his brother resided, he obtained em- 
ployment in a sash and blind factory, beginning life anew among friends, and where it 
was sate to be a friend of the Union. 

In October, 1861, Mr. Russell obtained employment in the armory of E. Remington 
& Sons at Ilion, where he soon moved his family and has since lived. 

He was soon placed in a responsible position, having the general care of the plant, 
constructing some of the largest buildings and equipping them with engines, boilers, 
etc., also setting the many manchines used therein. He also had charge of the erection 
of the tine residence of Mr. Philo Remington. 

In 1871 he, in company with Mr. Addison Brill, purchased the lumber business of 
C. F. Raymer in Ilion — Mr. Brill taking charge of the business, assisted by Mr. Russell's 
oldest son, Samuel T., who represented his father's interests, himself contmiiing in the 
employ of the Remingtons until 1877. He has continued in the lumber business till the 
present time, his son, Samuel, becoming a partner in 1878, under the firm name of 
Brdl, Russell & Company, who carried on th° business till 1880, when Mr. Russell and 
Samuel bought out Mr. Brill and continued the business as the firm of A. N. Russell & 
Son. Ill 1S83 the younger son, George R., became a member of the firm, a branch 
yard being established at Frankfort, under liis charge, Samuel T. managing the 
business at Ilion. Under the management of A. N. Russell & Sons, the business has 
expanded until it has become the most extensive in its line in Herkimer county, and 
one of the leading ones of the Mohawk Valley, embracing two retail yards with im- 
mense stocks of all varieties of lumber, and a large and admirably equipped planing- 
mill and sash, blind and door factory, employing a large force of workmen, supplymg a 
large trade, not onl}' local, but from the lower Hudson towns and those in New Jersej' 
and Connecticut adjacent to New York city. 

Since becoming a resident of Iljon, Mr. Russell has always taken an active part in 
the enterprises projected for the development of local business, and among other move- 
ments the one to secure the location of the West Shore shops at Frankfort, to which 
he devoted all his energy, with other members of a committee appointed to solicit 
subscriptions for this fund, conducting negotiations with the railroad company, which 
resulted in establishing that extensive and valuable industry at that place. 

He also took an active part in establishing the knitting mill and Coleman's carriage 
and wagon factory at Ilion, designing and erecting the buildings for the use of these 
companies. He is secretary of the Coleman Company ; also one of the directors of the 
Ilion and Mohawk Gas and Electric Light Company. 

In March, 1886, the corporation, E. Remington & Sons, became financially involved 
to such an extent as to make it necessary to place their aflairs in the hands of re- 
ceivers, and Messrs. Russell and Addison Brdl were appointed by the court to take the 
business in charge. This was a position of great responsibility and care, involving the 
settling of accounts aggregating millions of dollars, many of which had to be adjudi- 
cated in the courts, and the conducting of the manufacture of arms and sewing ma- 
chines for two years before the works were sold. After a lapse of six years they 
brought the extended litigation to a termination and made their final dividend to the 
creditors, and after the examination of their accounts by Hon. A. M. Mills, who was 
appointed referee by the court, they received their discharge. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 489 

During his residence in Ilion, Mr. Russell h&s been a staunch Republican in politics, 
giving his party earnest and hearty support, and for seven years served as a member 
of the county committee of that party. 

Mr. Russell has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Ilion since 1866 
and of its board of stewards, and has been active in its work. 



SETH M. RICHMOND. 

The ancestors of Seth M. Richmond came from England and settled in Massachusetts, 
his father, Lsaac Richmond, having been born near Boston. His mother was Salona 
Perry, of Norton, Mass. They had eight children, six of whom were sons, as follows : 
Isaac, now living at Fulton, Oswego County, N. Y., at the age of ninety years; he was 
born at Augusta, Oneida county, N. Y., where all of the children were born, and where 
Isaac Richmond passed most of his life. Gardner, the next son, is deceased ; Alvin, 
living in Little Falls at the age of eighty-six years, and a partner many years with his 
brother, Seth M., as described below ; Nathan P., deceased ; Parley, deceased ; Phoebe, 
married N. B. Cook, of Augusta, and living; Anna M., married W. E. Walton, of 
Munnsville, N. Y., and living; and Seth M., the subject of this sketch and a portrait, 
who was born at Augusta, on the 17th of May, 1818, between the birth of the two sis- 
ters mentioned. 

The early years of Mr. Richmond's life were passed amid adverse surroundings, as 
was the case with most American boys of that period. His only opportunity for ob- 
taining an education was in the country district school, the winter terms being altei- 
nated with summer labor on his father's farm, and even this limited school attendance 
was closed when he was sixteen years old. But he was imbued with an active spiiit 
of enterprise and ambition, and he struck out for himself as soon as he left school by 
teaching a small school in greography one winter, and then engaged as clerk at what is 
now called Knoxboro, N. Y., in the employ of John J. Knox, father of Jay Knox, 
later comptroller of the currency. After about a year in the store, Mr. Knox showed 
his confidence in his young employer by sending hira to Little Falls with a stock of 
goods to sell, and as cashier and bookkeeper chiefly to the force of men working on 
the Erie canal enlargement, on which Mr. Knox had a large contract. This was in Mr. 
Richmond's eighteenth year and the enterprise covered the period from 1837 to 1840 
inclusive. At the end of that period Mr. Richmond joined in partnership with his brother 
Alvin and they bought the stock of goods of Mr. Knox and opened a store. In all of 
the various business undertakings in which Mr Richmond has since engaged, his brother 
has had a share, and their partnership has been unbroken and their relations thoroughly 
harmonious. The business in the store was promptly and largely extended and -soon 
included coal, they being the first to bring anthracite coal to Little Falls, lumber, which 
they shipped in great quantities to Troy and Albany, flour, salt, etc. In some of these 
commodities, particularly coal, the firm has dealt ever since and at the present time 
they have the most extensive yards in the village. In 1842 the brothers erected a 



490 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

paper-mill on the site of the early mills of Wm. J. Pardee, later occupied by Paige & 
Priest, and began the manufacture of print and wrapping papers. On the 13th of July, 
1853, the mill was destroyed by fire, causing a loss of $50,000, on which was insurance 
of only $3,000. They, however, immediately rebuilt the mill and carried it on suc- 
cessfully until 1860, when they sold the property, which now constitutes the foundry 
of M. Reddy & Sons. In the year 1850 the brothers took hold of the Morris Axe 
manufactory, and for a number of years they sold the product of the factory. In 1857 
they joined with E. B. Waite in the erection of another paper-mill on the lower falls, 
which they conducted until 1888 ; the property is now in the hands of the Little 
Falls Paper Uompany. In 1877 Seth M. Richmond, in connection with his son-in- 
law, Charles King, took the knitting-mill formerly operated by Amos King, changed 
its character to a manufactory of fine woolen knit goods, and gave it the name of the 
Saxony Knitting Mill. Of this Mr. King is the active manager. Mr. Richmond was 
one of the principal organizers of the Little Falls National Bank, in 1879, was chosen 
its president and has ever since held the office. Under his administration this institu- 
tion has become one of the most prosperous in the Mohawk Valley, and now has a vol- 
ume of business approximating $400,000; it has paid a dividend of 7 per cent, from 
its organization. Mr. Richmond was largely instrumental in organizing the Little 
Falls Gaslight Company and for six years was its president. 

The foregoing gives some indication of the very active business career of Mr. Rich- 
mond and of its long continuance ; it also shows that his natural business inclination 
is towards enterprises of broad proportions and involving large transactions and the 
employment of large capital. It is. perhaps, the prominent qualification as far as busi- 
ness capacity is concerned, that he is able to grasp a large undertakine, or more than 
one, and foresee the details of its successful manipulation from the beginning. This 
faculty has aided in giving him uniform success in all the enterprises in which he has 
been engaged. This success has, moreover, been built upon correct business principles 
and broad lines of integrity and fairness towards those with whom he has come in 
contact; he is, therefore, held in high respect by the community, the members of 
which have in many ways expressed their confidence in him. In politics Mr. Rich- 
mond is a Republican and was formerly a Whig, casting his first vote in 1840 for 
William Henry Harrison. He has held the office of village trustee and was president 
several terms. In 1860 he was elected sherififof the county, and in 1867 was chosen 
to represent the district in the Assembly. He held the office of trustee of the academy 
several years and was president of the Board of Education two or three years. During 
his official career the northern riots transpired. Mr. Richmond issued a proclamation 
enjoining all good citizens to stand by law and order. The result was salutary though 
harshly criticized by political opponents, yet in time Democrats and Republicans con- 
curred in his course. During the Rebellion he was president of the Union clubs of his 
town and received and forwarded from his house many of the sanitary supplies. In 
the mean time he went to the front and visited the soldiers at Fredericksburg and Ar- 
lington Heights, and while there was made the recipient of large sums of money from 
the soldiers for distribution among their families on his return home. His selection for 
these various posts of honor and trust are expressive of the confidence felt by the pub- 




xl 



^^]VV|Wi^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 491 

lie in his capacity and zeal in the cause of education and general advancement. And 
it is greatly to his credit that it may truthfully be stated thai, in every official capacity 
he has given to his duties the same watchful and intelligent care that he has bestowed 
upon his own business. 

Mr. Richmond is a member of the Baptist society and bestows of his means to all 
the religious organizations of the village. His public spirit and desire for the pros- 
perity of his adopted home prompts him to ever-ready effort in all public affairs that 
tend to the advancement of the place. Though now far advauced in years, Mr. Rich- 
mond has still the clepr mental qualities of his earlier manhood, and regularly gives his 
attention to the details of his various business connections and particularly to the bank 
of which he has so long been the presiding officer. 

Mr. Richmond was married on the 13th of April, 1840, to Ursula F. Osborn, daugh- 
ter of Jacob Osborn, of Little Falls. Their children are: An infant son, deceased; 
Kate F., married W. W. Whitman, and deceased; Clara died in infancy; Sarah B., 
married Charles King and living in Little Falls. 



AMOS KING — CHARLES KING. 

Among the early settlers of Greene county, N. Y., was the family of the late Hon. 
Perkins King. His children were Amos, Charles, Lucy, Harriet and Mary. His wife 
was Miss Jackson, daughter of General Jackson, who fought at Bunker Hill. Perkins 
King was conspicuous in Republican politics and was member of Assembly in 1820-27, 
when Dewitt Clinton was governor, and member of Congress in 1829-30. Amos King 
was the elder son of Perkms King, and was born in Freehold, Greene county, N. Y., 
Januarys, 1817. He received the advantages of a common school education and in- 
herited from his parents intellectual qualities that contributed to his later advancement 
in his life work. After leaving school he began the operation of a carding-mill at Free- 
hold, which he continued until the mill was burned. Mr. King then went to Water- 
town, N. Y., and engaged in the same business. This was in 1853. Misfortune fol- 
lowed him, and the mill in that city also burned. He then moved to Norwich, Conn., 
where he also carried on a similar business. In 1872 he located permanently in Little 
Palls and began the manufacture of woolen cloths, in which he had so long been en- 
gaged. Four years later he changed the character of his manufacfnre and founded the 
Sajcony Knitting Company, associating with himself in partnership his son Charles. 
Under their management this became one of the most prosperous establishments of the 
kind m the State, and it was continued until the death of Mr. King on the 26th of Sep- 
tember, 1891. He was married in 1843 to Amanda Pratt, daughter of Israel Pratt of 
Greene county. Their children were : Charles King, now of Little Falls, and Mrs. W. 
A. Benedict of Newton Centre, Mass. 

In his long business career Mr. King possessed the confidence and esteem not only 
of those with whom he was intimately associated, but also of every community in which 
he lived. His judgment and strong good sense gave weight and influence to all his 
conclusions, and his advice and counsel were always prized by those who were so for- 



492 niSTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

tunate as to obtain them. The characteristic which will be best remembered so long as 
any of those who knew him shall survive, which gave to his character its greatest 
strength, to his influence its greatest usefulness, to his memory its sweetest incense, 
was his earnest, devoted, consistent Christian life, exemplified in all his business, in all 
the closer relations of family and intimate friends, in all the more public offices of church 
and social associations. For many years a member and elder in the Presbyterian church, 
he was active in efforts to promote its growth, and a leader in its good works. He for 
many years filled the position of Sunday-school superintendent, in which he was able 
to accomplish much good that will live long after him. In politics Mr. King was a 
Republican, but his tastes and ambition led him wholly into business channels, and he 
never accepted public office of any kind. 

One who knew him well wrote at the time of his death as follows: " In his death 
the community loses one of her oldest and best known knit goods manufacturers, who 
for the past twenty years has been identified with the business interests of Little Falls, 
and contributed greatly to the growth and prosperty of the town. An active, efficient 
business man, a patriotic citizen and an earnest Christian has closed his earthly career 
and gone to his earthly reward, sincerely mourned by an exceptionally wide circle of 
friends." The session of the Presbyterian church met and adopted a series of eulogistic 
resolutions upon the character and work of their member. 

Charles King was born in Freehold, N. Y., August 21, 1848. He received his educa- 
tion in the Norwich Free Academy and fitted for Yale, but at the age of twenty-one 
years relinquished the plan of attending college and wa^ given an interest in his father's 
business, after having served seven years in learning every detail. Removing with his 
father to Little Falls, he became a member of the firm of A. & C. King, which contin- 
ued, as above stated, until his father's death. Since that time he has been associated 
with Hon. Seth M. Richmond in the management of the Saxony Knitting Company. 
As a business man and a master of his trade Mr. King occupied a conspicuous position 
and Pnjoy< the confidence of all who know him. He is a Republican in politics but has 
not held office, his business requiring his whole attention. Mr. King was married in 
1875 to Sarah B., daughter of Hon. Seth M. Richmond. 



FREDERICK U. WELLER. 

Among the pioneers of the town of Newport, Herkimer county, was Israel Weller. 
He was a man of some note in early days, and shared in the War of 1812 at Sackett's 
Harbor. He was a practical Irfttter and carried on that business in Newport village, 
and was among the earliest manufacturers of that vicinity. His wife was Sally Hawk- 
ins, a native of Newport, daughter of Uriah Hawkins, who took part as an officer under 
Washington in the Revolutionary War. Israel Weller died at an advanced age in 
Cattaraugus county, N. Y. 

Frederick U. Weller, son of Israel, was born in Newport November 24, 1819. Being 
one of a large family and living where schools were far apart and primitive in character, 
his education was limited to a few months in winter until he was fifteen years old. He 




^Stffiyr CKef^^..!''' 



Y/ 



'^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 493 

had already struck out for himself three years earlier, by working summers on neigh- 
boring farms, for which he received four or five dollars a month. From that time on- 
ward he supported himself. When he had reached seventeen years he entered the store 
of Benjamin Terry at Newport and served one year as clerk, when he, in company with 
a Mr. Hall, bought the store and carried on business four years. During this period 
they also had a staging business, carrying freight, money, etc., to Utioa, and in 1838 
carried the mail and ran a stage from Little Falls, passing through Eaton's Bush, Fair- 
field, Middleville, Newport, Poland, Russia, Gravesville, Trenton Falls and Trenton. 
During his partnership with Hall, Mr. Weller purchased a farm near Newport and 
worked it two years. On the 8th ot November, 1842, he married Helen Spencer, daugh- 
ter of Alpheus Spencer of Newport. They occupied the farm two years after marriage, 
but with indifferent success, and Mr. Weller's ambition prompted him to make a change, 
and he accordingly removed to Ilion. There were only about fifty buildings of all kinds 
in the village at that time. The elder Remington had substantially retired from active 
business, and his son Samuel had just secured the first large contract for 25,000 guns. 
In Ihon Mr. Weller established the Ilion Temperance House, which he successfully 
conducted five years. At the end of that period, taking his capital of $4,000 or $5,000, 
he removed to Pittsfield, Mass., where he purchased of liis uncle a stock of boots and 
shoes. He remained there seven years, devoting himself closely to his business and 
meeting with good success. It is proper to state here that Mr. Weller had never en- 
joyed a very robust constitution, and his many years of arduous labor finally broke his 
health, and upon the final advice of physicians he came to Mohawk, N. T., for rest and 
possible recuperation. Before the final breaking down of his health he resorted to 
numerous doctors who successively fed him calomel until his system became charged 
with it, and ever since he has been a constant sufferer from the ravages of the drug. 

On his arrival in Mohawk on his way back to Ilion he saw the residence he now 
occupies (then owned by the now venerable Jacob Diefendorf), and eight months later, 
in 1857, he purchased the premises and there made his permanent home. Three years 
later he added by purchase a tract which now gives him about six acres of beautifully 
situated land, and has since enlarged and greatly improved the residence. He continued 
the ownership of considerable real estate in Pittsfield until 1881, when he sold it, and 
for thirty-five years past he has had no active business, but has given much attention 
to the care of his buildings in Mohawk and to other affai is, as his health would permit. 
In 1860 he purchased a brick block, now known as the Weller Block, of Charles Spin- 
ner. He was called by his fellow-citizens to fill the office of president of the village 
one term, and by his honorable and upright life, his genial temperament and liberal aid 
in all good works, has gained the high esteem of the community. 

Mr. and Mrs. Weller have one daughter, Sarah ilatilda, boru September 12, 1843. 



C. W. CARPENTER. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Rockingham, N. H., on the 21st of July, 
1819. He is descended from English ance.stry, and his father was Christopher R. Car- 
penter, a native of the State of Maine, born in 1782. lie died in 1833. His wife was 
63 



494 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Mary B. McCrillis, born in 1796, and died July 2'2, 1872. They were parents of ten 
children, of whom only four are now living; they are: The subject; William H., of 
Milford, Mass., born January 19, 1821; Vasta M., born January 19, 1825, married 
WilHam Abbott, of Concord, N. H. ; Mary E. Osgood, born December 26, 1829 ; 
both of these daughters are now widows ; Rufus T., born June 9, 1822, deceased; 
Jacob C, born December 28, 1823, deceased ; an infant, born and died in March, 1824. 
Jacob McCrillis, born January 24, 1826 ; Waldo, born January 7, 1827, died February 
2, of the same year, and Abby L., born December 26, 1828. 

C. W. Carpenter found only limited opportunity to obtain an education in the district 
school, and early in lite took up mechanical labor. While he was yet young his parents 
removed from Rockingham to Lowell, Mass., and lived there two years. Afterward 
his father and a younger brother came westward on the then new Erie canal, in 1829, 
and he was taken along and finally reached the village of Owego, Tioga county, where 
he lived two years with two of his aunts. In 1832 his father located in Utica and C. 
W. followed him and began working at the cabinet-making trade. This he followed 
only one year, when he went to the town of Marcy and spent five years in arduous 
labor on a farm. He then went to the village of Mohawk into a blacksmith and car- 
riage shop, where he worked fouryears at carriage ironing, in which work he became 
thoroughly proficient. This brings his career down to the year 1844, when he made 
his last removal to the village of Ilion and worked in the department in the Remington 
works in which gun barrels were made ; this was then the principal part of their 
business and required skill and executive ability. Mr. Carpenter continued in this 
occupation for twelve years, until there was a decline in that branch of the industry, 
when he followed railroading in Ohio five years. In the summer of 1862 he re- 
turned and took up his former occupation in the armory, where he continued in full 
charge of that branch of the great works until 1884, when he retired from active labor. 
In the long period during which he served in the armory Mr. Carpenter developed the 
sterling qualities which are necessary in such a responsible position, and his success 
was such that he not only became a strong factor in the growth of the industry, but 
won the regard of those who labored under him. 

Mr. Carpenter is a Republican in politics, but never gave his attention to public 
affairs more than i.s the duty of every good citizen. He was chosen president of the 
village in 1888 and held the office two terms ; is vice-president of the Mohawk and 
Ilion railroad since 1889 ; treasurer of the Ilion Gaslight company since 1888, and a 
d rector in the Ilion National bank since 1886. In these several positions he has shown 
judgment and business capacity of a high order. He joined the Order of Odd Fellows 
in 1847, and became a Master Mason in 1855, in the Mohawk Valley lodge, No. 276. 
He is now a thirty-second degree Mason as a member of the Central City Consistory 
in Syracuse. He has acted as treasurer of the Mohawk Valley lodge for seventeen 
years and recently was re-elected to the office. 

Mr. Carpenter was married on February 9, 1845, to Lucretia P. Coppernoll, daughter 
of George L. and Nancy Coppernoll, of Mohawk ; she was born June 21, 1828. They 
have children as follows: Henry R., born May 26, 1846, now employed in the United 
Express auditing office, in Jersey City; Marion, born July 28, 1847, living at home; 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 495 

and Sarah A., born September 20, 1850, married Harry A. Tuttle, and lives in Minne- 
apolis ; and grandchildren, Charles W. Tuttle, aged twenty-one, and Harry W. Car- 
penter, aged nineteen years. 



DR. MALEK ADHEL SOUTHWORTH 

Was born in Oswego county, New York, in 1828. In his childhood his parents, Daniel 
H. Southworth and Elizabeth Southworth, moved to Little Falls, N. T., and there he 
and his sister, Miss Pauline B. Southworth, now deceased, and his brother, William D. 
Southworth, grew to maturity. The lineage of the family extends directly to the 
Southworths of Plymouth and the Mayflower ; and from them to an old but now ex- 
tinct English family of that name, whose crest was a bull's head, with the motto, in 
Latin, " Strive and Pray." When twelve years old, Malek A. Southworth was 
temporarily assistant teacher in the famous school of 8. S. Whitman, esq., at Little 
Palls. When thirteen he commenced teaching "district school" in Herkimer county, 
and many of our now prominent citizens were his pupils. At the age of sixteen he 
began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. G-reen and Brown, in Little Falls. In 
1845 he went to New York and fini.shed his preliminary medical studies in the office 
of Dr. Jacob S. Miller, at the University Medical College, and Bellevue Hospital. 

He commenced the practice of medicine and surgery in New York city in 1849, and 
thereafter it was his good fortune to provide a maintenance for his parents and sister 
during the rest of their lives. He soon became a member of the County Medical Society, 
a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, etc. In 1855 his excessive professional 
labors had so impaired his health that he was obliged to relinquish his large practice, 
and seek a more congenial climate. 

In 1857 Dr. Southworth located in Houston, Texas, and notwithstanding the then 
pronounced antagonism to Northern men, and the per.sonal contentions that necessarily 
followed, he was, at the beginning of the Rebellion in 1861, city physician of Houston, 
and Medical Director of the city hospital, and had a private practice not exceeded in 
financial value by that of any medical gentleman in the State. 

In November, 1861, .he received at Houston, from the Confederate States govern- 
ment, and without his solicitation, a commission as surgeon in the Confederate service. 
It was accompanied by a note, signed J. P. Benjamin, Acting Secretary of War, C. S. 
A., requesting Dr. S. to immediately take the accompanying oath of allegiance, and 
signify his acceptance of the comraissisn. Dr. Southworth did neither ; but With the 
essential assistance this document gave him, he proceeded to Arizona, and from there 
duly declined the commission, and crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico. 

A true history of the whirlwind of passion that swept over the South, and especially 
Texas, in 1860 and 1861, of detestation of the North, and wild zeal for the Confederacy, 
with all the social conditions those feelings implied, has never been written, nor would 
it be believed by the present generation. In comparison the passions, prejudices and 
patriotism of the masses of the North were but trivialities. More fortunate than many 
loyal men in the south, Dr. Southworth escaped from the Confederacy ; and still more 



496 HISTOKY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

fortunate, without takinf; the oath of allegiance, or any oath or obligation to any Con- 
federate civil or military authority. 

In 1861 or '62 the State government of Texas enacted a law making it desertion to 
leave that State to avoid military service in the Confederacy, and declaring all who had 
left that State for that purpose to be deserters, and therefore punishable by death. 
Necessarily the loyal refugees from Texas, and particularly those in the United States 
army, were in especial danger of dying. 

Dr. Southworth was obliged to travel through the northern border States of Mexico 
to a seaport on the Gulf, and owing to their disturbed and turbulent condition, he was 
a year in reachmg Matamoras and New Orleans. He necessarily learned the Spanish 
language, and profitably practiced his profes.'^ion during unavoidable detentions. At 
New Orleans he was immediately appointed volunteer surgeon on the stalT of General 
Jack Hamilton. From New Orleans he went to Texas with General Hamilton, and 
the army of Gen. N. P. Banks, who then commanded the Department of the Gulf; 
and in 1863, at Brownsville. Texas, was mustered into the United States service as sur- 
geon of the Second Regiment Texas Cavalry Volunteers. He acted as health officer 
of Brownsville and the camp ; and when the army returned to New Orleans was 
transferred, as surgeon, to the First Regiment. In May, 1864, Dr. Southworth was 
ordered, as medical director, to Morganza, on the Mississippi river above New Orleans, 
where typhoid fever, dysentery and scurvy were prevailing among the 12,000 men there 
encamped. Under his supervision sanitary measures were promptly enforced; the 
camp was additionally ditched and drained ; large foraging parties into the enemy's 
territory biought in abundant supplies of vegetables; the colored troops. General Ull- 
man's cotnmind, were put nearly on their old plantation diet; and in two months 
those diseases were almost banished from Morganza; and then Dr. Southworth was 
taken to the hospital at New Orleans, sick of typhoid fever. When convalescent he 
was ordered north on sick furlough for sixty days. 

He duly rejoined his regment at New Orleans, and was detailed as medical director 
of the Second Cavalry Division, of the cavalry forces of the department in the field, and 
on other special duties. He participated in all the principal engagements that occurred 
in the Department of the Gulf after he entered the army, and served with distinction 
until after the close of the war; and in November, 1865, at San Antonio, Texas, was 
honorably mustered out of the United States service. 

Early in 1867, General Sheridan then commanding the department of the Gulf, Dr. 
Southworth was appointed resident physician of the Mississippi river quarantine 
station, by far the most important quarantine in the South, and self-evidently to 
him was mainly due the credit of then so long keeping yellow fever from New 
Orleans and the Mississippi valley. In 1875 he was re-appointed by Governor 
Kellogg, of Louisiana, and held the office until he re.signed three months after 
all other State officials had been superseded by the Democratic regime. On the 
spacious and beautiful quarantine grounds, about forty miles below New Orleans, were 
three large hospitals, a dwelling for the resident physician and his assistants, and houses 
for nurses and employees ; and the office of resident physician was thought so desirable 
that the superseding governor stated that more than fifty physicians had applied to him 
for the appointment. 



Biographical. 497 

In 1873 Dr. Southworth was appointed and duly commissioned Surgeon General of 
Louisiana, with tlie rank of brigadier general. 

The loyal residents of the South were in no degree responsible for the reconstruction 
laws enacted in 1867. More than the people of the north, they realized the difficulties, 
uncertainties and dangers of negro enfranchisement. Nevertheless for them there was 
no alternative but to do the best that was possible under the existing conditions. 

Whatever may be the ultimate conclusion about the right and expediency of the im- 
mediate and universal enfranchisement of the colored men in the conquered States, 
whether it was an outrage against humanity or a wLse and beneficent providence, this 
fact is evident, that thereafter the honor of the Republican leaders of the South who had 
loyally, honestly and faithfully participated in reconstruction, and the honor of the 
United States government and the Republican party of the North, were concerned in a 
reasonable protection of the ignorant and defenseless negroes in the exercise of the un- 
solicited rights thus given to them by a great and victorious nation. 

The massacre at Mechanics' Institute in New Orleans, in 1866; the dispersal of Re- 
publican political organizations by armed mobs in 1867-8-9 ; the wanton and unpunished 
persecution and killing of negroes and loyal white men; and the violent overthrow of 
the Republican government in Louisiana, in the fir.st year of President Hayes's admin- 
istration, are illustrative incidents and events of those times. 

It is our purpose to state only unquestionable facts, and without criticism or blame; 
for whether the lawless overthrow of the Republican regime in Louisiana was politi- 
cally right or politically wrong, and a blessing or a curse to the negroes themselves, is 
still a disputed question. 

During reconstruction in Louisiana Dr. Southworth owned and edited the New Or- 
leans Daily Republican, the then leading Republican new.^paper in the South; he was 
president of tlie Republican executive committee and the Louisiana member of the Na- 
tional Republican committee. 

Because of the relatively insignificant number of white Rt publicans and the race pro- 
clivities of the blacks, it was inevitable that a large majority of the Legislature and 
some of the State officials should be negroes. But it is an unquestioned fact that owing 
chiefly to the labors of the loyal men of Louisiana who had served in the United States 
army, and there were few others, four-fifths of the negroes elected to office in that 
State at the first election after their enfranchisement were local preachers and praying 
men — the best representatives of their race. It was also inevitable that in the sudden 
and wonderful transition that had come to them, the negroes, even the more intelli- 
gent, should be unable to realize or comprehend their new duties and responsibilities, 
even where the larger interests of their race were plainly and directly concerned. But 
the result has passed into history, and the great problem of negro enfranchisement in 
the South still remains unsolved. 

Necessarily, from the positions he held, Dr. Southworth was prominent in the Repub- 
lican politics of Louisiana; but in all the bitter controversies and persona! animosities 
of those times no charge was ever brought against bis personal integrity or honor, and 
many of his friends were among his political opponents, and those who had been dis- 
tinguished in the Confederate armies. It is another unquestioned fact that the ani- 



498 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

mosities following the war extended but slightly, when at all, to those who had done 
the fighting to the end The long contest sobered the contestants. 

After the final acceptance of his resignation as quarantine physician Dr. Southworth 
determined, because of the unsettled state of the society and the impoverished condi- 
tion of the G-ulf States, to again locate in the North. 

In 1878 at Dallas, Texas, lie married Mr,s. Eunice Victoria Fowler, nee Dixon, a most 
estimable lady. She died in New York the subsequent year and was buried at Little 
Falls. 

He then passed twj years in the hospitals and medical colleges of New York city, 
and finally, in 1881, settled in the practice of his profession at Little Falls, N. Y., select- 
ing that locality because there was the home he had provided for his sister and his home 
in boyhood. 

He has written extensively on sanitary subjects for medical journals and the press, 
and somewhat on other professional subjects for medical societies and journals. In 
politics, since 1880, he has taken only sufficient interest to vote for the candidates of 
either party indifferently, as his conscience and judgment dictated. 

Dr. Southworth, at Little Falls, soon acquired and has continued a large and lucra- 
tive practice. 

He has shown an unusual devotion to his professional work. Through painstaking 
and careful examination of every case that has come under his care he has been able to 
look deeply into the nature of diseases, and thus to often relieve and cure where 
others have failed. This acumen has led to his opinion being frequently sought 
in consultation practice over a large field; and among his own pa'ients it has led to his 
opinion being accepted with unusual confidence and trust. His relations with his pa- 
tients and friends have always been of the pleasantest kind; his earnest solicitude for 
the best interests of all inspiring a confidence and hope that is the best tonic in the sick 
room. 

Dr. Southworth is a member, and formerly president, of the Herkimer County 
Medical Society, a Fellow of the New York Medical Association, and consulting physi- 
cian to St. Luke's Hospital at Dtica, N. Y. 



DR. IRVING O. NELLIS 

Was born in Herkimer, N. Y., on the 9th of July, 1856. He received his classical 
education at Fairfield Seminary and his medical education at the University of Ver- 
mont, graduating June 24, 1882, with the honor of marshal of his class of 128 grad- 
uates. In August, 1882, he began practice of his profession in Herkimer, N. Y., 
where he still enjoys a large and well-earned business. 

During the time he was attending school Dr. Nellis taught winters in district schools, 
in order to be able to educate himself. In 1884 he was elected coroner and in 1889 
was re-elected, receiving at that time the renomination by the Republican and en- 
dorsed by the Democratic party, showing the esteem and confidence felt in him by 




A^^^^(3.Jj.J/^.^fi 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 499 

members of botb of the prominent political parties. Dnring tbe first term of his 
coronership Dr. Nellis held the inquest in the famous Druse case. 

Dr. Nellis's mother was a Witherstine, a descendant of the famous Chrisjohn Schell, 
of Revolutionary fame, then living in Schell Bush and old Fort Herkimer. During 
one of the battles of that contest they had two boys stolen and taken to Canada by the 
Indians. In the same battle the Indians thrust the muzzles of their guns through the 
crevices of Fort Schell (in Schell's Bush) when Mr. Schell's wife grasped an axe and 
struck the gun barrels, bending and rendering them useless. 

The father of Dr. Nellis is a native of this State, where he has always lived. The 
doctor is is a member of the Herkimer County Medical society ; the American Legion 
of Honor (of which he is past commander) ; the United Friends; Fort Dayton Hose 
companv, and other social and political organizations. He is a member of the Episco- 
pal church, also one of the board of sewer commissioners of Herkimer, N. Y. 

Dr. Nellis married on October 29, 1885, Jennie Pierce, of Herkimer, and they have 
one child, Mary Irene. 



CELORA E. MARTIN 

Was born in the town of Newport on the 23d of August, 1834. He was the son of 
Ellis Martin, a direct descendant of John Martin, who came to New England from 
Wales in 1663, and h's mother was Lucetta Prayton, the only daughter of Captain 
Stephen Prayton, who was one of the early settlers of the town. He was educated 
at the common schools and in the academies at Fairfield and Holland Patent ; studied 
law with John C. Harris, of Newport, and was admitted at Oswego, July 8, 1856, and 
in the summer of 1857 removed to Whitney's Point, Broome county. In 1867 he 
opened an office in Binghamton where he has resided since 1868. In May, 1877, he 
was appointed by Governor Robinson a justice of the Supreme Court for the Sixth 
Judicial District, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of the late Judge Balcom. In 
the fall of that year he was nominated by both parties for the office and unanimously 
elected and in 1891 he was again unanimously nominated by both parties and elected 
without opposition. He has for several years been and is now an associate justice in 
the General Term of the Fourth Judicial Department with Judges Hardin andMerwin. 
He is a painstaking, able and useful judge. 



CHESTER W. PALMER 

Was born in Herkimer, N. Y., and has always resided here. His fatlier bore the 
same name and was a native of Reading, Vt.. where he carried on the manufacture of 
cloth in all its branches. He came to Herkimer at an early day, but was not actively 
en-^agedin business here. He died in July, 1877. His wife was Zilpha Morse, of 
Reading Vt Their children were as follows: Mary Ann, born in Herkimer, marr.ed 
Jacob P' Barter of Herkimer; Bela, born in Herkimer and died in 1874; Cordelia, 



■S 



500 



HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



married Marcus W. Rasbach, of Herkimer ; Joseph, now living in Herkimer ; Frank, died 
in 1877 ; Chester W., born as above stated ; Emily J., married F. W. Myers of Mohawk. 
Chester W. Palmer received his education in the public schools and was two years a 
student in the college at Fairfield. After leaving school he taught one winter and then 
entered the grocery store of his brother, Bela Palmer, of Herkimer, as clerk, in which 
capacity he remained until 1866, when he purchased the entire establishment. For 
fourteen years, until 1880, Mr. Palmer carried on this business alone with gratifying 
success, when he took as a partner his nephew, S. C. Barter. During this period of its 




THE PALMER HOUSE. 

continuance this business has been greatly enlarged and widened in its scope, and the 
stock carried now embraces almost everything needed in a village or farming community, 
excepting dry goods. It finally became apparent that the building in which the business 
was conducted would no longer suffice for its accommodation, and in 1889 steps were 
taken by Mr. Palmer to erect a new block. After mature deliberation Mr. Palmer de- 
termined to build a structure which would at once be a source of pride in the village, 
and give him excellent facilities for his business and provide the community with a 
first-class hotel. It was a bold step and was met, as similar efforts often are, with de- 
termined opposition from some and doleful forebodings from others. But believing in 



BrOGRAPHICAL. 501 

the enterprise and in his own abihty to carry it through successfully, he pushed ahead 
and during the years 1889-91 the building now known as the Palmer House was com- 
pleted. The large double stores in the southern end are occupied by his business, while 
the northern half and th^ entire upper floors are devoted to a hotel with every modern 
improvement and luxuriously and tastefully furnished. This latter work was accom- 
plished almost wholly by Mr. Palmer's accomplished wife, who lived only just long 
enough to see it finished. The hotel was opened and after two short periods of experi- 
ence with other managers, Mr. Palmer was successful in securing George A. May and 
his wife, who have now had charge of the house for about a year ; and all that need 
be said about it is, that guests are turned from its doors almost every night, so great 
is its popularity with the traveling public. 

Mr. Palmer is a man of modest and retiring temperament, but possessed of a great 
amount of energy and tenacity of purpose. When once his hand is set to do a thing 
which he believes to be right, he seldom turns back from it. Conscientious in every 
undertaking, his business career has been one of integrity and in it he has gained the 
confidence and respect of the community. He has been director in the Herkimer Bank 
for many years, and a member of the Episcopal church, in which he has been a vestry- 
man and treasurer for a number of years. He is a Republican in politics, but has never 
taken a partisan intei'est nor sought candidacy for public office. 

Mr. Palmer was married on the 26th of November, 1889, to Adele Brule, of Chicago. 
She died childless on the 19th of August, 1891. 



CHARLES EDGAR MYERS, 

Known commdnly by the German equivalent Carl, or as Carl E., was born in the little 
hamlet of Fort Herkimer, in the town of German Flats, Herkimer county. N. T., 
March 2, 1842. His father, Abram Myers, was one of fourteen children and the son 
of Michael F. Myers, who was of German descent, like most of the early families of 
the Mohawk valley, and a considerable farmer of that region. His mother, Ann Eliza, 
was one of eight children of Jacob F. Cristman, also of German descent, a wealthy 
land-owner and the inheritor of numerous slaves, to whom he subsequently gave free- 
dom. 

Soon after the birth of Carl his parents removed to Mohawk, in the same township, 
where young Myers continued to reside during his youth. 

The special characteristic of the child, early manifested, was a precocious ingenuity, 
later shown in his ability to almost instantly solve any puzzle or problem in physios 
or mechanics which came under his notice. This was partly the result of inherent 
faculties, strongly stimulated by early training. At the age of seven years he attended 
a boys' school kept by Epaphroditus Randall, an original, scientific genius, in Mo- 
hawk, possessing an extensive cabinet of electrical, chemical and mechanical apparatus 
for the demonstration of physical laws. On the first Saturday afternoon (half holiday) 
following his introduction to school young Myers attended his first scientific lecture, 
64 



502 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

wliich chanced to be on electricity, and was fascinated. Thereafter he looked forward 
with longing from week to week for the wonders which each succeeding lecture de- 
veloped. These exerted such an influence upon his early life that as a child he became 
an adept at most of the scientific arts and accomplishments which serve older persons 
as life occupations and professions. His spending money went for scientific books and 
materials for experiments or mechanical constructions, and very soon, while yet a young 
school boy, he realized quite a revenue from the practice of various branches of the 
arts and his skill in mechanical construction. 

All practical time out of school was spent either in the woods or fields or in the work- 
shop or laboratory, his acquaintance with natural laws a>id physical operations being thus 
gratified to an unusual degree, while his ingenuity in creating novel mechanical devices, 
puzzles, sports, games and pastimes made him a leader among the youths of his ac- 
quaintance. 

Being dependent upon his own earnings for the gratification of the somewhat ex- 
pensive habits of book-buying and original experimenting, he turned each of his ac- 
complishments to .service, and we find liim later, at nearly one and the same time, or in 
turn, a carpenter, plumber and gasfitter, electroplater, electrical instrument maker, 
telegrapher, photographer, express delivery agent, collector for the local gas company 
and bank clerk, and deriving a combined income -from these diverse occupations!. In 
addition, most of tlie tools and appliances of the mechanical or scientific arts practiced 
by him were of his own construction. Thus as a boy he made a turning lathe for 
metal, with which in turn he made other mechanical tools and contrivances, including 
the gasfitter's outfit; and in the line of electricity the galvanic batteries for electro- 
metallurgy and machinery for producing insulated wires for magnetic apparatus. 

On the 5th day of July, 1861, he entered the service of the Mohawk Valley Bank. 
His initiatory salary was the customary one of "nothing for the first year," but he was 
afterwards presented with $100 for extra service and attention to duties. In July, 
1863, at the solicitation of the bank officers, he opened in a corner of the counting room 
(where he was then book-keeper) the first telegraph office in Mohawk. Within one 
week after receiving permission from the superintendent of the telegraph company 
(which contributed the line wire and insulators for the connecting loop, and nothing 
else,) he had put these up, built the necessary machinery, consisting of telegraphic key, 
relay, sounder and local batteries, and in six evenings had taught himself the alphabet 
by tappmg with a lead pencil, and at the beginning of the following week was a full- 
fledged telegraph operator, sending and receiving all messages, perhaps the most ma-ked 
instance known in rapidly obtaining practical success in this art. Thenceforward he 
received one-half of the entire receipts of the office during three years, when the 
gradual increase of his duties as operator, book-keeper and bank teller forced him to 
remove the telegraph office to the post-office, in the charge of another learner, Austm 
Schall, who pre.sently became one of the most expert operators of the Western Union 
Company and the special attendant of its superintendent. 

During Mr. Myers's connection with the bank he removed his laboratory to the rooins 
of Dr. James Lewis, the eminent conchologist. Dr. Lewis was a fine machinist, and in 
connection with him Mr, Myers brought out several valuable inventions, including a 



'^'!^ 



i^Sk' 




Cj^plr^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 503 

lamp damper, which forms Uie basis of economy and perfect combustion in all kerosine 
lamps of the present day.; an improved telegraphic switch for making by one move- 
ment any number or variety of electrical connections, and a self-registering mercurial 
barometer, self-compensated for temperature, which was the first known instrument of 
this class. One of these has been in Mr. Myers's possession in use for over thirty 
years, and has the barometrical record of this entire period reading to the one-thou- 
sandth part of an inch, atmospheric pressure. 

As a banker young Myers became immediately interested in the detection of coun- 
terfeit notes, studying the methods of construction of the genuine and variations in the 
spurious. He acquired an immense collection of samples of the various counterfeit 
bills, which, pasted in a scrap book for comparison with another book in which he 
pinned the genuine notes in each case, attracted great attention and became the basis 
of much of the present system of counterfeit bank note detection. The great multi- 
plicity of plates and designs in use during the old State banking system gave great 
scope to counterfeiters, and the country was flooded with their productions. Young 
Myers became so expert in instantly detecting such at first sight that while yet a sub- 
ordinate clerk all notes received by the bank were passed through his hands, he agree- 
ing to charge himself with all losses sustained by the bank through counterfeits, and 
during his entire service neither he nor the bank lost a dollar from this cause. As a 
youth Myers had been exceedingly diSident, bashfully modest to the extent of timidity, 
and unable to express himself with fluency for want of words. To remedy his lack of 
words he undertook and accomplished the task of copying word for word all the ma- 
terial of the bank dictionary. Later, wlien overwork warned him of possible loss of 
sight, he forced himself to abstain from reading any printed matter not connected 
with his banking duties for an entire year, and had his reward for what he 
then considered the hardest task of his life by such renewal of sight that during all the 
succeeding years there has been no apparent impairment of vision under the severest 
tests. As au out-door recreation he made many of the earlier •' wet plate " photo- 
graphic views, and later, with a portable outfit, constructed by himself, he made the 
first-known series of stereoscopic views of the Adirondack Wilderness region, beginning 
with the Old John Brown Tract, or Arnold House, the Forge, Fulton Chain of Lakes, 
the Raquette, Eagle and Blue Mountain Lake, and the northern wilderness, in com- 
pany with a party of roving young people, without guides, whose funnj' wanderings 
were aftervcards published under the title of '' The Modern Babes in the Woods," by 
H. Perry Smith, in connection with "A Guide to the Adirondack Wdderness," by Ed. 
R. Wallace, of Syracuse, who has annually republished the guide, with additions, mak- 
ing it the best-known authority in this region. 

In July, 1867, after six years uninterrupted service, Mr. Myers resigned his position 
as teller and acting cashier of the National Mohawk Valley Bank, and within a month 
went to look up some landed interests in Steuben county, N. T., where, as a convenient 
point for attention to the same, he soon after bought a photograph gallery in the rapidly 
growing village of Hornellsville, then a place of about 5,000 inhabitants. Here he re- 
mained till 1875, while the town became a city with doubled population, and he had 
acquired all the photograph business in it, concentrated later into a single establishment 



504 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

widely-known along the lines of the Erie railway as a particularly notable place of re- 
sort, full of novel attractions and features of interest to which all visitors to the city 
were brought as one of the sights of the town. As a photographer, Mr. Myers con- 
tributed numberless improvements in the art — valuable apparatus and systems of 
lighting. 

In November, 1871, at Kornellsville, Mr. Myers married Miss Mary Breed Hawley of 
that place, a handsome and highly intellectual young lady, whose Revolutionary an- 
cestors were the Hawleys, of Connecticut, and the Breeds, of Breeds' Hill, near Bos 
ton, on which Bunker Hill Monument is erected. 

Miss Hawley, as a wife, proved an influential and able helpmeet. Later, as " Car- 
lotta," the aeronaut, she has won reputation as the most able air navigator in the world, 
irrespective of sex, and has been seen by more people, singly and collectively, than any 
other living person of modern times, in any walk ot lite. She is also the author of a 
work relating her serial adventures, entitled '' Skylarking in Cloudland." 

It is as a professor of seronautic art that Mr. Myers has attracted most notice, and 
outranked all others in this country. His interest in this art dates from his return to 
his former home at Mohawk in 1875. Previous to his active practice of this profession 
he spent about two years in study and effort to produce a new and more successful sys- 
tem of operating hydrogen gas balloons. Hydrogen ballooning had been practically 
abandoned before thi.s because exceedingly uncertain, and very expensive. He suc- 
ceeded in reducing the expense of producing and inflating such balloons more than one- 
half, and rendered the operation so certain that up to the present time he has never 
made a failure of a'hydrogen gas inflation. Another difficulty never before surmounted 
was the assumed impossibility of permanently retaining the subtle hydrogen in any en- 
velope of thin material. Tiiis he succeeded in accomplishing perfectly by applying to 
thin cotton cloth, by machinery, a series of exceedingly thin varnish coatings, layer 
upon layer, so that each succeeding coat overlaid or plugged up the microscopic pores 
in the underlying varnish film, thus producing a thin, light weight, hydrogen-proof fab- 
ric ready for cutting out and forming immediately into balloons, completely revolu- 
tionizing the art of balloon construction, formerly conducted entirely by hand in an 
inefficient manner. 

To obtain space needed for further development he removed in May, 1889, to 
Frankfort, N. Y., and founded the aeronautical institution, since widely known as the 
''Balloon Farm," where, instead of agricultural produce, all kinds of sky crafts are 
raised. This unique establishment comprises five acres of ground, including flat and 
sloping lawns, a sheltered, cosy glen, or natural amphitheatre for balloon experiments 
or harbor for air craft, and a handsome, elaborate, three story mansion, having a front- 
age of ninety feet and a depth of fifty-five feet, replete with every facility and appoint- 
ment to be found in an expensive city house. Visible for miles around, as a landmark, 
it overlooks from a plateau the near villages of the Mohawk Valley, and while pecul- 
iarly situated amidst country surroundings, it is yet in the village of Frankfort, and is 
reached by omnibus from the New York Central and the West Shore railway stations 
in five or ten minutes. The first and second stories of the mansion are devoted to liv- 
ing or entertainment of guests, while the entire third story and spacious attic above 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 505 

are occupied by balloons and air-ships and apparatus for construction and experiment, 
the rear half of the third story forming one large hall, while adjacent rooms iii- 
olade a chemical laboratory, a machine shop or lathe room, carpenter's shop, print- 
ing press, and a great variety of useful tools and adjuncts. An alooved library on 
the first floor contains every accessible feature or item of information relative to 
teronautics since the beginning of the art, including its old and rare books, and an 
elaborate and extensive scrap book system, numbering many volumes containing re- 
ports of serial operations all over the world. The cellar has water power, gas works 
and an extensive steam and hot air plant, and here, as well as outside, are stored 
many sets of portable hydrogen gas generators, so that it is possible to operate upon 
the premises any kind of aeronautical experiment with ease, advantage of which has 
been taken to introduce the novel entertainment of '' balloon lawn parties," includ- 
ing free ascensions and captive balloon observations, in which even the children 
participate. 

The latest conspicuous work by the professor has been in connection with the United 
States government rain-fall operations, the initial experiments of which were first con- 
ducted by him at the balloon farm, and next at Washington, D. C, and at Midland, 
Texas. In addition to the gas apparatus, seventy-four hydrogen balloons, of various 
sizes for meteorological observations and for explosions, were supplied during the sea- 
sons of 1891-2, a single order of ten having in emergency been completed within five 
days, while to build a single one by any other system formerly required a month. 

Of late years Prof. Myers has devoted much time to air-ships, or flying machine ex- 
periments, with the result that he lias operated during several seasons past a vessel or 
machine, the '' Skycycle,'' which is the first to appear repeatedly in public and make 
successful voyages. 

During many years a contributor to several pron.inent newspapers and various scien- 
tific and other periodicals, he has also, since 1885, published a four-page illustrated 
newspaper, The Balloon Bulletin, the only periodical in this country devoted to 
seronautics. 

As a gas balloonist he has operated repeatedly in thirty-six counties of New York 
State, and throughout nineteen States of the Union and the Canadas. His various 
balloon experiences would make a large and interesting book. Singularly enough he 
does not consider air sailing as especially dangerous, except with the hot-air balloon 
and the now prohibited parachute, both of which he condemns as always unsafe. He 
believes hydrogen gas ballooning to be the most attractive of pastimes and practically 
safe at all times, with good apparatus, which is confirmed by over twelve hundred as- 
cents occurring under his personal charge without loss of life, limb or property. As 
a pioneer he was the first to ascend by the use of natural gas from the earth, Septem- 
ber 8, 1886, for which the gas, starting from the well at a pressure of seven hundred 
pounds to the square inch, was brought thirty miles to the balloon. A second ascent, 
by " Carlotta," followed, made memorable by the highest elevation ever attained by 
any one in this country, over four miles, and a speed of ninety miles in ninety minutes. 

Prof. Myers's latest ascension with natural gas, and the only one made thus far with 
this medium in New York State, was at Sandy Creek, where the balloon filled directly 



506 niSTORT OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

from the well to ascertain its power of delivery. This amounted to 10,000 cubic feet 
in one hour, and as a result of this test the work of development of that gas field has 
continued, with increasing success. 

Prof. Myers has only one child, Bessie J5ria!, a bright girl of twelve and a perfect 
compound of the studious habits of the father and the somewhat more daring charac- 
teristics of the mother. As a child, Bessie jErial made her first balloon ascension, in 
company with her mother, from Congress Spring Park, Saratoga, N. Y., in 1884, when 
only three years old, and again accompanied her mother, when seven years old, from 
Syracuse, N. Y., in a balloon race against another of Prof. Myers's ajronauts. This was 
her last ascent, e.Ncept with captive balloons, in company with other children on the 
occasions of the balloon lawn parties at the " farm." Prof. Myers's latest ascension 
occurred at Woodstock, Va., October, 1892, with a hydrogen gas balloon, and on the 
following day he exhibited there the first air-ship ever floated over Southern soil. As 
the conclusion derived from unusually extensive information on the subject, and from 
his own personal efl"orts, he believes the problems of air navigation are being surely 
solved by many independent workers, and that before the year 1900 we shall 
achieve astonishing developments in jcronautic. The most valuable application of 
the balloon at the present day he believes to be meteorological observations of the up- 
per air, as an essential aid to prognostications by the United States Weather Bureau, 
or a certain key to the causes of weather changes. In the near future it is more than 
probable that the observations made from the balloon farm will form the basis of a new 
system of foretelling approaching changes by the Weather Bureau. 



DR. WILLIAM MATHER.i 

Dr. William Mather was born on Barto Hill, one mile from the village of Fairfield, 
April 28, 1802. He was a direct descendant, in the eighth generation, of John and 
Ellen Mather, who lived at Lowton, Lancashire county, England, near Liverpool. 
Richanl Mather, the grandson of John and the son of Thomas Mather, preached at 
Toxteth Chapel, in Liverpool, and came to Boston in 163.^. From this origin nearly all 
of the Mather name in this country have come. He was married to Miss Mary A. Buell, 
May 24, 1836, whom he survived sixteen year.s. He is survived by three children, 
William A. Mather, of Fairfield, Mrs. Albert B. Watkins, of Albany, and Alonzo C. 
Mather, of Chicago, and five grandchildren. 

As a boy Dr. Mather was of thoughtful, studious disposition, and early developed a 
marked taste for scientific pursuits. lie entered Fairfield Academy at the age of four- 
teen, and continued a member of the school during several years. Even at this age he 
had done much original work, and early gave promise of the scientific attainments 
which, in after years, were to make him a valued educator in his special field of work. 
He afterwards took a full course of study in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
the Western District, distingui.shing himself especially in the study of chemistry, and 

' Prepared for and taken from the " Mather Genealogy." 




^>^, JvXcvrk, 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 507 

graduated in 1826. He never, however, practiced tlie profession of medicine, giving as 
a reason that he could not bear to witness pain and suffering. He preferred in his 
modest way, the more quiet life of student and teacher, both noble callings, and for 
both of which nature had well fitted him. In 1827, at the suggestion of Dr. John A. 
Kinnecut, of Buffalo, who, during the preceding year, as a resident graduate, had taught 
a class in chemistry. Dr. Mather formed a class for private examination in the Medical 
College, and for many years continued his connection with the Medical College. 

In 1828 he was invited to give a course of lectures to the academic and theological 
students at Hamilton, and continued to visit Hamilton for this purpose each year until 
1838, when he was appointed Professor of Chemistry in Madison University, now 
Colgate. From a letter written October 13, 1851, by Stephen W. Taylor, we learn the 
conditions of the contract. Dr. Mather consented to give instruction to the students 
of the university for an indefinite term of years, provide and keep in repair his own 
chemical apparatus, and remove his cabinet of minerals, fossils, and geological specimens 
from Fairfield to Madison University, in consideration for which he was to receive S-SSO 
per year if he remained five years and eventually donated his cabinet to the university ; 
otherwise he was to receive $300 per year from the beginning. His chemical apparatus 
at this time was valued at $1,000, and his cabinet at $500. To Dr. Mather the Colgate 
University owes much of its well-appointed laboratory, and still more to the interest 
which he aroused and successfully maintained in its scientific departments. This posi- 
tion he filled with success, adding to his lectures on chemistry, instruction in geology, 
until 1867. In 1841 he received an invitation to accept the professorship of chemistry 
and Pharmacy in the Medical College at Castleton, Vt., where he gave courses of lec- 
tures for several successive years. 

The study of natural sciences, especially chemistry, was in its infancy during these 
years, and instruction was given very rarely except in large schools and the more pro- 
gressive colleges. The system of lecturing upon scientific subjects throughout the 
State, in the diff^-rent places where an interest in them had begun to arise, was entered 
upon with great zeal by a few pioneers in this branch of learning. Prominent among 
these pioneer lecturers, including such men as Prof. John W. Hatch, Dr. Austin Flint, 
Dr. J. M. Wieting, Prof. Mandeville. Prof. Silliman (the older), Dr. Hitchcock, and a 
few others, we find Dr. Mather, whose subject and specialty was chemistry. 

From 1828 to 1860, during such parts of the yeaj as he could spare from his regular 
duties at Hamilton, he gave courses of lectures in nearly all the towns of the State, 
notably Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Oxford, Auburn, Ithaca, Geneseo, Avon, Syracuse, 
Whitesboro, Galway, Saratoga Springs, Lansingburg, Lyons, Rome, Amsterdam, Her- 
kimer, Troy, Waterford, Utica, Little Falls, Cooperstown, Fort Plain, Schoharie, Hud- 
son, Kingston, Newport, Oswego, Binghamton, Bath, Elmira, Penn Yan, Palmyra, 
Seneca Falls, Waterloo, Norwich, Fulton, Pulaski, Oswego, Waterville, Clinton, Peeks- 
kill, Adams, Oneida, and many other places, including also courses of lectures at the 
Albany State Normal School, and the Young Men's Association of Albany, and the 
Berkshire Medical College, at Pittsfield, Massachusetts. 

He was a learned and instructive lecturer. As his lectures were illustrated with an 
ample apparatus, and he was a skillful manipulator, his experiments were invariably 



508 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

successful. To show tlie very high value placed upon Dr. Mather as a scientific lecturer, 
we quote ver}' briefly a few extracts from press notices of years ago: 

We congratulate the lovers of science among us on the prospects of a course of lect- 
ures on chemistry by the intelligent and experienced lecturer Dr. William Mather. — 
Peekskill Rej>ublican, February 25, 1851. 

Extracts from a copy of resolutions presented to Dr. Wm. Mather : 

Resolved, That in the lectures just closed, Mr. M. has shown himself an eminently 
successful experimenter and thorough master of the principles and details of the science 
which he teaches. 

Resolved, That we feel confident in saying to schools and colleges, and the public 
generally, wherever Dr. M. may lecture, that they will receive an ample equivalent in 
the solid, interesting and useful instruction which he imparts. Dr. Mather displays no 
badges of the empyric. He is a plain, interesting and instructive lecturer. He has 
devoted years of arduous labor to the science of chemistry, and shows a perfect famil- 
iarity with his subject. He blends with illustrations that simplicity peculiar to elemen- 
tary demonstration, \vhile he leads along the mind to comprehend the complicated 
results of the chemical combuiations of elementary principles. — Fulton Patriot, Septem- 
ber Ifi, 1847. 

As an author he wrote no extended work, but his pen had been active in various 
directions for many years, and his contributions to local and scientific periodicals were 
numerous and valuable. Perhaps no other man was so well versed in the early history 
of this section, especially with reference to its pioneers, and the rise and progress of its 
educational institutions. His memory was remarkably vivid, enabling him to recall 
with great accuracy and fullness the incidents which came to his personal knowledge 
from his earliest years as a resident of the town. His assistance to ilr. Benton, in the 
preparation of the Histo y of Herkimer county, was invaluable; and many pages of 
that work were written entirely by Dr. Mather, and for which he did not receive the 
credit which justly belonged to him. 

His series of articles on the origin of Fairfield Seminary, and, later on, a similar series 
on the histo y, work and influence of the Medical College, were extensively read and 
widely copied. Only recently, a paper prepared by him on the Fairfield Medical Col- 
lege, was read before the Utica Historical Society, by a prominent physician of that 
city, and received high praise. Kor months previous to his death he was engaged in 
collecting material and preparing manuscript for the forthcoming History of Fairfield 
Seminary. His memory was remarkable, especially with reference to events which 
happened in his youth or early manhood. He took much interest in the genealogy of 
the early settlers of Fairfield and vicinity, and spent much time in tracing out lines of 
descent in answer to questions sent to him from people now widely scaUered. 

He gave valuable assistance in the preparation of biographies of Dr. Asa Gray, Dr 
Hadley, and many others whom he knew, either as fellow students or with whom he 
labored, in after life, as an educator. His penmanship, in the style of half a century 
ago, was remarkable for its neatness and clearness, resembling copper plate, and 
the notes which he took, only the Monday before his death, as secretary of the Medical 
College Board, which annually meets at Little Falls, are an exact counterpart in style 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 509 

and penmanship to those taken by him in the same capacity when he was first elected 
secretary in 1840. 

No man among the hundreds of distinguished alumni of " Old Fairfield" took greater 
interest in his alma mater than Dr. Mather. From his early youth he had an intimate 
acquaintance with all its inner and outer workings. 

He took special pains to become acquainted with all its teachers, and was ever ready 
with his kind encouragement and offers of advice and assistance. When anew teacher 
was about to commence his duties in the department of physical science, it was his 
custom to aid him in his first use of the apparatus, and frequently to assist him in his 
experiments, and the writer of this article will ever hold him in grateful remembrance 
for much information and help in that department. 

So solicitous was he for the pro.sperity of the school, that he always endeavored to 
keep in his mind the exact number of students present, and often, at the beginning of 
each term would watch the number of lights in the building during the first few even- 
ings, in order that he might judge of the prospects of a successful term, anxiously 
commenting to tho.se whom he met upon the favorable or unfavorable indications. 
While he was president of the Board of Trustees, he took great interest in the Regents' 
examinations. He would perform the tiresome duties of a committeeman, and look 
over the answer papers, and was always regarded by the students as a very pleasant 
and efficient guardian of the Regents' interests. 

In prosperity and adversity the school has found him the same unvarying champion, 
always ready to work, to contribute funds, and speak for its interests. The teachers 
have found him a friend and co-worker in the cause of education, and the students a 
man abounding in knowledge which he was willing to impart. 

He had been a trustee of the school since 1853, president of the board for about 
twenty years, and was a prompt and regular attendant at all the meetings, and an 
active participant in all discussions relating to its financial and educational matters. 

When, a few years ago, the indications were that the seminary was about to close, 
when many people feared that " Old Fairfield " had done its work and must hencefor- 
ward be counted among the institutions of the past, Dr. Mather, with earnest solicitude 
and zeal, labored to bring about the change in management which promised, and has 
resulted in, the successful and permanent establishment of the school; and he Hved to 
rejoice in the well filled rooms and numerous lights that gleamed from the windows 
oppo-site his residence. 

He was also an earnest worker in the Protestant Episcopal church, of which he was 
for many years a vestryman. He was always attentive to every duty, taking, as he 
did in every good work, an" active interest in all church affairs; and it was often re- 
marked by those who knew him best that few men ever lived a more genuine, practical, 
Christian life than Dr. Mather. 

He was a man of perfect honesty, remarkable in his habits of punctuality in all duties, 
of strict accuracy and system in the execution and record of all business transactions, 
and of marked kindness of heart. He was ever careful and considerate of the feelings 
and circumstances of all around him, and the universal testimony of his neighbors and 
those with whom he came into the most constant personal contact, shows him to Lave 
65 



510 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

been a man of unusually broad views and benevolent character. In his latter years he 
was somewhat afflicted with deafness, but did not lose his deep interest in all current 
afFairs. He read constantly and carefully, and kept well informed on public questions 
of the day. He was public spirited, and contributed freely of his time and means in 
support of local projects. He retained to the end of his life the mental faculties of a 
remarkably well balanced and even brilliant mind. He passed away June 26, 1890, 
in the fullness of years, esteemed and lamented by the entire community. 



PROFESSOR XERXES ADDISON WILLARD.i 

Professor X. A. Willard was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., in 1820. His family 
trace their ancestry to the time of William the Conqueror, A. D. 1085, through Colonel 
Simon Willard, one of the Puritans from England who settled at Boston in 1634. His 
father, Dr. N. S. Willard, a prominent physician, died in 1S27. After preparatory 
studies at Fairfield and Cazenovia, X. A. Willard entered Hamilton College in 1841. 
He was graduated in 1845 and at once began the study of law in the office of Loomis 
and Nolton at Little Falls. 

In 1848 he was married to Miss Harriet L. Hallett of Fairfield, and engaged in farm- 
ing, buying the farm which his maternal grandfather. Judge Evans Wharry, cleared 
from the wilderness in 1785, and on which he lived and died. 

Professor Willard gave his attention principally to dairy farming, making experi- 
ments with milk which have proved^highly useful. In 1855-6 he organized the Farm- 
ers' Club of Little Falls. From 1858 to 1861 he was the editor of the Herkimer County 
Journal. In 1869 he published the first of his works — " Essays on Agriculture " — began 
contributing articles on agriculture to periodicals, and wrote for the New York State 
Agricultural Society a pamphlet on " Cheese Daii-ying in Herkimer County." From 1860 
to 1862 he was canal collector at Little Falls. In 1861 he wrote another pamphlet 
on dairying for the State Agricultural Society, and in 1862 his work on the '" Asso- 
ciated Dairies of New York " was issued by the society, being the first published ac- 
count of the new dairy system now so generally adopted over the continent. 

In 1864 Professor Willard became one of the editors of the Uika Morning Herald, 
and for five years conducted an agricultural department in that paper. He was 
one of the leading workers in organizing the American Dairymen's Asscciation, and 
the published reports of that body contain many of his addresses at its conventions. 

1 The portrait of Professor Willard, which appears elsewhere in this work is taken from a paint- 
ingin oil madein 1879 by the late Alonzo Pease of .Utica, N. Y., and which for some time hung in 
the Academy of Design, New York City. It is now in the possession of Frank H. Willard of Lit- 
tle Falls, and is considered a faithful likeness. In person Professor Willard was slightly above 
the averajje height, of rather full habil and light complexion. Maj. Henry E. Alvordof Maryland, 
writing to the Country CenlUmiin soon after Professor Willard's death, said : " As a writer and 
speaker Professor Willard was fluent, entertaining, practical, and both timely and instructive. 
He was a man of attractive presence, genial manners and interesting conversation, and had hosts 
of warm friends." 




(Qy/\ 



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'^^rMV'^vV^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 511 

In 1866 Professor Willard, in the interest of the American Dair} men's Association, 
traveled extensively over England, Scotland, Ireland, Fiante and Switzerland, observ- 
ing European methods in dairying. A report of bis investigatioES was published by 
the Agi-if^ultural Department at Washington and caused great improvement in the man- 
ufacture of American cheese. 

In 1869 he was employed by the Royal Agricultural Society of England to write 
works on dairying, and he furnished the society with one on " American Butter Facto- 
ries " and one on " Condensed Milk Manufacture." 

In January, 1869, Professor Willard became dairy editor of the Rural New- Yorlcer, 
and held that position for many years. In 1871 he published " Practical Dairy Hus- 
bandry," an octavo volume of nearly 600 pages, which has been recognized at home and 
abroad as a standard authority on this subject. In 1875 he brought out his " Practical 
Butter Book," which has long been a standard work on butter making. 

Professor Willard was the first to inaugurate the system of "dairy boards of trade." 
He organized in 1870-71 the New York State Dairymen's Association, of which he 
was for several years president. 

Professor Willard, during his lifetime, delivered a great number of addresses on ag- 
ricultural topics, speaking at the fairs in nearly every county in the State and fre- 
quently in other States, besides delivering courses of lectures at Cornell University and 
the Maine Agricultural College. He traveled extensively in America as well as in Eu- 
rope, having crossed the continent in 1870 and 1875, and made a tour of Texas and 
Colorado in 1873. 

Professor Wiilard's reputation as a writer and speaker on dairy topics was well 
earned, both at home and abroad, and will endure for all time. The London (England) 
Milk Journal pronounced " Practical Dairy Husbandry ' the most complete, exhaus- 
tive and valuable work on the subject ever published.' " The late Dr. Edward Smith, 
F. R. S., the English author, said, in the London Standard, that his work on " Condensed 
Milk Manufacture " was incomparable '' in clearness, detail and correctness." 

Professor Willard died suddenly of heart disease in his study, on his farm near 
Little Falls, on the morning of October 26, 1882. The night previous he was engaged 
until a late hour in writing an article on the dairy for the " Encyclopedia Britanuica," 
and this was his last work. His widow survives him, living at the family residence, 
near Little Falls. Of his five children, Frank H. lives at Little Falls; Addison X. and 
Harriet C. live at the family homestead ; Stephen S. resides at Earlville, 111., where he 
practices dentistry, and Mary Viola (wife of Hon. Charles F. A. Bielby) at Deland, Fla. 

Frank Hallett Willard. The oldest son of Professor X. A. Willard, was born on 
Hillside farm, near Little Falls, August 4, 1852. He attended the Little Falls Acad- 
emy and later entered Fairfield Seminary, where he was graduated with honors in 
1876. In 1877 he commenced the study of law in the office of Mills and Palmer at Little 
Falls, soon afterward entering the law department of Hamilton College, from which he 
was graduated in 1878 and in the same year admitted to the bar. 

From 1884 to 1886 Mr. Willard was assistant editor of the Country Gentleman, 
residing at Albany, N. Y. In 1885 he was married to Miss Minnie H. Staples, daughter 
of Rev. M. W. Staples, of Catskill, N. Y. 



512 . HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

In 1887 he removed to Madison, Wis., where, with Col. Walter W. Wharry, 
he purchased the Western Farmer. Col. Wharry soon afterward retired from the 
firm, and William H. Morri.son, Superintendent of Farmers' Institutes, and Hon. 
Henry C. Adams, of Madison, were admitted to partnership. Mr. Willard was editor- 
in-chief and manager of tliat journal until October, 1890. Under his charge the paper 
became one of the best of its class published in the Northwest. It was the recognized 
exponent of the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Wisconsin Farmers' Insti- 
tutes ; its circulation was large, and it exerted a wide-spread and well-deserved influence 
in its chosen field — the advancement of agriculture. In the autumn of 1890 Mr. Willard 
disposed of his interest in the paper and returned to his native town, where he is 
engaged in writing for periodicals and in other literary pursuits. 

Mr. Willard has traveled quite extensively. In 1882 he made a trip to Europe, 
spending some time in England and Germany studying their agriculture and agricul- 
tural experiment stations; he contributed his observations to the Country Gentleman 
and other journals. The following year he traveled m the Southern States. Mr. Wil- 
lard resides at the village of Little Fall?. He has one son — Staples Xerxes Willard. 



ALONZO WOOD. 

The ancestry of Alonzo Wood may be readily traced back to the hardy New Eng- 
landers who first peopled the shores of Massachusetts and Connecticut. His great-grand- 
father, Ebenezer Wood, died in Somers, Conn., in 1792, at the great age of ninety-three 
years; the date of his settlement in that State is cot known, but it was, of course, very 
early. Among his chddren was Stephen Wood, grandfather of Alonzo, who was born 
in 1730, and died in Monson, Mass., at the age of ninety- six years. He left a record 
for bravery and heroism in the French and Indian war and performed his part in the 
peaceful arts that established civilization in the new country. His family of children 
consisted of Stephen, David, Jonathan, Joseph, Levi, Beulah, Hannah, Lovisa. David 
was the father of Alonzo, and was born on the 5th of February, 1765, at Monson. He 
was a farmer by occupation, held the post of captain in the militia, and was a sturdy 
representative of the New England pioneers. In the year 1792, when he was twenty- 
seven years old, he came into what is now the town of Winfield, Herkimer coimty, his 
path being shown only by marked trees for much of the distance, and settled on the 
homestead which has ever since been in possession of the family, and is now occupied 
by Alonzo Wood. The immediate locality became known in early years as " Wood's 
Corners," two roads crossing near the homestead and a school-house and shops being 
located near there. David Wood was a man of marked character and became con- 
spicuous and respected in the early community. Before his removal to this county he 
married Persis Cliapin, of Munson. She died in 1801, and he married in the following 
year Abigail Keep, also of Munson. She died on the 6th of October, 1857, and he died 
September 7, 1851. Their children were Orrin and Austin (twins), born May 31, 1790: 
Pamelia, borii August 20, 1792; Alfred, bom June 30, 1795; David, born August 9, 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 513 

17i}8 ; Amasa, born January 15, 1801; the foregoing were all born by the first wife 
By his second wife the children were Persis, born May 26, 1805; Hiram, born August 
12, 1807 ; Leander, born December 29, 1810; Alonzo (the subject), born May 11, 1813; 
Jackson, born November 19, 1815 ; Abigail, born July 22, 1818 ; Simeon, born Feb- 
ruary 2. 1821. The last four are living, Alonzo being tlie oldest, and now (1892) in his 
eightieth year. 

Alonzo Wood has passed a life of active labor, most of which has been devoted to the 
tilling of the homestead farm, which he still occupies, and where he has erected a hand- 
some residence across the road from the old dwelling where his father so long lived. 
He has always taken an intelligent interest in public affairs, but has never sought pub- 
lic office. When the subject of organizing a bank in West Winfield came up for discus- 
sion he acted in its favor and was chosen for the position of cashierfor theyears 1856-7. 
A few years later he was chosen vice-president, and when Col. D. R. Carrier died, Mr. 
Wood was chosen president of the bank, which office he still occupies. Although now 
far advanced in years, he makes daily journeys from his residence to the bank. A man 
of extended information, inborn integrity, and courteous and sociable under all circum- 
stances, Mr. Wood enjoys in his decHning days the unwavering friendship and respect 
of all who know him. 

Mr. Wood was twice married, and of a family of seven children two daughters and 
a son are living. 



JAMES B. RAFTER. 

John Rafter, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ireland. He was 
married to Winifred Connolly, and soon after emigrated to America. Of that marriage 
six children are now living, four of whom are sons, as follows: the subject of this 
sketch; Judge B. E. Rafter, the present mayor of the city of HoMon, Kansas; Dr. J. 
A. Rafter, of the same place, and Giles S. Rafter, an attorney and counselor at law, 
for the past ten years employed in one of the departments at Washington. 

James B. Rafter was born at Schenectady, N. Y., June 12, 1842. When he was 
one j'ear of age his parents removed (o the town of Winfield, Herkimer county, N. Y. 
He received his education at the West Winfield Academy, and after leaving school was 
engaged for a time in teaching. He was the principal of the union school at West 
Winfield, and was also the principal of the high school at Conners' Mills, Missouri. 
Returning from the South, he engaged, for a few years in farmmg, and served as a 
justice of the peace in the town of Bridgewater, Oneida county, for one year, when he 
resigned the office, and commenced the study of law in the office of S. S. Morgan, at 
West Winfield, in November, 1867, and so assiduously pursued his studies that he 
passed his examination and was admitted to the bar in October, 1868. He was sub- 
sequently admitted to practice in the United States courts. 

In 1871 he established an oflice at Mohawk, N. Y., where he is still in active practice, 
and has been engaged in much of the important litigation of bis vicinity. 



514 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

In November, 1871, he was married to Miss Georgie B. Palmer, of Spottsylvania 
county, Va. 

In his profession he has reached a position wholly to his credit, and is recognized a> 
a well-read and painstaking lawyer, devoted to the interests of his clients, and gives to 
every case his careful and personal preparation. 

In politics he is an earnest and active Democrat, and has given his party his services 
as an orator in every presidential campaign since his majority, but has never sought 
political office. He has served as the president of the village of Mohawk, and as presi- 
dent of the Board of Education. Since early manhood Mr. Rafter has been a staunch 
friend of the cause of temperance, and has delivered many lectures in Central New 
York and in the West for its promotion. He has also lectured quite extensively upon 
educational and kindred subjects. He is a trustee of Fairfield Seminary and Military 
Academy, and is assigned as one of the lecturers in the law department of that flourish- 
ing institution of learning. In a business way he is wholly a self-made man, never 
having received aid from any source. 

He is at present the president of the Mohawk and Ilion Street Railroad Company, 
and the president of the Mohawk Valley Hotel Company. He was prominently instru- 
mental in organizing the Mohawk Valley Knitting Mills, and the Knitting Company of 
Mohawk, and is the secretary of both of those successful business corporations, and is 
a director in the board of each. He is a prominent Mason, arid has been the master of 
his lodge, and is a Knight Templar. He is one of the vestrymen of Grace church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rafter have three children, as follows: J. Ernest Rafter, now twenty 
years of age, a graduate of Fairfield Seminary, and now a student in the University of 
the City of New York, preparing for the profession of the law ; Clara W., and Leora 
May, both living at home with their parents. 



ROBERT MACKINNON 

Was born in Cohoes, Nov. 1, 1853. He is of Scotch ancestry, his father, Alexander 
MacKinnon, being a native of Hawick, Scotland. His father married Catherine Morton, 
of Hawick, and not long afterwards came to America. He was a rib knitter by trade, 
and settled in Cohoes, where the manufacture of knit goods was largely carried on. 
He died in Cohoes in 1858, when the subject of this sketch was only five years old, 
leaving a family of three children, Robert, the subject of this sketch ; Sarah, the wife 
of John Smith, a member of the firm of the Little Falls Wool Extract Co., and Miss 
Belle MacKinnon, who is assisting Mr. MacKinnon in the management of his business. 
Mr. MacKinnon received what is termed a common school education; and at an early 
age began working in the mills of Cohoes. Until he was twenty-one years of age he 
continued to work in the factory, at which time his ambition prompted him to enter 
another field, and he began to study law. Into this he plunged with all his natural 
ardor, but circumstances induced him to take charge of a department in one of the large 
knitting mills. He remained in this position two years. In 1881, the end of this 



BIOaRAPHICAL. 515 

period, he united with Eobt. Ablett and Walter Hume, both of Cohoes, and formed 
the firm of Ablett, MacKinnon & Co., and came to Little Falls, where they began the 
manufacture of knit goods in the mill where Eugene Walrath is now, 1 893, manufacturing. 
In 1887 Mr. MacKinnon retired from the firm and began business in the same line in 
the building formerly occupied by W. H. Waters as a lumber yard. He soon developed 
furtlier the admirable business qualifications which had already been demonstrated, and 
under his untiring energy and enterprise, success followed in a most satisfactory degree. 
His trade extended very rapidly, and in the year 1890 a new mill was finished, which 
is now running to its full capacity, and ranks as the largest in the world on his line of 
goods. From a list of employees reaching about seventy-five in 1887, he now employs 
six hundred. The character of his product occupies a high position in the market. 
The pay roll amounts to over $8,000 every two weeks. He manufactures all grades of 
cotton, wool and camel's-hair underwear for children. 

Mr. MacKinnon is a Republican in politics, but his exacting business duties, as well 
as his natural tastes, have prevented him from taking an active position in that field. 
He is at the present time a member of the school board of the village. He is a member 
of the Baptist church, and the superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. MacKinnon 
is a public spirited citizen, and has been constant in his efforts to advance the best 
interests of Little Falls. 

His immediate family consists of his wife, formerly Ella Severson, of Cohoes, and 
three children, Mollie, Isabel and Marguerite. 



RUGENE WALRATH 

Was born in the town of St. Johnsville, Montgomery county, on the 13th of February, 
1845. He comes of German ancestry, who were the early settlers of the valley. His 
father was Martin Walrath, who was a native of St. Johnsville and a respectable farmer, 
and died in that town in 1885. His mother was Julia Flanders, of Fulton county, and 
she died in 1892. They had twel\ie children, as follows: James, now living on the 
homestead farm; Harlan, deceased; Martha, deceased; Martin, now living in St. 
Johnsville; Rugene, the subject (the two latter were twins) ; Charles, deceased ; Mary, 
married Romeyn Youran, of St. Johnsville, and living ; Adam, a physician, living at 
Lassellsville, Fulton county ; Joseph, living in St. Johnsville ; Alvin, in business with 
Rugene at Little Falls ; George, living at St. Johnsville, and Edwin, who died in in- 
fancy. 

Rugene Walrath received his education in the district schools, supplemented with three 
months in a commercial school, which he left at eighteen years of age. He had previous 
to that time served as a clerk for a period in a store in St. Johnsville, and had de- 
termined that he would follow mercantile business. After leaving the commercial 
school he clerked a few years at St. Johnsville, and then entered the employ of Burch 
<fe Company, of Little Falls, in a similar capacity. In 1873 be went into the office of 
the Little Falls Knitting Mill Company, of which Titus Sheard was president, to serve 



516 HISTORY OF nERKIMER COUNTY. 

as book-keeper. Here he continned about six years until 1879, when he was elected 
president of the company, succeeding Mr. Sheard. This position he filled with ef- 
ficiency until 1886, when he resigned and became associated with J. J. Gilbert in the 
organization of the Astoronga Knitting Mill. Here he remained until 1891, when on 
1st of June he left that mill, and in July he took the old mill formerly operated by 
Green & Girvan under a lease, fitted it up with knitting machinery and gave it the name 
of the Riverside Knitting Mills. The mill was started in October of that year, and is 
run chieflv in the manufacture of what are known as French Balbriggan cotton under- 
wear. The business during its short term of existence has been successful, and prom- 
ises to develop under Mr. Walrath's energetic management into a large establishment. 
About 100 hands are now (1892) employed. In the various positions of a business 
character, the duties of which have been entrusted to Mr. Walrath, he has demon- 
strated his possession of habits of industry and capacity to direct enterprises of broad 
scope, while his business intercourse with others has been marked by principles of in- 
tegrity and honorable dealing. 

Mr. Walrath is independent in politics, but was formerly a Democrat. His first 
political office was justice of the peace; he was elected supervisor in 1882 and held the 
office for six years, viz. : 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886 and 1888. It is remarkable that 
three times he was elected by the Democrats without an opposing candidate. He 
served as trustee of the village one term and was on the school board one term. He 
is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Walrath's public services in these various 
offices have been such as to gain the approval of the community and to promote its 
walfare. 

Mr. Walrath was married on the 11th of October, 1876, to IdaE. Lewis, daughter 
of George H. Lewis, of Utica. They have three children, Harlan, Raymond and Ru- 
gene. 



WILLI AiM D. GARLOCK, M. D. 

The first of the family of this name to come to America immigrated with the German 
Palatines who settled first on the Hudson river and later in Schoharie, and still later in 
the Mohawk valley, of whom the reader has learned in early pages of this volume. 
Whether the family of Oarlocks came directly from the Palatine or not is an unsettled 
question. It is probable that the original immigrant was named Christopher, who with 
his descendants was prominent in the early struggles of the patriots along the Mohawk 
in their irrepressible conflict with the Indians and their no less relentless white foes, 
as well as in the peaceful labors of clearing and tilling farms. Descended from these 
pioneers, through his great-grandfather Adam, is Nelson Garlock. who was born in the 
town of Manheim and is still living. He has been a successful farmer and enjoys the 
respect of the community in which he is so well known. He married Catharine Yoran, 
who is descended from the Snell and the Timmerman families, members of both of 
which acted conspicuously in the early events occurring in the Mohawk valley. She 
is still living. Their children were four, as follows : Afarguerite, married to James 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 517 

Rodney Douglass, of Hunter, N. Y. ; Mary E., married to Harry Golden, of Little 
Falls; Kate; and the eldest, William D., the subject, born April 2, 1855: 

William D. Garlock inherits the sturdy characteristics of his ancestors. To this fact 
may be credited to a considerable degree his unusual capacity for work and study, 
wliich has enabled him, at a comparatively early age, to attain his present honorable 
position in his profession. Leaving the district schools he attended the Little Falls 
Academy two years, finishing there in 1871, when sixteen years of age. In December 
of that year he entered the Hungerford Collegiate Institute at Adams, N. T., where he 
graduated in July, 1874. After two years passed at his hole, and when his decision 
was formed to make the practice of medicine his life-work, he entered Cornell Univer- 
sity for a special two yeans' course in laboratory w'ork and dissection under Professor 
Burt G. Wilder, preparatory to beginning his medical studies, which he took up on 
leaving the university in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New Tork city. 
He graduated from the latter college in 1881 and in November of that year settled per- 
manently in Little Falls. While in New Tork he studied physical diagnosis under 
Zemansky, at the out door poor department of Bellevue Hospital, pathological anatomy 
under Delafield and Pruden, and post mortem examination under George Peabody at 
the New York Hospital. With his exceptional capacity for hard study and rapid men- 
tal assimilation, it w-ill be readily understood that Dr. Garlock carried out his determin- 
ation to neglect no effort that would contribute to his future professional ability and 
attainments and that through such effort he accomplished his purpose. In Little Falls 
he soon secured the recognition to which he was entitled, both in and out of his profes- 
sion. He has been a member of the Herkimer County Medical Society since 1882 ; a 
member of the New York State Medical Association since 1885, and president of its 
First Branch in 1892. He was a member of the International Medical Congress in 1887, 
and was chosen president of the Herkimer County Medical Society in 1890. In these 
various professional positions Dr. Garlock has demonstrated his fitness to fill them with 
honor to himself and for the welfare of the organizations. 

It has been Dr. Garlock's practice — a practice cultivated because of his natural love 
for the work — to always investigate and study the causes of diseases, looking upon that 
knowledge as the best foundation for success in any line of practice. This has led him 
to write somewhat upon medical topics and many of his papers have found professional 
acceptance when read by him before various medical societies. When vice-president 
of the County Medical Society, in December. 1885, he read a paper on " The Alkaloids 
of Decomposition," in which he treated of their importance in the study of typhoid 
fever, etc. The views presented in this paper were somewhat in advance of the ac- 
cepted knowledge of the time, but they are now generally received by the profession. 
He has frequently presented papers at various meetings of the County Medical Society 
on various subjects connected with the progress of medicine and the pathology and 
treatment of diseases. Before the State Medical Association he read a paper on 
"Typhoid Fever in Children," and another before the same association on "The Origin 
and Medicinal Treatment of Uric Acid Calculus of the Kidneys." 

In 1892 he reported to the State Medical Society a conspicuous case of "Cancer of 
the Liver Complicated by Gall Stones and Renal Calculi." When chosen president of 



518 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the county society Di-. Garlock's address was upon " Aphasia," and while a vice-presi- 
dent of the State Medical Association the same subject was further pursued in an ad- 
dress on " The Action of the Brain as Revealed by Recent Studies of Aphasia." 

The foregoing facts will demonstrate to the professional reader that Dr. Oarlock's 
position among his medical brethren is one of merited distinction, while his career 
among his many patients has been such as to win their confidence and respect. In 
politics he is independent with Democratic leanings, but takes only the part devolving 
upon all good citizens in the political field. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
church. 

Dr. Garlock illustrates the great truth that a physician's studies should end only with 
his life. It is conceded by his medical associates that, there is not in Herkimer county 
a more faithful or intelligent student, and it necessarily follows that the successful be- 
ginning of his professional life foreshadows greater eminence and honor in coming 
years. 

With a wife lovely in person and character, and intelligent, dutiful and affectionate 
children, the future is full of promises of happiness for him and his. 

Dr. Garlock was married on the 22d of November. 1881, to Gertrude Bidleman, 
daughter of Major Morgan Bidleman, of Manheim, who was one of the most liberal- 
minded and successful of farmers, as well as a genial gentleman of rare social and busi- 
ness qualities. He was very influential in town and county affairs, and his advice was 
sought by many. Her mother was Ann Windecker, a direct descendant of Han Yost 
Petrie, one of the Palatine settlers. Dr. and Mrs. Garlock have three children: Mor- 
gan Bidleman, Louise and Gertrude Catharine. 



EUGENE E. SHELDON. 

The ancestors of the subject of this sketch came originally from England at an early 
date and settled in Rhode Island, where Joseph Sheldon, the great-grandfather of 
Eugene, was born in 1743. At some time prior to 1766, Joseph Sheldon moved to 
Dover, Dutchess county, N. Y., and there, in the year 1766, married Ruth Aikin, of 
Pawling, Dutchess county, but whose birth-place was also Rhode Island. Joseph 
Sheldon, after living for a time in Dutchess county, moved with his family to Wills- 
borough, Essex county, N. Y., locating on a farm upon the shore of Lake Champlain, 
where he died in 1836, aged ninety-two; his wife Ruth died in 1832, aged ninety. 
Edmund Sheldon, grandfather of Eugene, was born in Dutchess county in 1769, moved 
with his father, about 1V81, to Willsborough, was married 1797 to Mary Ann Haiglit, 
and died in 18.50, aged eighty-one. Mary Ann, his wife, the grandmother of Eugene, 
died in 1880, aged ninety-nine years and eight months. 

Aikin Edmund Sheldon, the father of Eugene, was born at Willsborough in 1804, 
on the farm on which his grandfather first located, and on a portion of which he is still 
residing. On January 17, 1833, he married Phoebe Perry, a native of Essex county, 
born September 19, 1804, and who died April 4, 1887. Aikin Edmund and Phoebe 



BrOGRAPHICAL. 519 

P. Sheldon, his wife, had seven children, four of whom, besides Eugene, are still living. 
The eldest, Amelia, is the wife of Silas S. Lee, esq , and resides at Five Lakes, Michigan. 
The next eldest, Augustus C. Sheldon, is a lawyer by profession, and resides at Minne- 
apolis, Minn. He is also interested in irrigation enterprises, and is president of the Rio 
Verde Canal Company of Arizona, one of the largest and most important irrigation 
enterprises in that territory. The other living children of AiUin Sheldon besides 
Eugene are two daughters, both younger, Charlotte M. and Emma A. Cliarlotte M. 
is the wife of G. W. Lee, esq., and both sisters reside on the homestead in Wills- 
borough, N. Y. 

Eugene E. Sheldon was born in Willsborough, Essex county, N. Y., June 13th, 1844. 
He acquired sufficient preparatory education for admission to college by attending the 
excellent common schools in the vicinity of his home, and afterwards the academies at 
Essex, N. Y., and Barre, Vt. He entered Middlebury College, at Middlebury, Vt., in 
1866, and was graduated with honors from that institution in 1869. While in college 
Mr. Sheldon became a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon society, one of the leading 
college societies in this country. In September, 1869. Mr. Sheldon commenced teach- 
ing in the academy at Little Falls, N. Y., and continued during the school years of 
1869-70 and 1879-71, during the latter and greater part of that period as principal. 

In October, 1871, he entered the Columbia College Law School, from which he was 
graduated in 1873, and in June of the same year was admitted to the bar at a General 
Term of the Supreme Court held at Buffalo. In the fall of 1873 he opened an office in 
Little Falls, where he has ever since continued in the active practice of his profession. 
Beginning practice alone, he was afterwards in partnership, from June, 1882, to August, 
1888, with Sidney W. Petrie. In politics Mr. Sheldon is a Republican, and has done 
good service for his party. 

His standing in his profession, and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citi- 
zens, led to his election to the office of district attorney, which he held from January 
1st, 1886, to January 1st, 1889. In November, 1889, he was elected county judge and 
surrogate, and is still the incumbent of that office. It is not too much to state that 
Judge Sheldon has performed the duties of his official positions with honor to him- 
self and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. As a lawyer he has attained 
success by fidelity, hard work, and persevering devotion to his business. While in the 
office of district attorney he was engaged in the trial of several cases of importance, 
among them being the concluding labors of the prosecution in the famous Druse murder 
case, resulting in the first execution in Herkimer county. Another capital case in 
which he supported the cause of the people was that of Mondon, which was sent back 
for a new trial. The prisoner finally plead guilty to murder in the second degree, and 
is now in prison for life. In the civil case of Veeder against the village of Little Falls, 
to recover for the death of her husband who was drowned in the canal, several new 
points of law were brought up, and the case was carried to the Court of Appeals. 
Judge Sheldon won for his client a judgment of $4,000. Another important civil case 
which he conducted was that of Leonard A. Brockett, of Salisbury, against the New 
Jersey Steamboat Company, for injuries received. A verdict was obtained for $5,500. 
Motion was made for a new trial, and the appeal was carried to the United States 



/■)20 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Supreme Court, where the judgment was affirmed; this case is reported in the United 
States Supreme Court Reports. 

In the office of county judge, Mr. Sheldon bears a reputation for fairness and impar- 
liaUty, and a Icnowledge of the law which render his decisions acceptable to the bar 
and highly creditable to his ability as a magistrate. 

Judge Sheldon was married April 3, 1872, to Fannie Lovell Ward, daughter of Alva 
and Phila L. Ward, of Little Falls. They have two children, Francis Eugene, born 
May ;il, 1873, and Louise Dorothy, born April 2, 1876. 



MORGAN C CRIST. 

Philip Crist, was born in Orange county, N. Y., February 7, 1783, and came with his 
parents to the town of Fairfield, Herkimer county, in the -spring of 1795, and settled 
upon a farm about one and one-half miles southwest of Fairfield village. Here he 
worked upon his father's farm for several years. He then learned the carpenter and 
joiner's trade, at which he worked for a number of years. He married Lydia Jackson, 
oldest daughter of Jacob Jackson, and at the death of his father, he with Stephen, his 
older brother, bought the farm and in a few years Philip obtained full possession of the 
old homestead, which he held until the time of liis death, January 19, 1872. Philip 
and Lydia Crist had four children : Abram. born May 24, 181.5, died December 15, 1840 ; 
Jacob J., born June 9, 1819, died May 13, 1892; Ilavvley, born September 30, 1827, 
died July 28, 1852; and the subject, Morgan C. Crist, was born near Fairfield village, 
June 10, 1822 He lived upon the farm with his parents, working and attending the 
district school until he was fifteen years of age. He then entered the seminary at Fair- 
field and took a course of three years, obtaining quite a liberal education. At the age 
of eighteen years he commenced teaching and taught several terms very successfully. 
At the ag« of twenty-two he was elected to the office of town superintendent of com- 
mon schools, which office he held five years. On the 19th of September, 1850, he mar- 
ried Maria Louesa Bray ton, daughter of Daniel Bray ton, a resident of the town of Fair- 
field. On account of Mr. Brayton's feeble health, and a desire that his daughter should 
be near him, by his solicitation they decided to remain with him and occupy the old 
homestead on which Mrs. Crist was born, until the death of her father, which occurred 
February 4, 1869. During this time Mr. Crist held many town offices, among them 
commissioner of highway, nine years; supervisor, two years; justice of the peace, four 
years. He spent much of his time in official business, and bis judgment and advice were 
often sought in business matters. In 1869 Mr. Crist purchased a small farm near Mid- 
dleville, upon which he erected a house and moved into it March 2, 1870, and be- 
ing extensively interested in real estate, now spends most of his time looking after his 
farms. Mr. and Mrs. Crist have one son, Daniel B., born November 4, 1856. He 
was married to Nette Jackson, December 11, 1883. A man of liberal education, 
an intelligent thinker upon current events, a strong character founded and built upon 
principles of integrity, Mr. Crist has always lived in the enjoyment of the esteem and 
respect of all who know him. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 521 

Daniel Brayton, father of Mrs. Crist, was born in Smithfield, R. I., January 7, 1785; 
in 1793 be moved with Stephen Brayton, his father, to Adams, Mass., and in 1808 they 
came to Fairfield, N. T., and purchased a farm in the Arnold neighborhood, in the south 
part of the town, upon which he lived till the time of his death. Daniel Brayton was a 
prominent man in his time, having been called by his fellow-citizens to fill the most im- 
portant offices in town. He also at one time held the office of captain of a company of 
infantry, and on the 10th day of April, 1822, lie was appointed major of the Fortieth 
Regiment of Infantry, of the State of New York, by Governer De Witt Clinton, a 
title which he held during the remainder of his life. 



THE HINCKLEY FAMILY. 

Elijah Hinckley, born March 25, 1765, and Gardner Hinckley (Isl), born October 19, 
1766, sons of Samuel Hinckley (5th) and his wife, Mary Vincent Hinckley, were born in 
Pomfret, Conn. They were descended from Samuel Hinckley (1st), who, according to 
old records, " emigrated from England in the latter part of March, 1G35, in the ship Her- 
cules, of 200 tons, from Pemberton, County of Kent, not far from London. He first 
settled in Scituate, Mass., where he continued to re.side until 1639, when he, together 
with the larger part of Minister Lathrop's congregation, removed to Barnstable, Cape 
Cod, within the limits of Plymouth Colony. One of his sons was for many years 
Governor of Plymouth Colony." 

The two brothers, Elijah and Gar.dner, were taught tlie carpenter's trade. They came 
to Russia, then a part of Norway, to what was theu called " Kingsland," a part of 
'■ The Royal Grant," about 1796. Tradition says that they brought axes with them on 
their journey to help clear the way through the forest. On October 8, 1796, Elijah 
Hinckley and Elisha Pool bought 400 acres of land of John Pettit, near what is now 
the village of Gravesville, paying therefor 307£. Soon after Gardner Hinckley bought 
out the interest of Mr. Pool in the land, and it was divided between the two brothers, 
each receiving about 200 acres. These farms are now in the possession of some of 
the descendants of Elijah Hinckley, and are still known as the Hinckley farms. The 
brothers cleared some land, built houses of logs and returned to Rhode Island to 
to be married. The comfortable farm house which Gardner soon after built on his farm 
is still standing, in good preservation and still painted red. He is described by those 
who knew him well as a tall man of gracious and pleasing address, energetic in his 
business, hospitable and generotjs and a cordial friend. He died at his home in Russia 
in 1842 of the dreadful scourge that swept through that region, called the "black 
tongue." His wife died in 1826. They had no children. 

Elijah Hinckley married Sally Vincent, born in 1770, of Westerly, R. L The Vin- 
cent family trace their descent from William Vincent (1st), who emigrated from Eng- 
land about 1660. The family was well connected in England, and old painted pictures 
of the coat-of-arms of the Vincent family, which they presumably brought from Eng- 
land with them, are still in the possession of their descendants. There is a legend 



.'522 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

about one of the family, who was a Christian martyr about the beginning of the fourth 
century. 

Wilhara Vincent (lsf> settled in Greenwich, R. I. One of his sons, Nicholas, married 
his stepsister, Elizabeth Reynolds, whose father, Robert Reynolds (second husband 
of William Vincent's widow), was ''one of tlie judges on the bench at the condemna- 
tion of Charles the First, and who, on the death of Oliver Cromwell, came to America 
with a number of the other judges and settled North Kingston, now called Exeter, R. 
I." One of the ten children of Nicholas and Elizabeth Vincent was Mary, who mar- 
ried Samuel Hinckley (5th), the father of Elijah Hinckley, and another was Dr. William 
Vincent, sr., of Westerly, R. I., who was the father of Sally, who married Elijah 
Hinckley. Elilah and Sally, his wife, settled in what is now the town of Russia in 
179G or 1797. They soon built a good frame house and acquired a comfortable estate. 

They had several children, of whom two only, Samuel (7th), born 1801, and 

Gardner (2d), born October 2, 1808, survived their infancy. Sally Hinckley died in De- 
cember, 1808, and for his second wife Elijah Hinckley married Zeruiah Sarviah Vin- 
cent, his sister-in-law. She had no children. He was an invalid for many years and 
lived quietly on his farm, much respected for his integrity. He died March 29, 1822. 
Mrs. Hinckley died at the homestead June 8, 1847. 

Samuel Hinckley (7th) married Mary S. Atwood, born at Saratoga, N. Y., daughter 
of Esek and Margaret Sackrider Atwood, in January, 1840. They had one son, Elijah 
Gardner, who was born in 1842, and who died in 1870. Elijah G. married Martha 
Johnson, of Williston, Vt. They had two children, Anson Johnson, who died, aged 
fourteen years, and Mary Agnes, now living. In big early manhood Samuel Hinckley 
was a superintendent of railroad building, associated with his friend, Mr. Charles Case, 
but losing his health, he bought the home farm in Russia of his brother and lived there 
until his death in 1873. Ilis wife died there in 1875. 

Gardner Hinckley (2d) inherited a delicate constitution. He lived at home on the 
farm until the death of his father, when, being in his fourteenth year, he chose William 
Graves, of Gravesville, for his guardian, and spent some of his time with him, going to 
school. At the age of sixteen he bought his brother's share in the home farm and went 
in business for himself. His opportunities for education in his boyhood were limited, 
but he had a love of reading and study which continued all through his life, and in his 
busiest years he spent many hours with his books. In September, 1829. he married 
Elizabeth Atwood, born August 7, 1810, daughter of Esek and Margaret Sackrider At- 
wood. Esek Atwood was born not far from Burlington, Vt. He was well educated, 
and was for many years a teacher. His first wife, mother of Elizabeth Hinckley, was 
born of Quaker parentage in Upper Canada. In 1843 'Esquire Atwood moved to the 
town of Wilmurt and lived there many years and held various town offices. He was 
supervisor, justice many times, etc. He died at the home of his son Thomas, in New 
Rochelle, N. Y., about 1862. Gardner and Elizabeth Hinckley had six children, two 
of whom died in infancy. The survivors are Samuel Gardner, Caroline Dyer (Mrs. 
John W. Stanton), Mary Elizabeth and Sarah Helen, all livins' in Hinckley, N. Y. 
Samuel G. married Sarah Fern, of Montgomery county. Tliey have five children liv- 
ing, Emma Josephine, Elijah Gardner, Edward Fern, Samuel, and Theodore Ballou. 



BIOaRAPHICAL. 523 

About 1837 Gardner Hinckley (2d) left the farm and became agent and business 
manager for A. K. Morehouse, who owned large tracts of forest land in the counties of 
Herkimer and Hamilton, and from 1838 to 1840 he lived for about a year at Piseco 
Lake, in Hamilton county. For the pure air, pure water and charming scenery of the 
Adirondack region he had an enthusiastic fondness, and he was confident that the time 
would come when its esthetic and sanitary advantages would be appreciated. In 1840 
he moved to Wilmurt and built a saw-mill and planing-mill on the West Canada Creek 
near " Hinckley " bridge. Much of the lumber made there was carted to Utica or to 
Herkimer, over thirty miles. He lived in Wilmurt until 1854, when he moved to the 
place now called Hinckley. He was supervisor of Wilmurt for several terms and he 
held other town offices. He was was a member of the State Legislature in 1853-1854. 
About 1848, in partnership with Theodore P. Ballon, of Utica, he built a gang saw- 
mill, planing-mill, etc, running by water power, on the West Canada Creek, in what 
is now the village of Hinckley (so named in 1891 in his memory), and he continued in 
the lumber busine.ss until his death. This mill, which was known through all the re- 
gion as the Gang Mill, had at the time when it was built the largest capacity of any 
water power mill in that part of the State, being able to saw about five million feet of 
spruce lumber in a year without running nights. At that time — 1848 — there was no 
railroad nearer than Utica, eighteen miles distant. Mr. Hinckley was a Methodist and 
a temperance man, inheriting the conscientiousness of his ancestors. He was a Dem- 
ocrat until the formation of the Republican party, and from that time a Republican. 
He was a man of medium stature, agreeable address, genial temperament, strict integ- 
rity, and amiable disposition, kind and generous in every relation of life. He was unaf- 
fected and sincere in manner, and dignified, but not austere. He was deliberate in judg- 
ment, although his mental processes were rapid, and he expressed his thoughts with 
clearness and force. During the fifty years that he was in active business he never had 
a law-suit that came to trial. He was greatly beloved by his friends and respected by 
all in his social and business relations. His council was often sought and cheerfully 
given. He was the sympathizing friend of young people, in whose happiness, educa- 
tion and advancement he was cordially interested. While his own will was strong and 
his ideals high, he was tolerant in his judgment of those who were easily tempted, and 
tender and helpful toward the erring and unfortunate. He died March 15, 1875. Mrs. 
Hinckley died September 12, 1874. 



JOHN W. STANTON 

Was born August 31, 1814, in Belchertown, Mass. He was a son of Randal Stanton 
a Baptist minister whose father was Robert Stanton of Revolutionary fame. Robert 
Stanton was a Baptist minister and a prominent man in Stonington, Conn., where he 
erected a church. The family is of English descent, and they trace their ancestry to the 
coming of Thomas Stanton to America in 1635. Thomas Stanton was interpreter general 
of the New England colonies. At Stonington, Conn., he built a trading post. J. W. 
Stanton was reared on a farm, but early in life he learned the blacksmith's trade, which 



524 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

he followed until thirty years of age. He had the largest blacksmithing estaVjlishnient in 
Norwich, Conn., at that time, and it was reputed to be the largest in the State, doing much 
government work. He married Betsey, daughter of William and Esther (Gray) Kimball. 
She died in 1844. They had one son, William H., who for a number of years was mer- 
chant and book-keeper for the firm of Hinckley &Ballou at Hinckley, N. Y. In 1844 
Mr. J. W. Stanton came t(>8alisbury, N. Y., and engaged in lumbering at Jerseyfield 
Lake, and built two saw-mills and a planing-mill tliere. He remained there until the 
fall of 1848, whfen, sharing in the first gold excitement, he went to California, sailing in 
January, 1849. He went by way of Vera Cruz, through Mexico, the journey taking 
about five months. He returned to Herkimer county in the next year and resumed his 
lumbering business and continued it until 1856, when he went to Gray, N. Y., and be- 
came one of the firm of Ladue, Stanton & Company, leather manufacturers. He re- 
mained at Gray five years. He thence came to Hinckley, and has resided at the Hinck- 
ley homestead in that village. He engaged in lumbering for the firm of Hinckley & 
Ballou in 1861, and remained in that business until 1885, when he retired. He was a 
Whig until the formation of the Republican party, and since that time he has been a 
Republican. January 22, 1857, he married Caroline D., a daughter of Gardner Hinck- 
ley, of Hinckley. Mr. Stanton is a Presbyterian. 



ALBERT M. MILLS. 

The ancestry of the subject of this sketch were of Scotch and English origin. His 
grandfather was from Connecticut, of Enghsh descent, and an early settler in New 
Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y., being a contemporary of Hugh White, the father of 
Whitestown. Hi.s father was Dan C. Mills, a native of New Hartford and a respect- 
able farmer. He died at New Hartford in 1883, at the age of eighty- five years. His 
mother was Jane Campbell, whose father, John Campbell, was also from Connecticut, 
and of Scotch descent, and settled in New Hartford at about the same time with Mr. 
Mills. He lived to a great age, two records giving it respectively as 99 and 101 years. 
The sturdy charactertistics of this ancestry are transmitted to the son and are sufficient 
to account for his mental strength and his great capacity for work. 

Albert M. Mills was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y., September 10, 
1841. He was given excellent opportunities to secure an education, which he improved 
to the utmost, with the exception of an intermission to answer the call of his country 
in the late war. After the customary period in the district school and a short term in 
the Sauquoit Academy, he prepared for college at Fairfield Seminary and entered Am- 
herst College. In the second (Sophomore) year and soon after tho breaking out of the 
war (August, 1861) he enlisted as a private in the Eighth New York Cavalry, wliich 
was attached to the Army of the Potomac until the establishmet of peace in 186,5. Mr. 
Mills remained with the command through its whole period of service, which he left 
with an honorable discharge and the rank of lieutenant. This is not the place to enter 
upon the details of so long a period of active service in the :iniiv, Tliose who are fa- 





^Wj::ZA^ 




.fW 





BrOGRAPHICAL. 525 

miliar with the work of the cavahy arm of the great Eastern brancli of the armies of 
the Union will not need to be informed what it meant to pass through four years of 
active service therein. Mr. Mills endured the hardships of the soldier with the forti- 
tude born of great physical strength and personal bravery. He was twice wounded — 
once by a saber cut across his hand in a personal encounter, and once by a shot in the 
leg, while on more than one occasion he escaped bullets that left their marks in his 
clothing. He was taken prisoner, with 130 others, by the notorious Mosby, but the 
oncoming of the battle of Opequan enabled them to escape after twenty-four hours' 
confinement. 

Returning from the army in August, 1865, he contemplated finishing his collegiate 
course, but the long interruption in his studies and an ardent desire to enter act- 
ively upon the profession which he has since followed, led him to abandon that 
plan and he entered the Michigan University Law School in 1865 and graduated 
therefrom in June, 1867. In the fall of the same year he was admitted to the bar 
in this State, having in the meantime become a student in the office of Hon. George 
A. Hardin at Little Falls. He began practice in 1868 in Newport, Herkimer county, 
N. Y., where he remained until 1875. From the very outset of his career Mr. Mills 
felt a deep interest in politics and his natural and acquired qualifications equipped him 
thoroughly for active work in that field. He is a ready-and forcible speaker, has al- 
ways kept abreast of the times and conversant with all^matters of public interest, and 
it is not, therefore, remarkable that he has attained success in politics. He has always 
been a steadfast Republican, and in every campaign since 18G8 he has been a prom- 
inent and aggressive factor and his influence, particularly in his own Con- 
gressional district, has been powerful for the advancement of the principles 
of Republicanism and the success of candidates of that party. In the fall^of 1870, m 
recognition of his ability as a lawyer, his considerable experience in dealing with the 
cases of criminals, and his earnest efforts in the political field, Mr. Mills was elected dis- 
trict attorney of Herkimer county, beginning his term of service January 1, 1871. 
This office he held two terms of three years each, and it is sufficient and no disparage- 
ment to other officials, to state that never for a like period were the criminal cases of 
Herkimer county more efficiently conducted. At least three important capital cases 
came into his hands, and convictions were secured in all. He retired from the office 
still more firmly established in the confidence of his fellow-citizens and with his legal 
reputation greatlv enhanced. 

In the fall of 1879 Mr. Mills secured the nomination and was elected to the State 
Senate, where he remained one term. In that body he was a member of the judiciary 
committee, vvhich, among other matters, performed very important work on the new 
Code of Civil Procedure, which was adopted during that time. Judge William H. 
Robertson, of Westchester county, was chairman of the committee. Mr. Mills was also 
chairman of the committee on corporations, before which came important legislation. 
In the great contest over the election of United States Senator, after the resignation 
of Mr. Conkling and the resulting election of Senator Warner Miller, Mr. Mills was an 
active and efficient participant. 
67 



52G HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Retiring from the Senate, Mr. Mills gave liis undivided attention to liis large and in- 
creasing law practice, except as he was called into the service of his party in the 
various campaigns. In the fall of 1892 he barely escaped the nomination for Congress, 
and, while it is not the province of the biographer to write prophecy, it cannot be out 
of place to hazard the prediction that in the near future Mr. Mills will receive further 
honors from his party if he will accept them. 

From the time when he began practice in Little Falls (1875) Mr. Mills was a partner 
with Mr. Charles J. Palmer and Mr. Kendrick E. Morgan, of the firm of Mills, 
Palmer & Morgan. This firm was dissolved in 1885, and he subsequently practiced 
alone until January 1, 1893, when he became a member of the prominent law firm of 
Kennedy, Tracy, Mills & Ayling, of Syracuse, N. Y. He stills retains his residence and 
an office in Little Falls. 

Mr. Mills's most prominent characteristics are indomitable energy and perseverance, 
large mental capacity and inborn uprightness and integrity. While easy and courteous 
with those who approach him, his quickness of thought and ready apprehension of 
what is said to him give him at times a manner of brusqueness. - But his persistence in 
the study and preparation of his cases and the natural intuition that enables him to see 
both their weak and their strong features, are well known among his brethren at the 
bar and his clients. 

Mr. Mills was married in 1872 to Mary Barrj', of Newport, Herkimer county. She 
is a daughter of the late Standish Barry, who was assistant United States treasurer 
under Francis B. Spinner during the war period. 



ALPHONZO DELOS MARSHALL 

Was born in the town of Trenton, Oneida county, N. Y., Jannary 8, 1819. His father 
was Romeo Marshall, a respected farmer, and his mother was Miss Hariet Van Ant- 
werp. As a boy A. D. Marshall was brought up on his father's farm, and formed those 
habits of industry and practical labor to which he adhered through life. When he 
reached his majority he engaged in business in Frankfort village with the late John 
Stillwell, and in 1845 the firm removed to Mohawk. They carried on a successful mer- 
cantile business together for eighteen years, until 1867, when Mr, Stilwell retired, and 
Reuben Walker became a member of the firm. Not long afterward Mr. Marshall sold 
his interest in the business to Mr. Walker and retired from mercantile pursuits. In his 
business career Mr. Marshall followed the strict rules of integrity which underlie all 
honorable success, and by his uprightness, fairness and liberality won the good will of 
all with whom he had business relations. His natural business qualifications and the 
confidence felt in him by the community brought him a large measure of success. 

Mr. Marshall was a man of unusual public spirit, and his substantial aid and generous 
support were always freely given to any measure of public improvement which re- 
ceived his sanction. His interest in public affairs led him to considerable activity in 
politics, though not in any sense as a mere partisan. A Republican of the stauuchest 
character, he found ample favor from that party, and in 1872 was called as a candidate 



filOaRAPHICAL. 627 

for the office of county treasurer and elected. So satisfactory was his administration 
of the duties of the responsible trust that he was recalled and served the second term. 
Other political preferment was tendered him, and he filled acceptably the several vil- 
lage offices which he was asked to fill. The confidence of the business community in 
Mr. Marshall was shown in his selection as president of the Mohawk Valley Hotel 
Company, treasurer of tlie Mohawk and Ilion Railroad Company and director of the 
National Mohawk Valley Bank. In these several stations he exhibited those prudent 
and sagacious business qualifications which had contributed so much to his previous 
personal success, and by his genial, warm-hearted temperament won a place in the 
hearts of his associates that was equally gratifying to them and to himself. At a meet- 
ing of the board of directors of the National Mohawk Valley Bank soon after his 
death, a series of resolutions was adopted in eulogy of the deceased, in which appeared 
the following expression : " That in his decease the National Mohawk Valley Bank 
has lost a wise and discreet member of its board of directors, the social circle in which 
he moved has lost a contributor to its enjoyment, and society at large has lost a mem- 
ber whose excellence of heart, rare gifts of goodness, unostentatious charity and lib- 
eral benefactions render his loss a public calamity. As a man he was honorable and 
enthusiastic ; as a citizen he was large-hearted and hberal ; as a friend he was true, 
loyal, genial and consistent ; as a business man he was honest, and hated fraud and 
artifice with an undisguised detestation ; in his family circle he was indulgent, affec- 
tionate and lovable." Similar expressions were also made by the Masonic lodge, of 
which he was an honored member. 

The traits of Mr. Marshall's character which were most con.spicuouswere his abound- 
ing kindheartedness and his sympathy with those in trouble and consequent readi- 
ness to alleviate sorrow wherever he found it. These traits gave him a remarkably 
large circle of sincere friends. A local new.spaper in a notice printed after his death 
spoke as follows of his personality : " He had won his way into the confidence, re- 
spect and sincere friendship of our entire county, and there was none with whom he 
associated who will not ever gratefully recall the memory of his genial disposition, his 
free, open manners, his warm, generous heart, and his unbounded hospitality. To his 
own community his death is indeed a heavy loss. He was public-spirited, tender- 
hearted, full of kindly impulses and abounding in deeds of love and charity to those 
around him. In business he was honest, truthful and successful; in his social relations 
he was kind, courteous and popular ; in official position he was trustworthy, vigilant 
and upright." 

Mr. Marshall was married in September, 1877, to Helen M. Curtiss, who survives him 
and resides in Mohawk. Mr. Marshall's death took place June 28, 1881. 



ROLLIN HURLBUT SMITH, 

Of Little Falls, was born at that place January 3, 1838. He is a son of Christopher 
Smith and grandson of Richard Smith, who came from Rhode Island and settled in 
Fairfield shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War. His mother, Nancy Hurl- 



628 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

but, was a daughter of Uriah Hurlbut, of Fairfield, a descendant of Thomas Hurlbiit, 
one of the eleven men sent from England by Lords Say and Seal and Brooke, under 
Lion Gardiner, and who built the fort near the mouth of the Connecticut River atSay- 
brooke in 1G35. Thomas Hurlbut received a grant from the Colony of 150 acres of 
land tor services in the Pequot war. The Smiths in the early days of Rhode Island 
were Quakers, and the Friends' Record speaks of Christopher Smith, the first of the 
family to come to this country, about 1640, as "an ancient friend of Providence." 

Christopher Smith, the father of Judge Smith, removed to Little Falls from Fairfield 
about the year 1829, and was for many years extentively engaged in mercantile and 
storage and forwarding business on the Erie Canal. 

Rollin H. Smith, the subject of this sketch, is the )'oungest of four children, two of 
whom died in, infancy, and the eldest, Sarah H,. in 1854, at the age of twenty-three 
years. He attended the common school, and afterwards the academy at Little Falls 
until sixteen years of age, when he obtained employment as a clerk in a store, and re- 
mained so employed several years. He then entered the law office of Judge George 
A. Hardin as a student, and afterwards studied with Judge Hiram Nolton, from whose 
office he was admitted to practice in 1803. He immediately opened an office m his na- 
tive village and has resided there ever since. 

Judge Smith's law practice has consisted mostly of cases in equity, many of which 
have involved large interests, and in which he has been very successful. One of these 
was the defense of the will of Daniel Klock, of Manheim, in which litigation seven 
actions were instituted against his client, and which resulted in securing for her about 
$4,500, devised to her by the will of her husband. He is now engaged in defending a 
suit in equity brought by William Seward Webb against Morrison & Richardson, in- 
volving large interests in the Adirondack wilderness, and which has excited much pub- 
lic interest. He has also had the care, as attorney, of several large estates, always with 
satisfactory results. In the preparation of legal arguments, and in presenting them to 
the court, he spares no pains to make them exhaustive in every liglit in which the case 
can be fairly presented. This characteristic, together with his recognized integrity as a 
lawyer and citizen, has brought him clients of a substantial class having important in- 
terests to be cared for. 

In politics Judge Smith has always been a firm believer in Jeffersonian Democracy, 
and although his party in the county has been since 1856 in an almost hopeless minority 
and a nomination for office an empty honor, he was brought forward in 1883 by his 
friends and induced to accept the Democratic nomination for the office of county judge 
and surrogate. He was elected, being the first and only Democratic county judge since 
1856. In this office his characteristic fairness, positive integrity and knowledge of the 
law were prominently set forth. In the administration of the criminal law he displayed 
in his rulings such knowledge of all its branches that but one of the cases tried before 
him was reversed during his term of six years. 

As judge and surrogate, Judge Smith was also known for his uniform courtesy to all 
who appeared before him, and all official business received his careful and intelligent 
attention. In 1887 he was married to Miss Nellie Bramer, the accomplished daughter 
of Frank Bramer, of Little Falls. 




^m^. 



C2/ y/Uee/€4. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 529 

From early manhood Judge Smith has taken much interest in puhlic affairs, par- 
ticularly those connected with the material development and progress of his native 
village. He was one of the organizers and one of the first directors of the Little Falls 
National Bank; one of the orignial stock-holders of the Superior Furnace Company, 
and is at present one of the village water commissioners. He has been repeatedly called 
to fill village offices, such as corporation attorney, etc. In 1877 he was placed on the 
Board of Education, and for sixteen years has been its president. During this period 
great advancement has been made in curriculum, a graded system has been established, 
and a superintendent employed, by which changes the pubUc schools of Little Falls 
have been placed in line with the latest and most approved school systems. 



WILLIAM T. WHEELER 

Was born near Cooperstown, Otsego county, December 14, 1817, and he took up his 
residence in Little Falls in 1841, and carrried on the business of hardware and tinsmith 
from that time until his death, which occurred at his residence on Lansing street Jan- 
uary 3, 1885. He married Sarah A. Higby, who died October 31, 18G9. Their only 
child is Charles V. Wheeler, who succeeded to his father's business, and now carries on 
the same in the block owned by deceased and Mr. W. G. Milligan at the corner of Ann 
and Main streets. He was several years president of the Little Falls Gas Light Com- 
pany and subsequently of the Henry Cheney Hammer Company, having aided in its 
organization in 1882. He was Past Eminent Commander, having been many years a 
member of the Knights Templar Commandery No. 26, Litlle Falls. He was also senior 
warden of Emanuel church, which position he held many years with great fidelity. He 
was half owner of, and supervised the construction of the Hardin and Wheeler block on 
the south side of Main street. He was a gentleman of great modesty and retiring in 
his habits; of unquestioned integrity in business; a warm friend and a valuable citizen, 
enjoying at the time of his death the highest respect of his neighbors. 



JONAS S. BARNET. 

No citizen of Little Falls is better known or more highly esteemed than Jonas S. 
Barnet. He has attained a very high position in the business life of the village, and is 
one of the foremost, not only in his private aflfairs, but in those which concern the pub- 
lic as well. He also carries on stores in New York city and Boston for the sale of the 
products of his tanneries. Mr. Barnet was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 19, 1849, 
and is a son of Solomon Gotz Barnet. He passed his youth in his native land, and re- 
ceived a good business education during that time. In July, 1870, Mr. Barnet came to 
the United States of America, as many other young men have done. He became en- 
gaged in the leather industry, as.sociating with him his brother, Morris S. Barnet, in 
1877. In 1883 the firm built the tannery at Little Falls, and in 1887 they equipped a 



o30 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

new plant at the same location. They have since acquired large business interests in 
tliis line and are one of the most successful tanning firms in the country. J. S. Barnet 
& Bro. have at present, in a<IJitioM to their large tannery at Little Falls, an establish- 
ment at Gloversville, which they have conducted for some time, and it is very s\icce.ss- 
ful. The Little Falls establishment, under tlie management of its present proprietor."", 
has been greatly increased in its capacity and in the amount of business which it car- 
ries on. There are now employed there about 175 hands, and the pay roll is a very 
large one. It is almost unnecessary to say that J. S. Barnet & Bro.'s industry is one of 
the leading features of business life at Little Falls. Jonas S. Barnet, the senior mem- 
ber of this concern, has siiown himself possessed of the liighest order of business quali- 
fications. Not only is this manifest in the succes.sful conduct of the large tannery of 
which he is the head, but he has also given his counsel and experience in public aflairs 
largely for the benefit of the village. He was chosen in May, 1892, as one of the board 
of police and fire commissioners, and in this capacity he has proven himself in every 
way worthy of the confidence which has been repo.«ed in him. Mr. Barnet married 
Hannah Dick, daughter of Bernhard and Sarah Dick, of Albany, N. Y. They have 
eleven children : five sons and six daughters. 



JORAM PETREE. 

The reader of the early chapters of this volume has learned much of the lives of the 
Palatines, who were the first civilized settlers of the Mohawk valley, and whose 
struggles in the new country began many years before the opening of the great war- 
fare which gave to the American colonies their freedom Those Germans, driven from 
their foreign homes by religious persecution, performed deeds of heroism, endured trials 
and vicissitudes, and often gave up their lives in their efforts to establish peaceful 
homes in the wilderness where they could rear their children and leave their sturdy 
descendants in the enjoyment of the blessing of religious and social liberty. From one 
of these hardy pioneers was directly descended Joram Petree, great-grandson of Johan 
Jost Petree, who came to this country probably a little earlier than 1725, settled in the 
Mohawk valley, and was one of the original patentees of Burnetsfield, on which the 
village of Little Falls is partly built. 

Joram Petree was born in 1802, on the family homestead about two miles north of 
the village of Little Falls, but made the village his home after his boyhood. His youth 
and its opportunities were neither better nor worse than those of other boys of that 
early day, and his education was such as he was able to obtain in the country schools. 
His father was Jost Diedrich Petree, who was an exceptionally prosperous farmer on 
the place afterwards occupied by the late Moses Petree; but Joram Petree had larger 
ambition than tilling the soil, and possessed mercantile predilections which greatly in- 
fluenced his after life. About the year 1825, and when he had attained his majority, 
he joined with his brother David in a mercantile business in a store on the south side 
of Main street, Little Falls, the site now being occupied by the Skinner Opera House. 
The stock of goods handled by the brothers was one of the largest of the time, and like 
most early country stores, embraced dry goods, groceries and hardware. They were 
eminently successful from the first, and in 1838, in order to extend their business oper- 



BIOaRAPHICAL. 531 

ations, they purchased the iron foundry of Samuel Smith, on the corner of Main and 
Furnace streets, the present site of the knitting mill of Titus Sheard. The foundry 
facilities were then largely devoted to the manufacture of cooking and parlor stoves. 
The foundry was conducted by the brothers until 1856. After the opening of the Erie 
canal, Mr. Petree took a practical interest in its prosperity, and foresaw its great im- 
portance to all business interests along its line, as well as to the passenger traffic between 
New York, Albany and the young and growing "West." He became a large stock- 
holder in a line of packet boats running between Schenectady and Utica, as early as 
1845, and had substantially the management of the affairs of the line. Under his 
efficient direction the enterprise was highly prosperous, and from his holdings in it he 
realized large profits. The time came, however, when the opening of the railroad (now 
the New York Central) curtailed the business and profits of passenger carriage on the 
canal, and it is conclusive evidence of Mr. Petree's business foresight and ability to 
cope with the inevitable changes incident to the growth and development of the country, 
so as to stand as a gainer instead of a loser thereby, that in 1854 he purchased the 
entire line of boats of the company, transported them westward through the can.il and 
Lake Erie to the then more recent Toledo and Wabash canal, extending between 
Toledo, Ohio, and Lafayette, Ind., where a line was established which he actively 
managed, and of which he was the principal stockholder. He did not, however, 
change his residence from Little Falls, for which village he always retained the warmest 
affection and for whose welfare he was ever desirous. 

Mr. Petree's long business career was marked by its unvarying success. Enterprising 
and energetic at all times, yet prudent and sagacious, the conduct of his varied interests 
was founded upon those principles of integrity and fairness towards his fellow-men 
which, must underlie and almost always prove responsible for such success as he 
attained. He was, for the period covering his active lite, a bold and self-reHant oper- 
ator, and gained the confidence and respect of those with whom he had business rela- 
tions. He possessed broad and liberal views of life, and his counsel was esteemed by 
all who sought to profit by it in practical affairs. 

Mr. Petree was married on the 13th of June, 1838, to Frances Ford, daughter of 
Philip Ford, of Troy, N. Y. To them were born tour children, Fanny F,, now the wife 
of 0. O. Cottle, of Bufl'alo; Eugenia, died at the age of si.\ months ; Edmund Clarence, 
deceased, aged seven 3'ears; and Charles L., living at Little Falls. Mrs. Petree died 
October 5, 1862, at the age of forty-four years, six months and four days. Joram 
Petree died October 16, 1869, aged sixty-seven years. 

In his home lite, in companionship with his wife and children, Mr. Petree was kind, 
faithful, and solicitous for their welfare and happiness. To give them comfort was his 
highest pleasure, and to leave to them the heritage of a good and honorable name his 
best ambition. 



JOHN W. VROOMAN. 

It is well known to readers of this volume that the Mohawk Valley was the birth- 
place and dwelling place of many men and women whose names are memorable in his- 
tory, and whose descendants have risen to distinction in the State and nation. Con- 



532 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

spicuous among these names is that of Vrooman. Far back in the bloody annals of the 
frontier of what became the Empire State, at a period when the beautiful valley of the 
historic stream which took its name from the original occupants of the soil, and when 
the valley was fiercely fought for by representatives of three European powers, each 
eager to drive the others and the Indians from it, we learn that the Vroomans were ac- 
tively conspicuous in the stirring events of the time. At the burning of Schenectady, 
February 9, 1G90, the record says that Hendrick Meese and Bartholomeus Vrooman 
were " kild and burnt," and ''Barent, ye Sonne of Adam Vrooman," was taken prisoner 
and carried to Canada. 

These Vroomans, like many others of the original white settlers along the Hud- 
son and Mohawk rivers, were Holland Dutch, a sturdy, heroic and virtuous peo- 
ple, and from them is directly descended John W. Vrooman, whose lineage is traced 
back to Count Egmont. On his paternal side his grandmother was a Casler, a family 
name that also stands with especial prominence upon the pages of the history of the 
Mohawk Valley, and she was closely related to the brave General Herkimer. The 
father of Jolin W. Vrooman was Nicholas Vrooman, who was a farmer of limited mean.s, 
a condition that reflected against the early opportunities of the son. His mother's maid- 
en name was Christina Wright. 

John W. Vrooman was born in the town of German Flats, Herkimer county, N. Y., 
on the 28th of March, 1844. In his elTorts to obtain a good education he met and sur- 
mounted obstacles common to many who were reared in similar circumstances. 
His attendance at the district school was intermitted with labor on the farm, and during 
his subsequent terms in the Little Falls Academy he was compelled to live in the most 
economical manner, working much on the farm by day in his vacations and studying 
at night. At the age of sixteen he began teaclung school in winter, continuing his 
academic studies in the summer, and at the age of eighteen he entered the office of 
Judge Ezra Graves in Herkimer to study law. Here also he devoted himself in the 
winter months to teaching, thus obtaining money for his current expenses. At the age 
of nineteen, while a student in the law office, he volunteered in the United States Navy 
and was engaged on board the Vanderhilt in cruising after blockade runners until the 
winter of 1864-,'), when that steamer joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, 
and he i)articipated in the two battles of Fort Fisher. Hecontmued in the service until 
the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He resumed the study of the 
law and in October, 1866, was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of his 
profession in Herkimer. In November, 1867, Mr. Vrooman was married to Ann Ford, 
of Mohawk. January 1, 1868, the surrogate of the county, Amos H. Prescott, appointed 
Mr. Vrooman chief clerk, a position which he faithfully and efficiently filled for ten 
years. In January, 1876, he was appointed deputy clerk of the Assembly, was de- 
tailed as financial clerk thereof, and reappointed the next year. In 1877 he was chair- 
man of the Herkimer county delegation to the Rochester convention, at which he was 
elected a member of the Republican State Committee. Mr. Vrooman had already 
shown his po.ssession of special aptitude and unusual capacity for successful political 
work, and the preferment mentioned and other subsequent advancement are largely 
due to those qualities and the energy and unselfishness with which he used them for 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 533 

the good of his party. At the time of his election on tlie State Committee he was sur- 
rounded by a large and friendly political acquaintanceship and by tliem he was induced 
to enter into the contest for the clerkship of the Senate, resulting in his election to that 
office January 1, 1878. In this responsible position he served ten years (1878-88), be- 
ing elected five successive terms, and to the entire satisfaction of the many prominent 
men of both parties with whom he came in contact. He declined to stand as a candi- 
date for further election, and at the close of his official career the following resolutions 
were unanimously adopted by the State Senate: 

" Resolved, That to the Hon. John W. Vrooman, who has for ten years past dis- 
charged the duties of Clerk of the Senate with marked ability and courtesy, we hereby 
tender our congratulations upon the honorable reputation he has maintained during the 
period of his public service. We entertain the highest respect for his many virtues 
and invoke upon him in his future career unclouded success. 

" Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate be and he is hereby instructed to transmit 
to Mr. Vrooman an engrossed copy of these resolutions, as a token of regard from the 
Senate of the State of New York." 

He served as a member of the Republican State Committee for eight years, and as 
secretary of the Republican State Committee seven years (^1880-81-83-84-85-86-88). 
In the last named year he declined to be a candidate for office and retired from 
politics, leaving a record singularly free from criticism in either party. In 1889, 
after his retirement, he was urged to head the ticket put in the field by the Re- 
publican State Convention, but declined. In September, 1891, he was again urged to 
allow his name to be placed upon the Republican State ticket and the convention unan- 
imously nominated him as lieutenant-governor. Although the ticket was defeated, Mr. 
Vrooman ran ahead in nearly every locality and in the aggregate about fifteen thousand 
votes. In 1892 he was a presidential elector on the Republican ticket for New York 
State. 

Mr. Vrooman, upon leaving the Senate, immediately turned his attention to business 
enterprise, in which he has met with deserved success. He engaged in banking in 
Herkimer village, but was called from that in 1890 by his election to the office of treas- 
urer of the Mutual Reserve Fund Tiife Association of New York, and chairman of the 
executive committee. This office came to him unsought and its great importance in a 
business and financial sense, with the highly complimentary letter announcing his elec- 
tion, constitute a tribute to his character and ability of which he is justly proud. The 
duties of his office take him to New York city, where he finds a host of congenial 
friends, but he retains his residence in Herkimer. 

Mr. Vrooman has for many years been conspicuous in the Order of Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons. He was made a Mason at the age of twenty-one in Herkimer Lodge, 
No. 423, F. and A. M. ; served as Secretary, Senior Deacon and Senior Warden of his 
lodge ; also Acting Master one year and Wor.sliipful Master three years. He was ap- 
pointed Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge by five successive Grand Masters, 
and then elected Junior Grand Warden for two years, Senior Grand Warden for two 
years, and Deputy Grand Master for four years. The Grand Lodge of the State, at its 
annual session held in New York, June, 1890, elected him by a uuauimous vote Most 
Worshipful Grand Master, and in June, 1891, he was unanimously re-elected. His 
08 



534 niSTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

addresses, in Uraiiil Lodge, were remarkable tor the concise and masterly manner ii. 
which he presented the condition of the Fraternity in the jurisdiction. In -June, ISrrj 
he was unanimously elected Grand Master for a third term, but declined further servic 
in that high office. He is a member of Iroquois Chapter, No. 2.36, Royal Arch Masons, 
at Ilion, N. Y., and of Utica Commandery, No. 3, Knights Templar. He has been 
favored with honorary membership in a number of Masonic lodges ; among them may 
be mentioned Anglo-American Lodge and Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge of London, Englan'i 
It will be observed that he was elected by eight hundred representatives in the Grand 
Lod»e eleven successive times to various positions, and in no instance was there a 
candidate named against him or a vote cast against him. 

If such a thing were possible, it might be inferred that Mr. Vrooman inherited hi- 
Masonic predilections, for among his ancestors were men of distinction in that order. 
In a historical sketch of St. George's Lodge, Schenectady, which was founded under the 
auspices of Sir .lohn Johnson, the record shows that Walter Vrooman, a direct ancestor 
of John W.. was a member of that lodge, and that Lawrence Vrooman was for a time 
its secretary. The following resolution appears on the lodge record for December 26, 
1780, and is of peculiar interest in this connection : 

Resolved, That fifty shillings, hard money, out of the funds of this Lodge, shall \n- 
delivered into the hands of brother Robert Alexander, for the use of brother Walter 
Vrooman's family, who is now captive with the enemy, and the same amount be paid 
into the hands of John Cummins, for the >ise of brother Andrew Ryner's family, who 
is also taken captive. 

In the social life of the metropolis, as well as in Albany, Mr. Vrooman has long oc- 
cupied an enviable position. He is a trustee of the Holland Society and of the New 
York State Volunteer Firemen's Home. He is a member of the Republican Club of 
New York, the Lotos Club, the American Yacht Club, and the Farragut Naval Veteran 
Association, all of New York city, and of Aaron Helmer Post, G. A. R., of Herkimer. 
A1.S0 an honorary member of the Montauk Club of the city of Brooklyn. These 
honors have been bestowed upon him, not through persi.stent effort of himself or 
friends, but as a tribute to his geniality, knowledge of affairs, and the universal courtesy 
which has won him so much popularity. 

Mr. Vrooman has for many years been an earnest, active and consistent member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. For several years he was one of the directors of the 
Y. M. C. A. of Herkimer, and for fifteen years was superintendent of the Sunday 
school of his church in that place. While never offensively aggressive in the expression 
of his views of Christianity, he has always shown himself ready to uphold the princi- 
ples he professes on all proper occasions, and is frequently called upon to address Sun- 
day schools, Young People's Christian Associations, and other societies of young peo- 
ple, for whom he always feels the deepest interest. 

After twenty-five years of public life, during which he was constantly forming new 
acquaintatjces and making new friends, Mr. Vrooman now finds himself standing h'gh 
in the estimation of all, and one of the widest known and most popular men of this 
State. He possesses that rare quahfication which enables him to never forget a face or 
a name, and he seldom makes an acquaintance who does not become also his friend. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. „:;;, 

GEORGE ANSON HARDIN 

Was born August 17, 1832, in the town oi Winfiekl, ;i mile and lialf north of West 
Winfield village. Col. Joseph Hardin, his father, was liorn in East Hampton, Connect- 
icut, in 1804, and was a son of Nathan Hardin and Philena Sears Clark, who resided 
in Connecticut until 181G, when the_y removed to this State. 

They were descendants o£ the Pilgrims, the Clarks tracing their genealogy to the 
Reverend Mr. Mayhew, a minister who landed at Plymouth. The Clarks were also 
active in the defence of their country during the Revolution. 

Col. Josepli Hardin married Amanda Backus, a daughter of Deacon Anson Backus, 
who removed from Massachusetts, and was one of the earliest settlers in the upper part 
of the town. 

April 1, 1839, Col. Joseph Hardin removed with his family to the farm on the west 
side of the village of West Winfield, and remained there until his death, which occurred 
in 1870, having received injuries by the overturning of a wagon. He was an active 
business man; a trustee of West Winfield Academy; a director of the bank, and for 
many years colonel of a militia regiment. 

George A. Hardin, the subject of this sketch, attended the common schools until he 
was sixteen years of age, when, at Whitestown Seminary and Cazenovia Seminary, he 
prepared for college, teaching three winters to aid in bearing the exnerse of his educa- 
tion, which was finished at Union College in 1852, while Dr. Nott was president of 
that institution. 

He then began immediately to read law, and removed to Little Falls May 30, 1853, en- 
tering the law office of Messrs. Nolton & Lake. March 30, 1854, he was appointed village 
clerk, and July 4, 1854, at Watertown, was admitted to the bar. A portion of the sum- 
mer of that year he spent at Monmouth, 111.; returning in the fall, he formed a co- 
partnership with Judge Nolton, which existed until 1860, wlien the firm of Hardin & 
Burrows was formed and continued until January 1, 1872. 

In 1858 Lauren Ford resigned as district attorney and Gov. John A. King appointed 
Mr. Hardin to that office, and in November he was elected by the people and served 
until the close of 1861. In the fall of that year be was nominated for senator for the 
Herkimer and Otsego district by the Republican party and by the People's party, being 
elected by about 3,500 majority. In the Senate his voice and vote supported en- 
thusiastically all the Union war measures. At the close of his senatorial term he 
resumed the practice of his profession. In 1871 the Republicans chose delegates in five 
of the six counties of the Fifth Judicial District favorable to him as a candidate for a 
justice of the Supreme Court, and in September the Republican convention placed him 
in nomination. The Democratic party also nominated him and he was elected, having 
received the support of both political parties. 

The duties of a trial judge were discharged from the time of taking the office until 
1879, when, on account of the impaired health of Judge Mullin, he was asked to serve, 
in exchange, m the General Term as an associate justice in the Fourth Judicial Depart- 
ment. In November, 1881, Governor Cornell assigned him to the General Term, Judge 
Mullin's term closing with the year. 



536 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

In 1884, a reorganization of tlie department was effected, and Governor Grover 
Cleveland designated him as presiding justice of the new Fourth Department. 

In 1885 he was again nominated by the Republicans and also placed upon the Dem- 
ocratic ticket. He was unanimously elected a justice of the Supreme Court, and 
December 6, 1885, Governor David B. Hill designated him presiding ju.stice of the 
Fourth Judicial Department, which designation holds good " during h's official term as 
a Justice of the Supreme Court." (Code Section 220). 

In June, 1S7G, Hamilton College conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. 

The manner in which the duties of a trial judge were discharged is known to the 
people and the bar of the district in which he held his own terms, and several extra 
terms, during the impaired health of Judges MuUin and Doolittle. 

The record of his opinions as tiial and appellate judge is found in the last five vol- 
umes of " Barbour's Reports," in the last fifty volumes of "Hun's Reports,'' in the 
" New York State Reporter " and in other law reports. 

In his twenty-two years of service upon the bench, he has attended every term as- 
signed to him except one, having had good health and vigor for the performance of the 
exacting duties of the position. 

In July, 1868, he was married to Miss Annette Augusta Arnold, in Emanuel church, 
of which he has been a vestryman for twenty-five years. 

In 1885 he acted as chairman of the Citizens' Committee that matured the plans for 
the water works system, so valuable to the village. 

For the last thirty years he has been an active director in the National Herkimer 
County Bank, and in that capacity has acquired an extensive knowledge of the business 
affairs of the community, evinced a sympathy in its progress and an interest in its 
prosperity. 

In 1892 he was solicited by the publishers to supervise and assist in the publication 
' of the History of Herkimer County, and has contributed articles and materials to such 
an extent as to challenge the gratitude of the publishers. 

Having been a life-long resident of the county, and for twenty-nine years a public 
official therein, its citizens must form their own estimate of his industry, ability and 
character without any words of commendation in the pages of this work. 



JOSHUA JUDSON GILBERT. 

In the first decade of the century, when the present city of Utica was a growing vil- 
lage, John Gilbert, an Englishman, settled in Oneida county and erected a starch factory 
just outside the western boundary of the city limits. Here shortly afterwards, in the 
year 1807, he was joined by his brother, Edward Gilbert, the father of the subject of 
this biography. The family was already identified with the industry which the brothers 
carried on at Utica, an elder brother having some time previouslj' commenced the busi- 
ness of starch-making at Jersey City, N. J. Edward Gilbert, who was born in Lon- 
don, England, in April, 1787, came to this country in 1794, and resided with his 
brother's family in New Jersey up to the time that he joined his brother John in Utica. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 537 

His wife was Anne Maddock, the daughter of Roger Worthington Maddock and Sarah 
Harwood, his wife, of Birches, England, at, which place Mrs. Gilbert was born in the 
same year and month as her husband. 

On the I5thof September, 1866, Edward Gilbert, who was then residing at Lewis- 
burg, Pa., with his daughter, Mrs. Justin Loomis, died, survived by five children, John 
M. and Colgate Gilbert, of Buffalo, N. Y., Joshua J., Mrs. Andrew Tembroek, of Ann 
Arbor, Mich., and Mrs. Loomis, above referred to. 

Joshua Judson Gilbert was born at Utica on the 4th day of September, 1821. His 
education was received at the Utica Academy, a well-known educational institution of 
those days, and soon after his graduation he went to Buffalo, where, with his brothers, 
he was engaged for four years in the manufacture of soap. Returning to Utica, he re- 
mained with his father until 1854, when he decided upon Little Falls as an excellent 
point for the erection of works for the manufacture of starch, and coming to Little 
Falls in that year, he remained a resident until his death, which occurred on February 
5, 1881. 

The great value of the water power was an important factor in Mr. Gilbert's de- 
cision to make Little Falls his home. Soon after his arrival he erected the stone build- 
ing which is now used by his son as the Astoronga Knitting Mills, together with the el- 
evator adjoining for the storage of grain used in the factory. Thoroughly acquainted 
from his previous experience in his father's factory with the processes employed in 
starch-making at that date, Mr. Gilbert was keenly alive to the attendant disadvantages 
of the method, and in the early portion of his residence in Little Falls he entered upon 
a series of experiments by which he sought to produce a better quality of starch than 
was then obtainable. As a result of these experiments he made certain discoveries 
which have led to a revolution in the whole process of starch-making. 

Mr. Gilbert patented his invention!,, but the principles of his patent having become 
known to other manufacturers of starch, he was forced into litigation to prevent in- 
fringement, which, after dragging on for years, was only finally adjudicated some years 
after his death, and in favor of a syndicate to whom he had sold his rights. During the 
latter part of his life Elijah Reed was his partner in this business. Mr. Gilbert was al- 
ways deeply interested in the welfare and development of the village, and believed 
most firmly that the right policy, energetically pursued by the citizens, would result in 
Little Falls becoming an industrial town of considerable magnitude. This belief he 
was always ready to confirm by act, not hesitatimr to invest his capital in projected in- 
dustries, and giving his aid efficiently and willingly in all ways which presented them- 
selves for the upbuilding' of the institutions of the town. He was one of the most 
active promoters of the Little Falls Knitting Mill Company when that corporation was 
formed in 1872, and acted as its treasurer until his death. Much of his time during the 
latter years of his life was occupied with the management of the tannery now owned 
by J. S. Barnett & Brothers, which he and Mr. W. H. Weeks bought of Nelson Rust 
in 1874, and which they considerably enlarged. He was also conspicuous in the estab- 
lishment of the Warrior Mower Company, and was one of its directors, and at the 
time of his death he was also one of the directors of the National Herkimer County 
Bank. 



538 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

In poUtics Mr. Gilbert waa a Republican ; but although earnest in his advocacy o£ 
the principles of this party and zealous for their success, he never himself sought pub- 
lic office, and the only position of an elective nature for which he ever allowed himself 
to be presented was that of member of the village Board of Education, and in that ca- 
pacity he served for several years, displaying the same interest, energy and judgment 
in the cause of education which distinguished him m the other relations of life. The 
salient points in his character were his clear judgments of men and affairs, his integrity 
and his unwavering decision when persuaded that he was right. His friendship was 
steadfast and earnest ; his acts of charity and benevolence were many and generous. 

Mr. Gilbert was married in April, 1857, to Elizabeth Rust, of Little Falls, daughter 
of Nelson Rust. (Vide biography of Nelson Rust herein.) He was survived by Mrs. 
Gilbert and three children, one son. Nelson Rust, having died in infancy, J. Jud.son and 
Nelson Rust Gilbert and Mrs. D. E. Knowlton. 



NELSON RUST. 

Nelson Rust was born at Kent, Litchfield county. Conn., on the 17th of March, 1801, 
and died at Little Falls, N. Y., on the 14th of August, 1876. He was descended from 
New England stock, the first of the family to settle in this country having been Henry 
Rust, who, in company with a number of families from Hingham, Norfolk county, 
England, came to the then infant colony of Massachusetts in 1C35, and founded the 
town of Hingham, near Boston. After a residence of a few years at Hingham, Henry 
Rust removed to Boston, of which place he was a resident until his death in 1684. His 
descendants spread through the New England colonies as this territory was developed 
and settled, and at the outbreak of the Revolution, Levi Rust, a descendant in the fifth 
generation from Henry, was a citizen of Connecticut, and served as lieutenant in one 
of the regiments raised in his State. His son, Roswell Rust, born in 1774, was a farmer 
at Kent, Connecticut, where he married Eleanor Booth, in 1709. The second son' of 
this marriage was Nelson Rust, who, by the death of his father in 1816, followed shortly 
by that of his mother in 1819, was left an orphan at eighteen and thrown largely upon 
his own resources for his support. 

In addition to his farm, his father had owned a small tannery at Kent, and, ac- 
quainted with this business, Mr. Rust determined to follow it as a means of livelihood. 
In order to perfect himself in the details, he spent several months at Quebec and at 
New Haven, studying the processes of tanning as carried on at those places. Early in 
the 20's he determined to settle in Troy, N. Y., and there he formed a partnership in 
the grocery and hardware business with Paul Wetherbee, whose daughter Eluthera he 
married on the 25th of September, 1827. 

Growing dissatisfied with his business in Troy, he decided to resume his trade of 
tanning, and coming to Herkimer county, he spent some time in investigating the best 
location for a tannery, residing for some months in Herkimer, and in Stratford, in 
which latter town he subsequently established a branch of his business. Eventually he 
determined upon Little Falls as the most favorable site, and soon after his arrival there 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 539 

in 1831, he established himself on North Ann street, near Main, where he cariied on 
his business for about three years, when finding his building too small for the develop- 
ment of his business, he removed his plant to East Mill street, at the point where the 
establishment of J. S. Barnett & Brother now stands. Here he continued the manu- 
facture of leather until shortly before his death, the sale of his tannery and leather 
store on Second street to Gilbert & Weeks occurring forty years to a day from the time 
he commenced business on that site. For some years, during his location on Mill 
street, Stephen Brown was associated witli him as a partner, a relation which was 
terminated by Mr. Brown's death. 

In politics Mr. Rust was an ardent member of the Whig party, and later a no less 
ardent believer in the doctrines of its successor, the Republican party. Caring little for 
political preferment, the only office he ever held was that of president of the village 
during the year 1851. 

At the time of his death Mr. Rust was a member of the Presbyterian church, and 
had been closely connected with and a trustee of that society for several years before 
he became a member. 

The personal characteristics of Mr. Rust were well stated at the time of his death as 
follows: "'Mr. Rust was one of our best known, most highly esteemed, and most 
influential citizens. His faithfulness as a friend has almost passed into a proverb, his 
ready kindness to the poor and suffering was ever a marked characteristic of his daily 
life. His sympathies were largely enlisted toward any good work of whose merits he 
became convinced. He was a thoroughly honest and a very successful business man. 
No one dare question his word or impugn his motives; his judgment was remarkably 
reliable, and his busine.ss intercourse during forty years was marked by very many 
pleasant friendships, and characterized b)' a stern devotion to truth and uprightness 
which commanded the respect of even those who were never privileged to share his 
intimate acquaintance." 

Mr. Rust was the father of seven children, four of whom survived him : Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Gilbert, Mrs. Barry Van Vechten, Miss Helen Rust, and Mrs. Charles Lynds 
Petree, all of Little Falls. 



DWIGHT D. WARNE, 

Senior member of the firm of D. D. and F. L. Warne, owners and managers of Fairfield 
Seminary and Military Academy. The remarkable prosperity that Old Fairfield Sem- 
inary enjoys naturally calls the attention of not only every alumnus and friend of the 
school, but every citizen of the country interested in the education of the rising gener- 
ation, to the men whose untiring efforts have revived interest in, secured support, and 
established this old institution of learning upon a permanent basis. 

Prof. D. D. Warne, whose portrait we present, was born at East Varick, Seneca 
county, N. Y., November 26, 1855. His mother was a Parker, the name of a Quaker 
family prominent in the early history of Cayuga county, and before her marriage had 
achieved remarkable success as a teacher in her own and adjoining counties. From his 



540 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

mother he inherited that necessary quaUfication in a teacher which we call tact, love 
for the profession of teaching, and intense enthusiasm, all of which are among his 
marked characteristics. The Warnes were among the first settlers of Monmouth county. 
New Jersey. Later members of the family, particularly the grandfather of the present 
sketch, moved to Seneca county, this State, and nearly all the members of the family 
have been successful wagon manufacturers, Professors D. D. and F. L. being the only 
members who have not followed this business, and even they were required by their 
father to learn the business during vacations while pursuing their preparatory studies. 
From his father he learned his habits of tireless industry and practical methods of busi- 
ness. His mother was his principal teacher until he entered the public school of his 
native place. Later on he was for a long time a private pupil of Prof. Warren Mann, 
now of Potsdam Normal School. Many other prominent educators instructed him in 
various lines of educational work. 

Having early decided to follow the profession of teaching, he entered the Normal 
School at Albany, and graduated first in a class of thirty-six. In the fall of '76 he was 
called to the principalship of the new union school at Williamson, N. Y., where he re- 
mained four years. Dr. A. G. Austin, then president of the Board of Education, and 
late lecturer in St. Louis Medical College, writes that Prof. Warne brought the school 
to a high degree of prosperity, and that his methods of instruction were superior to 
those of any other principal in that section. 

At the beginning of his second year at Williamson he married Miss Vida E. Brown, 
of Ontario, N. Y., his first assistant teacher in the school. 

Receiving a call from the president of the Board of Education at Richville, St. Law- 
rence county, he accepted. The school was sadly demoralized when he went there, 
but during the two years of his administration he nobly worked in school and out, 
brought the school to a high standard, and made himself well known as a popular in- 
structor throughout the entire assembly district. Hermon, in an adjoining town, having 
erected a very fine new school building, persuaded him, through the efforts of Senator 
D. S. Lynde, to become principal of its school. Here he remained three years, and 
became known throughout a large portion of the State as one of the most successful 
school organizers, canvassers and managers in the State. His salary, at $1,200 a year, 
was more than paid by the non-residents in his room alone. During his stay in St. 
Lawrence county he put into successful operation plans which he had been maturing 
for a long time for the organization and successful operation of Town Teachers' Associ- 
ations. He visited nearly every portion of the county in order to awaken interest 
among the district school teachers and make those meetings which were held every 
month a success. In this connection Hon. A. X. Parker, John A. Haig and G. A. 
Lewis, the last two school commissioners, speak of him as an educator of character, 
integrity, and capacity, and one who labors with untiring zeal m the cause of education. 
In the class room he is without a superior. Thoroughly and practically educated, pos- 
sessed of tact m discipline in management, a ready and easy conversationalist, with 
years of experience in instructing large classes, he imbues his students with his own 
industry, energy and ambition. His .specialty is the preparation of students for the 
profession of teaching. More than fifteen hundred teachers in this State have received 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 541 

instruction in methods from him. Commendations, which are before us as we write, 
and written by some of our best known educators, speak of him as one of the best 
posted and most successful instructors of teachers' classes in the State. 

Outside of his profession he is a genial, clever and interesting companion, a fluent 
talker, with pleasing address, and a man of considerable magnitude and attractiveness. 
He readily wins the confidence of those around him, and is a very proper and desirable 
person to instruct the youth of the present day. 

He is a member of Pultneyville Lodge, No. 159, F. & A. M., and for a long time was 
secretary. He was one of the charter members of Williamson Lodge, No. 270, A. 0. 
U. W , and was the first ilaster Workman of that lodge. When in Western New York 
he gave much time and attention to lodge work, and at one time was one of the dis- 
trict deputies of the A. 0. U. W. 

To close this sketch without giving to our readers a brief announcement of what 
Prof. Warne has done and is doing to place " Old Fairfield " back in line — topmost 
among the best academies and preparatory schools in the State, would be not only a 
great injustice to him, but to the thousands who once received mental training at this in- 
stitution, and who still retain pleasant memories of their youthful days spent there, and 
who read with untold delight of its prosperity and successful prospects for the future. 

Over ninety years ago, in the spring of 1803, was established Fairfield Academy, and 
for twenty years it flourished without competition, and for many years there were few 
institutions of like character in the State. At the close of the Civil War and about 
ten years thereafter the attendance from abroad commenced and continued to wane, 
and the residents of Fairfield saw failure sucoi'ed failure until it was thought impossible 
to maintain the institution much longer. The buildings gradually became dilapidated, 
and the beauty and attractiveness of those once loved halls were transformed into bar- 
ren, desolate and unsightly pictures. 

This is what Prof. Warne found in 1885 when he took hold of the work of reviving 
interest in and securing support for Fairfield Seminary. 

Before he had accepted the principalship of Fairfield Seminary he and his brother, 
F L. Warne, had visited several localities in this and other States in search of a desir- 
able school thalt could be rented or bought. He found several desirable pieces of 
property with the one exception that the villages in which the property was situated 
were either unhealthy or contained places of daraoralizing resort. They selected Fair- 
beld for the following ^reasons : Because it contains no such places of resort. The 
situation of the school is one of the most beautiful in the State, being entirely rural, in 
a very small, quiet village. The grounds are ample and the buildings cover the most 
ground of any seminary buildings in the State. If is conceded that Fairfield Seminary 
for more than eighty years has occupied a place of usefulness second to none among 
educational institutions of like grade in this country. Its literary societies, incorpo- 
rated under the laws of the State, have for years ranked with those of the colleges of 
the State. Every alumnus of the school is loyal to its interests. These were the prin- 
cipal reasons why they selected Fairfield. How well they have succeeded is plainly 
told in the unsurpassed equipments and remarkable prosperity of the institution con- 
ducted to-day both as a seminary and a military academy. 
69 



542 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 



WARNER MILLER. 



It is impossible to ^rive within the limits of this article a complete and satisfactory 
sketch of the life and public services of a distinguished citizen of Herkimer, whos. 
private and public life has been alike creditable to himself and to the county of li- 
adoption. Fully told, with appropri.-ite quotations from his public utterances on great 
vital questions, it would fill this volume. 

Warner Miller is a descendant in the fifth generation of John Miller, who came to 
this country from Germany about 1680, and located in Westchester county. He left 
four sons and four daughters. The land was divided among the sons, who were James, 
Abram, Elijah and Anthony. Warner Miller's descent is from the last two sons, 
Martha, the second daughter of Elijah, marrying William, the eldest son of Anthony — 
and their seventh son was Hiram, who was Warner Miller's father. 

Elijah Miller was a lieutenant in the Continental Army, and was killed early in the 
Revolutionary War together with two of his sons. His widow, Ann Fisher ^filler, was 
left in charge of five children. Her farm house stood a little north of the village of 
White Plains, and became Washington's headquarters while he w.is operating in that 
locality. Her farm buildings were used for hospital purposes, and her farm was cov- 
ered with tents. A chronicler has said: ''In the life of Mrs. Ann Fisher Miller, 
American Liberty and White Plains Methodism are closely allied. In her house 
Washington laid his plans for the success of the American arms, and also here Method- 
ism was first preached in White Plains." 

The younger children of William and Martha Miller were born after their removal 
to Rensselaer county, a mile from Johnsonville, where Millertown, now known as 
North Pittstown, was named for the family. Hiram Miller, the father of Warner, 
was born here, where he remained until some time after his marriage \n 1832, then 
removing to Oswego. One of Warner Miller's granduncles, Abraham, a Ircensed ex- 
horter of the Methodist church, was for twelve years a representative of Westchester 
county in the New York Legislature. Loyal to the faith of his forefathers, Mr. Miller 
remains a strong figure in the Methodist church, and was a notable participant as a lay 
delegate at the World's General Conference in New York in May, 1888. 

Hiram Miller's wife was Mary Ann Warner, of Salisbury, Conn., from one of the 
sturdy Revolutionary families of that State. In her youth she came to Millertown, and 
there found her future husband, with whom she enjoyed a happy union for forty-eight 
years. In 1837 they removed to H,\nniba', Oswego county, where they took a large 
farm. Here their son Warner was born August 12, 1838. The following year they 
returned to their former home at Millertown, where they remained for a few years, 
afterwards locating on a farm near NorthviUe, Fulton county. Here Warner Miller 
grew to manhood, working on the farm in the summer, and attending school in the 
winter. In their declining years ihey came, by his invitation, to Herkimer to pass the 
remainder of their lives. The father was struck by a railroad train in Herkimer and 
killed in January, 1882. The mother died in 1880. 

Warner Miller's parents gave their only stirviving child better advantages for learning 
than the children of most farmers of that day. He attended a select school a few miles 
from home until he had a fair knowledge of arithmetic, physiology and book-keeping, 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 543 

and at fourteen his father sent him to an academy at Charlotteville, whose principal 
was the late Rev. Mr. Flack. Then he determined to goto college, and for this he was 
obliged to earn most of the money himself. It is said to have been the desire and 
purpose of his parents to educate their son for the ministry, but the plan was not 
approved by him, whose tastes seemed to point to other fields of usefulness and honor. 
At sixteen his father gave him fourteen dollars and a silver watch, with which he set 
out to " seek his fortune." Ee left his farm home in New York, and in a little frame 
school house near New Brunswick, New Jersey, taught his first school at a salary of 
thirty-seven dollars a month, which was his first independent venture in life. He fol- 
lowed the profession of teaching for a few years, studying meanwhile to prepare him- 
self for college. He entered Union College in 1856, worked his own way through that 
institution, graduating with honor in 1860. After graduation, he taught Latin and 
Greek in Fort Edward Institute for a year, but the times were not such as to tempt 
men of his temperament to scholastic pursuits. 

The Civil War was on, and in October, 1861, he joined Company I of the Fifth 
New York Cavalry as a private soldier. He was soon made sergeant-major of his 
regiment, and as a drill-master showed his fitness by learning the three books of United 
States Cavalry Tactics by heart. His regiment went with General Banks into the 
Shenandoah valley, and it was at Winchester, after Stonewall Jackson's victory, that 
he was captured by the rebels, while lying in the hospital suffering with an attack of 
typhoid fever. He was paroled. The United States government at that time refused 
to exchange prisoners, and he was compelled to take his discharge on June 7, 1862. Six 
months later he made an unsuccessful attempt to re-enter the army. No option being 
left him, he returned to the vocations of peace. Mr. Miller's personal interest in the 
welfare of the common soldier, strengthened by knowledge of the hardships endured 
on the field and in the hospital, has kept him in active association with old comrades, 
and he is a member of the Aaron Helmer Post of the G. A. R., of Herkimer. It also 
made him, when in Congress, a successful advocate of bi'ls to increase the pensions of 
soldiers and to otherwise promote their interests. ' 

Shut out from military service, he gave little further thought to Greek roots and 
Latin syniax, but started out to make his fortune. He secured a position in a paper 
mill at Fort Edward, soon mastered the method of manufacture, and worked his way 
to the foreman.ship. From the first he saw how crude were the processes, and he 
dreamed of the possibilities. He was sent by his employers, as an expert, to Belgium 
to supervise the oonstruction and operation of a paper mill to manufacture straw paper 
by a new process. While engaged in this enterprise his attention wan attracted to the 
use of wood as an ingredient m paper. He imiuediateiy grasped the fact that this was 
the discovery destined to revolutionize paper-making. He returned home to develop 
the idea. Having no means of his own, he interested friends to join him in the organ- 
ization of a company for the experiment of pulp-making. There were innumerable 
obstacles in the way. He has often spoken of those days when he stood on the brink 
of his great success, as the darkest in his whole career. Paper makers did not take 
kindly to the new discovery. Their first experiments with it were crude and unsatis- 
factory. They were sure that wood pulp would never make paper ; they refused to 



544 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

use it, and the company saw its product thrown back into its storeliouses, an unmarl<et- 
able article. It needed such an emergency to test Warner Miller. Unshaken and 
sanguine, he was more determined than ever. His own e.xperiments had convinced 
him that a satisfactory paper could be made of which at least seventy-five per cent, 
was wood pulp, and at such a price as would compel manufacturers to use the new 
ingredient in self-defense. So a paper mill was added to the pulp manufactory, and he 
quickly demonstrated the absolute correctness of his theory. Success came at once, as 
he knew it must, and thus began the era of cheap paper, and to Warner Miller belongs 
the credit. For a time his pohtical opponents were accustomed to apply to him the 
epithet " Wood Pulp." Mr. Miller never resented this, but in public addresses and other- 
wise alluded to it as his only title to nobility. The process has revolutionized journal- 
ism, and has done more than any other one invention to make possible the tremendous 
increase in the publication of^successful newspapers. 

Mr. Miller early showed his natural aptitude for politics. For many years he was 
chairman of the Republican county committee of Herkimer county, and repeatedly 
demonstrated his skill as a political organizer. His first appearance in public life was 
as a delegate to the Republican National Convention of 1872, at Philadelphia, which 
renominated President Grant. In 1873 he was elected to represent Herkimer county in 
the Assembly, and was his own successor in that body the following year. Here he 
was brought into close association with many of the men who have since been poten- 
tial in the aflairs of state, and among them made his mark as a man of self-poise, cool 
judgment and great industry. He served on the insurance committee in the Assembly 
of 1874. and on the ways and means and canal committees in 1875. 

It was through his efforts that the first law was passed in this State, providing for 
compulsory education. In 1878 he was elected to the Forty-sixth Congress by the Re- 
publicans of the Twenty-Second Congressional District, then composed of the counties 
of Herkimer, Jefferson and Lewis. In 1880 he was re-elected, and his majorities in 
both contests demonstrated his strength and popularity among those farming counties. 
In tlie House of Representatives he served on the committee on militia. He devoted 
himself faithfully to the duties of his office, making few speeches, but studying care- 
fully the methods of legislation and the principles underlying it, and constantly grow- 
ing in influence and popularity. 

Mr. Miller had hardly entered upon his second term as representative in Congress in 
1881, before the complications arose which led to the resignations of Senators Conkling 
and Piatt, and the long dead-lock in the Legislature at Albany. He was at once 
suggested by many of his friends as an admirable candidate for United States Senator 
to fill one of the vacancies. He received many complimentary votes in the early days 
of that struggle which began in May and continued two months. It ended July 16, 
1801, — the most memorable political contest in the State — in the chpice of Mr. Miller 
for the long term in place of Senator Piatt, followed a few days later by the election 
of his colleague in Congress, Elbridge G. Lapham. 

The people soon found that a man had been chosen to represent them in the United 
States Senate fully equal to the requirements of the imperial State, and who was des- 
tined to occupy a position in that body altogether worthy of the great Commonwealth 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 545 

whose interests he considered with quick intelUgence and ceaseless industry. The 
study and observation of all these years of preparation were now brought promptly 
and effectively into requisition upon this broader field. The deliberation and careful 
methods of the Senate were in keeping with the mental habits and tastes of Mr. Miller, 
and his voice was soon heard on many of the vital questions then pending in Congress. 
He rose steadily to the rank of a skillful and effective debater, and in the estimation of 
his colleagues and friends. He proved what had been claimed for him. that he was a 
faithful, conscientious, able and industrious representative of the greatest State in the 
Union, and he steadily won honors for himself and his Staff. That veteran legislator, 
Senator Sherman, of Ohio, once said of Mi-. Miller and of his work and influence in the 
Senate : " He is one of our ablest senators. Judged by that crucial test, the power 
•' to produce results, he is one of the strongest men we have. You notice that when 
•'he undertakes a thing, it is very apt to be carried. He has represented New York 
'' right along with courage and great ability, as questions have come up in which she had 
"stake. Both in the committee room and in the Senate, he presents a subject with 
" force and clearness. In his relations with senators he shows good judgment and good 
"feeling, and does not weaken his influence by the friction of unnecessary personal 
"antagonism."' The lamented Senator John A. Logan, who became his trusted friend, 
remarked to a colleague during the great debate on tlie tariff in 1882, that he had 
learned not only to let Warner Miller alone, but to follow his vote on any question that 
goncerned the tariff. 

Mr. Miller was popular with his colleagues. He was capable of every achievement 
to which he .set himself. He was a tireless worker, a close student, a believer in com- 
mon sense methods, and never shrank from any task which the welfare of his great 
constituency assigned to him. Mr. Miller was first appointed in 1882 a member of the 
committee on Commerce, and Post Offices and Post Roads. In 1883 he was made a 
member of the committee on Education and Labor. In 1884 he was assigned to the 
committees on Finance. In 1886 he was made chairman of the committee on Agri- 
culture, which afterward included Forestry. From these committees emanated some 
of the most important legislation of the period covering Mr. Miller's service. It is im- 
possible to enumerate at length ah the legi-slation affecting the business and commerce 
of New York and the country to the enactment of which Mr. Miller successfully de- 
voted himself. Among the most important was the head-money tax law, by which 
more than $250,000 a year is saved to the people of New York, and the entire burden 
of the support of Castle Garden lifted from their shoulders. The tax on our internal 
marine for the support of marine hospitals was abolished by his efforts. The so-called 
Dingley bill shows his handiwork in all its parts as a member of the special joint com- 
mittee on the decline of the American merchant marine. He aided in protecting sailors 
from the extortions of boarding-house keepers and of the men engaged in shipping 
crews. He began the movement and secured the first appropriation for deepening the 
water over Sandy Hook bar, an improvement which added greatly to the commercial 
advantages of the metropolis. He also secured a large number of much needed ap- 
propriations for the development of our several harbors in the annnal river and harbor 
bills. He thoroughly believed in the policy of internal improvements, as he believed 



546 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

in the ceaseeless prosperity of our country wliich demanded these improvements, and 
he could not be driven by threats or criticism from this position, which proved to be 
the right one, showing his far-seeing good judgment as in many other directions. Mr. 
Miller was also a member of the special committee of the Senate which investigated 
the transportation problem, the result of who.se labors was the existing law for the 
regulation of railroads. In the consideration of the Chinese exclusion act, his votes 
were uniformly cast for the most rigid measiires, because he felt that the Mongolian 
was of necessity an alien in the United States, incapable of assimilation, and because 
he realized that the American laborer could not compete with him. To that ad- 
vanced ground the country has since come. He also took a strong position in advo- 
cating all measures to prevent the evil of contract labor importation, and it was 
largely through his efforts that the bill prohibiting the importation of contract labor 
was perfected in the committee on Education and Labor, whence it was reported by 
him to the Senate, and which passed that body. In this connection he took a posi- 
tion against the ownership of large farms. The eight-hour law also found an 
earnest champion in Mr. Miller, again demonstrating his large-hearted sympathy with 
the laboring classes. 

Mr. Miller's first great speech in the Senate was an elaborate explanation and vindi- 
cation of the principle and the operation of the protective tariff. The free trade lead- 
ers read carefully prepared arguments which Mr. Miller answered each time in extended 
extemporaneous speeches, which attracted the close attention of his colleagues and the 
country, and which were powerful agencies in carrying the tariff bill of 1882-3 to a 
successful issue. He believed in protection, for the benefit of American labor, he op- 
posed "free raw materials," he fought .successfully for the preservation of the duty on 
aniline dye colors, and his defence of the duty on salt and the glass industries of the 
country was earnest and effective. He al.so led the contest in favor of keeping the 
duty on cigars. But his greatest struggle in tariff legislation was in fixing the duty on 
iron ore. He held fast to the principle that the resources of our own country should 
be developed and brought into use. He contended for a tariff rate of one dollar per 
ton. The tarifl" commission had recommended fifty cents, which had been approved by 
the Senate Committee. The rate was finally fixed at seventy-five cents, and his efforts 
in this matter were recognized as most powerful. 

When the Senate committees were organized, at the beginning of Mr. Miller's sec- 
ond year, he was given his choice of chairmanships from a number of vacant commit- 
tees. To the surprise of all, and against the remonstrances of friends, he chose the 
committee on Agriculture. The fact that this committee had heretofore done nothing, 
determined the senator to identify himself with it. The result showed his good judg- 
ment, for he made a record for himself and the committee which attracted universal 
attention. It was in this committee that the measure for the extirpation of pleuro- 
pneumonia among cattle was perfected, and one of his crowning eftbrts was his suc- 
cessful championship of the bill to place a tax on oleomargarine. This bill had passed 
the House with a proclamation that it must be killed in the Senate. The manufac- 
turers' of the product sent a powerful and determined lobby to Washington to defeat 
the bill. They sought to have it referred to the Finance Committee where it was 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 547 

hoped to smother it, but Mr. Miller's valiant fight sent it to the committee on Agricul- 
ture, from whence it was favorably reported. It became a law, and another victory— 
a victory for honest butter — was placed to Mr. Miller's credit. But the most signifi- 
cant work in the direction of promoting the interests of agriculture, performed by the 
senator, was in his successful advocacy of the bill creating a new cabinet office, to be 
known as the Department of Agriculture. This measure Mr. Miller succeeded in carry- 
ing through the Senate shortly before the expiration of his term. It will be seen that 
in some re.spects the most important work performed by Senator Miller was in con- 
nection with the general welfare of the agricultural intere.sts of the country. He kept 
a watchful eye upon all that concerned the farmer and never missed an opportunity to 
speak in behalf of the great pursuit which lies at the root of our prosperity, and it was 
well said by that veteran observer of men and events in Washington — Ben. Perley 
Poore — that " Warner Miller was the first man to give agriculture a national promi- 
nence in the Senate." 

Taken altogether, Mr. Miller's service as a legislator was of inestimable value to his 
own State and to the country. His sound judgment, his vigilance, and his devotion to 
the best interests of the people, place him in the foremost rank among the able states- 
men of his time. He was a tireless worker and a most faithful public servant, making 
a proud record for himself, and justifying the most earnest expectations of his friends. 
He accepted his election to the United States Senate in 1881 without elation, mod- 
estly settins himself to work to serve his great constituency to the utmost of his ability. 
He grew with his work and his experience, and reached the stature of a typical states- 
man. His defeat for re-election in 1887 was accepted without complaint, censure or 
criticism. His friends believed him justly entitled, by his eminent service to the indorse- 
ment, which a re-election would imply, labored zealously for him, and will ever believe 
that his defeat was the forerunner and the cause of the disasters which have overtaken 
his party in this State since that time. 

Mr. Miller's political experiences have been varied and interesting. He has always 
been a believer in and an advocate of honest politics. For many years he directed the 
Republican organization in Herkimer county. He became an influential factor in State 
politics and his opinions ahvays carried weight. He presided over the first Republican. 
State Convention held after his election as senator in 1881, held in New York. His 
opening address was a memorable one. The convention was held soon after the death 
of President Garfield. "We meet under the shadow of a great sorrow," was his well- 
remembered opening sentence. In 1882 he labored at Saratoga for the renomination of 
Governor Cornell. Secretary Folger was nominated and defeated by Cleveland, who then 
began his march as a " man of destiny." At the State Convention held at Richfield 
Springs in 1883, he was chosen permanent president. In that convention he actively 
pres-ed a movement for a larger representation in State Conventions, based on Re- 
publican vote rather than the fixed plan of three from each assembly district. His 
plan was adopted very soon after and has since prevailed. In 1884 he favored the 
nomination of Blaine for president, which was the result of the Chicago Convention. 
In 1888 he was a delegate at the National Convention and was active in throwing the 
vote of New York for the nomination of Benjamin Harrison, his intimate associate in 



548 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the Senate. It is not generally known that Mr. Miller himself might have received 
the nomination had he permitted the real situation to be known among his friends. 
While the contest was going on several State delegations approached him and offered 
to give him their votes if the New York delegation would present his name. He would 
not broach the subject to any member of his delegation, and continued his efforts for 
Harrison. When the Republican State Convention met in the September following, 
Mr. Miller's name was the only one presented for the nomination of governor, and he 
was unanimously nominated amid great enthusiasm. The campaign which followed 
was a remarkable one. Mr. Miller at once'began a vigorous campaign. He addressed 
over seventy meetings and visited nearly every county of the State. Ilis speeches and 
his endurance were the wonder of his friends. He was brave and frank in his utter- 
ances and won the respect of his opponents. His party had spoken in its platforms 
for protection to America industry and for high license. He made a square issue. His 
experience in the Senate enabled him to present the subject of protection in its best 
form, and he courageously made a fight for the home against the saloon. The sa- 
loon interest made a desperate resistance, raised a large fund, and defeated Mr. Mil- 
ler at the polls. Unreasoning supporters of Prohibition saw high license and temperance 
legislation killed for a generation. The plurality counted against him was 19,171. 
The Prohibition vote was 30,215. But he came out of the conflict a hero. He had 
made the contest on a national issue as well, carried New York for Harrison, thus 
making sure of the latter's election. The newly elected president sent a celebrated 
telegram to Mr. Miller, in which he referred to the great leader who had " fallen outside 
the breastworks " Thousands of devoted friends hoped and believed that Mr. Har- 
rison would at least offer Mr. Miller a position in the cabinet, and a great movement 
was made with that end in view until checked by Mr. Miller himself. The latter was 
a delegate at the National Convention at Minneapolis in 1892. He favored the nomi- 
nation of Mr. James G. Blaine, but he came home and took an active part in the cam- 
paign for Harrison. 

Ever since he entered politics he has been active in every political campaign. 
He is a popular speaker. He talks common sense in a way to carry conviction. His 
arguments are straightforward, convincing, plain and unvarnished. Especially in 
agricultural communities is he a favorite speaker, and the vote cast for him for gov- 
ernor in the country districts testified to his popularity. He never has stooped to 
deception or intrigue in any of his political experiences. His word has always been 
sacredly kept, and he has been alike true to friend and opponent. 

In 1889 he was elected president of the Nicaragua Canal Construction Company. A 
few months afterwards he made an extensive tour of observation in Nicaragua in the 
interest of the company. The trip was eventful from the fact that he and his party 
were shipwrecked on Roncador Island in the Caribbean Sea. No lives were lost, and 
there was little inconvenience beyond a vexatious delay. A boat was rowed seventy 
miles to another island to give information of the disaster and to arrange for relief. 
It was an exciting if not an enjoyable incident of the trip. Had the sea been leps 
smooth at the time the vessel went on the treacherous rocks in the early morning, this 
sketch might have been an obituary. He has visited Europe in the interests of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 549 

Uanal and has also brought the enterprise to the attention of American capitalists in 
many States. He has faith with many others that this great projected waterway will 
be an accomplished fact, that the United States government will in good time indorse 
the undertaking, and that it will, when completed, revolutionize the commerce of the 
world. Mr. Miller does not allow his labors in this national work to interfere with 
careful attention to his large private interests. He is still an extensive manufacturer 
of wood pulp and paper, with plants at Lyons Falls, Herkimer, and Palmer Falls. He 
is an influential leader in the association of manufacturers, and must take pride in the 
fact that he has been such a powerful agent in bringing the manufacture of paper to 
its present wonderful state. He no doubt contrasts his present influential position with 
the dark days when he was struggling to make the world know the usefulness of the 
invention. 

Personally, Mr. Miller is a type of vigorous manhood. Blessed with good health, 
abundant strength, a strong intellect, be stands as a worthy illustration of American 
pluck and energy. He hates hypocrisy and demagogism, is frank and open in his 
ways and his friendships, steadfast in his opinions which he believes to be right, a 
true friend and an honorable opponent. In 1865 he married Caroline Churchill, 
and his family consists now of his devoted and accomplished wife, one daughter, 
Augusta, and three sons. Max, Burr, and Guy. Miss Miller has been given a com- 
plete education in this country and has spent two years at institutions in Germany 
and Italy. Max is engaged in his father's manufactory at Palmer Falls. Burr is an 
architect in New York city, and Guy is finishing a oour.se at Union University. All 
his children have been carefully and liberally educated. Mr. Miller's home on his farm 
at Herkimer is one of the pleasantest residences in the Mohawk valley, overlooking 
the Mohawk river, two great trunk railroad lines, the Brie Canal and county roadways. 
A view from his residence is a study in commerce, and may well inspire a sentiment of 
confidence in the growth and activity of the country. It is here that Herkimer county's 
most honored citizen spends his summers among his neighbors and his friends, passing 
the winter months in the metropolis. Mr. Miller keeps up his interest in national and 
commercial aflfairs, and he is an honored guest at every gathering which combines 
social pleasures with the discussion of questions of vital interests to the metropolis, the 
State or the country. His public addresses on educational questions in his own and 
other States rank with his political expressions as valuable contributions to the political, 
economic and educational literature of his time. 

Mr. Miller is now in the full strength of his years and can feel the consciousness that 
he has given his friends, his State, and the republic the best efforts of his nature, and 
can already look back upon an honorable and useful life as the proudest legacy he can 
leave to his people. 
70 



550 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

BENJAMIN F. GREENE 

Was born in the town of Fairfield, read law in Herkimer, and removed to Chautauqua 
county, N. Y., and was elected justice of the Supreme Court; he served from 1851 to 
1861, having at one time been presiding justice. He was a careful painstaking officer. 



EDMUND O'CONOR 

Was born in Manheim, read law in Herkimer, removed to Binghamton, Broome 
county, and is now State Senator, with a good record. 



PART II. 

FAMILY SKETCHES. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



Abbot, Sardis L., Litchfield, one of the representative farmers of Litchfield, owns a 
dairy and grain farm of 120 acres. He was highway commissioner for three years, 
was three times justice of the peace, and held that office for ten years; he also held 
the office of assessor for five years. He was born in Cobleskill, Schoharie county, 
February 19, 1810, and settled m this town April 7, 1834. He married Rebecca Bud- 
long, a native of this town, and born on this farm, where she lived all her life. She 
was born May 3, 1811, and she died October 3, 1888, leaving one son, Charles F. ; she 
had two children who died: John J., August 21, 1858, and a daughter, Ophelia L. 
Maltby, who died September 15, 1878, and left three children : Eugene A., Charles W. 
and Lelia R. Maltby. Charles F., the only son of Sardis L. and Rebecca Abbott, mar- 
ried Alice E. Vincent, and they have four children : Florence A., Charles W., Gor- 
don N. and Robert. Sardis L. Abbott is a son of James P., who was a son of Joseph, 
a native of Hamden county, Mass. Mrs. Rebecca Abbot was a daughter of John Bud- 
long, a native of this State, and son of Aaron Budlong. The law in early days was 
that every boy eighteen years old was liable to military duty, consequently Sardis L. 
Abbott was enrolled, and went into the ranks, from which he rose to the rank of cap- 
tain, and after serving four or five years he resigned. 

Allen, D. E., German Flats, was born in Mohawk, April 12, 1852, and has been in 
the furniture business since he was eighteen years of age. In 1886 he married Mi.ss 
Blanche Elwood. Mr. Allen is a Mason and a man of high standing socially in Mo- 
hawk. His father, Enos Allen, came to Mohawk in 1840 from Connecticut. His 
grandfather, Delaney Allen, was a native of Connecticut and the family history ex- 
tends back two hundred years in this country. This well and favorably known furni- 
ture business was founded nearly half a century ago by E. Allen, father of the pres- 
ent proprietor. Some twenty years ago Mr. Allen associated with him his son, D. E. 
Allen, when it was conducted under the firm name of E. Allen & Son, and finally in 
1886, at the death of his father, D. E. Allen assumed sole control ; and he has fully 
maintained the high reputation of the house which it has always borne for handling 
the most reliable goods at the most reasonable prices. The warerooms are comprised 
in a four story building 22 x 60 feet in dimensions and having a floorage area of 6,000 
square feet. D. E. Allen was born in Mohawk and is a gentleman of excellent busi- 
ness standing, enjoying the respect and esteem of the entire community. He is a di- 
rector of the Mohawk Valley National Bank, the Mohawk Valley Knitting Mills, and 
the Knitting Company of Mohawk, Limited. He is also the possessor of considerable 
real estate in the village, and although busily engaged in his enterprise, he still finds 



2 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

time to interest himself in fine Holstein cattle, and has one of the finest dairy farms 
of 225 acres in this section of the State, with a creamery and cheese factory attached. 

Abrial, John, Little Falls, the foreman of George & Holden's mills, known as 
the Little Falls Paper Company, is a native of Livingston, Columbia County, N. Y. 
He has worked successfully in many factories, including Bingham Mills, Glencoe 
Mills, Livingston, and foreman at Linlilhgo. He came to his present position four 
years ago and three years ago was promoted to the position of foreman. His ancestors 
were residents of this State for upwards of a century. Mr. Abrial is an expert in all 
departments of the manufacture, and to his skill and intelligence is due much of the 
credit for the excellence of the products of these mills. 

Ashenhurst, W. F., Little Falls, is a native of Philadelphia and has always been in the 
plumbing business. At fifteen years of age he began his trade in New Yoik City, re- 
maining until 1872. He then went to Oswego and after spending seven years in that 
city, came to Little Falls in October, 1880, and the following March entered into 
partnership witti Mr. McDermot. Mr. Ashenhurst is a thorough business man, of 
the highest integrity, and to his own abilities and industry he owes the success that he 
has met with. He is a high degree Mason, being past high priest of the chapter 
of R. A. M., and also an officer in the Little Falls Commandery of Knights 
Templar. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and in politics lie is a Repub- 
lican. 

Abbott, William H., Little Falls, was born in the State of Maine. His earlier years 
were passed upon a farm, and when about sixteen years of age he learned the photo- 
graphic business, a business he has since carried on. He, after becoming a skilled 
artist, traveled for some time and located eventually about thiity-three years ago in 
Little Falls where he now conducts the leading art studio. He was appointed deputy 
sherifl" under V^alentine Brown in 1884 and served under him for three years and in 
1392, January 1, he was again appointed deputy sheriff under Sylvester Wilson of 
Herkimer. He has also been foreman of one of the local fire companies. He married 
Miss Nancy B. Dygert of Little Falls, and has three children : Two sons and one daugh- 
ter. Sheriff Abbott is thoroughly identified with local, social and benevolent institu- 
tions and has been just at present writing appointed excise commissioner. 

Aland, Charles, Frankfort, was born in London, England, in November, 1855. He 
was one of three children of Henry and Martha Martin Aland. He was educated 
at Helperton Academy, Wiltshire. He married Annie E. Weaver, of London, and 
in 1880 came to the United States, locating at Rome, N. Y. Mr. Aland took charge 
of an iron foundry, where he remained for five years, when became to Frankfort, and 
was placed in charge of the brass and iron foundry of th« West Shore Railroad 
shops, where he has since remained. 

Acers, Frank B., Warren, was born in Warren August 22, 1854, and is a son of 
William E. and Caroline (Duell) Acers. His grandfather, George Acers, came from 
Vermont and settled north of Little Lakes. He raised a large family and died Septem- 
ber 23, 1830. Willim E. Acers was born in Vermont March 4, 1788, and came to 



FAMILY SKETCnES. 3 

Warren with his parents. He was married three times ; first to Atlie Scotf, wlio bore 
him eight children, and died April 4, 1825 ; and he married second Margaret Scott, 
who bore him one child. His third wife was Caroline (Duell) Wall, the mother of our 
subject. Frank B. Acers began life for himself at the age of fourteen, working by the 
month. In 1876 he located where he now lives on 150 acres. He is a breeder of 
Ayrshire cattle, the only one thus engaged in this section ; also of Cotswold sheep, of 
the Dan McDonald flock, for which McDonald received the first premium at the State 
Fair. He married June 25, 1875, Josephine, daughter of Lewis and Orpha (Waldron) 
Staring. They have three children, Carrie L., Grace M. and Kenneth G. He is a Re- 
publican, and both he and his wife are active in the Methodist church. 

Abrams, Professor J. K., principal of the Church Street Union school. Little Falls, 
was born in the town of Charleston, Montgomery county, N. Y. When nine years old 
he moved with his parents on a farm near Braman's Corners, Schenectady county, at- 
tended the village school and worked on the farm when there was no school. When 
the Princeton Academy opened he entered that institution as a student ; afterward the 
Charlotte Seminary, where he developed as a mathematician. He began teaching 
early in the fifties, when it was the ambition of farmers' sons to teach school for $14 
per month and board 'round. Twenty-five years ago he came to Little Falls to assume 
his present position, and has filled it with ability and success ever since. He is the 
oldest teacher in the county in point of actual teaching, which amounts to almost forty 
years. During all these years of teaching Prof. Abrams has been a close student of 
professional literature, besides covering a wide field of general reading. Prof. Abrams 
is a descendant of an old and honorable German family that came to America in the 
seventeenth century. He is a Mason and a member of the Presbyterian church. His 
people on his mother's side came from Connecticut in 1795, and his father served at 
Plattsburgh during the war of 1812. 

Armstrong, George A., Winfield, was born in Otsego county July 14, 1859, a son of 
Azariah and Hannah Armstrong. He was educated at the Academy of West Winfield. 
He read with Dr. J. F. Huntley and studied medicine at the University of New York, 
graduating in 1884. He commenced practice at Elizabeth, N. J. ; after that went to 
Buriington, Otsego county, where he practiced four years ; then came to West Win- 
field and bought out Dr. J. F. Huntley, and has bsen here ever since. He married Sep- 
tember 9, 1885, Emma Kate Greene, of Tarrytown, a daughter of Joseph and Hester 
Greene, and they have three children living. Vera H., and Allan Stone and Kenneth 
Greene. They have lost one child, Edna Grant, who died September 24, 1891, aged 
about one year. 

Arnold, Thomas, Russia, was born in Rhode Island in 1820, a son of George, a son 
of Thomas, who was a native of Rhode Island, born in 1730. He was a farmer and 
lived and died in his native State. His wife was Hannah Green, a relative of General 
Green of Revolutionary fame. They had three sons and one daughter. George 
Arnold was a native of Rhode Island, born in 1777. He was a carpenter and built the 
court-house at Providence, R. 1. He married Hannah, daughter of Jonathan Randall, 



4 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

and Aunie Spiagiie Randall. She was a daughter of Peter Spragiie, of Cranston, 
R. I., who was a cousin of Governor Sprague. Mr. Arnold was a colonel in the State 
militia. He came from Newport in 1821, where he engaged in the manufacture of 
cotton yarn. In 1823 he removed to Poland, and there manufactured yarn for eight 
years. He afterwards engaged in buying and gelling cotton until his death in 1871 in 
Poland, and his wife in 1871. Thomas Arnold came to Herkimer county with his 
parents when a child, and has resided in Newport and Poland for seventy years. He 
received a common school education, and was reared on the farm where he now re- 
sides. He was for a number of years engaged in buying stock and shipping dressed 
beef east from Chicago, and was also engaged in the same business at Utica. He is a 
Republican, and has been justice of the peace for about twenty years. His maternal 
grandfather was Jonathan Randall, a resident of Cranston, R. I. 

Angell, Delavan A., Winfield, is agent and operator at Cedarville Station, on the 
Richfield Branch of the D. L. & W. R. R. He was the first station agent there, and 
had his office in a box car the first summer, that of 1870, when this branch was com- 
pleted to Richfield Springs. He is a trustee of the Universalist church at Cedarville. 
He was born where he and his sisters, Amelia D. Angell and Louisa A. Angell, now 
live, in Chepachet. They have a brother, Charles D. Angell, who has one son, Elon 
Delavan Angell. They are children of Emer Angell, who was born in New Berlin, 
Chenango county, and Fidelia A. Payne Angell, who was born in Litchfield, this 
county, a daughter of Setli Payne, of Rhode Island, and Ruth Lynde, of Massachusetts. 
Their grandfather, Emer Angell, married Lydia Rice, in 1797, and emigrated from 
Providence, R. I., to New Berlin, N. Y., as one of the first settlers, journeying by 
marked trees. He was drafted to serve in the war of 1812. 

Arnold, Harry C, Fairfield, is a representative of one of the oldest and best fam- 
ilies. He was born June 12, 1862, on the farm he now owns. He received his edu- 
cation at Fort Plain and Fairfield. His farm consists of 350 acres and a dairy of 
seventy cows. He is a member o* the Grange, and takes an intelligent interest in the 
affairs of the county. His father, Daniel B. Arnold, died in 1887. 

Buck, Lyman H. was born in Russia, N. Y., January 2, 1837, a son of William Buck, 
who was born in Chesterfield, Mass., October G, 1807. He bought a farm near Poland, 
where he resided until IStiO, when he purchased an adjoining farm, where he lived the 
remainder of his days. He was the first president of the State Bank at Poland, or- 
ganized in 1870, and president of the National Bank until his death. He died in 1880. 
His wife Susan, daughter of Jonathan and Susannah (Buck) Millington, is still living 
in Poland. Jonathan was born in Shaftsbury, Vt., in 1774, was a son of Solomon 
Millington, a native of Shaftsbury, who died in 1833, and his wife in 1835. Jonathan 
Millington had one son and five daughters. He was drafted in the war of 1812. He 
died in 1854. Lyman Buck was educated in Fairfield Seminary. In connection with 
farming, he taught school several terms. Afterwards followed farming, exclusively 
on the old homestead, which he and his brother now own. Mr. Buck with Charles D. 
Buck, Peter Newman, Felus Prindle and Marcena May, owned for a number of years 
the Poland cheese factory and manufactured large quantities of cheese. Lyman H. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 5 

Buck owns land in Herkimer County, and also quite extensively in several of tlie 
Western States. He is one of the stockholders and president of the Union Store in 
Poland. He is a Republican. He furnished a substitute in the Civil War. Mr. Buck 
has always supported the Baptist Church. His wife is Frances M. Ferris, whom he 
married February 20, 1865. She is a daughter of the late Col. Timothy H. Ferris, of 
Russia. Mr. Buck and wife have one child, Harriet Gudrida, at home. 

Burlingame, B. W., Russia, was born August 19, 1849, in Minden, Montgomery 
counly. His father was Peter B., son of Benjamin Burlingame of Dutchess county, 
who married Elizabeth Bice and had four sons and two daughters. Bis wife died in 
1.810 and he married a widow Dempster of Kingsbury. She died and he was a 
third time married. He died near Gray about 1852, aged seventy-six. Peter B. 
Burlingame was born July 29, 1804, in Dutchess county. November 17, 1834, he 
married Sarah E. Bonfie, a native of Montgomery county, born February 14, 1812, 
and a daughter of Barnabas Bonfie, who was a son of Henry, a native of Con- 
necticut, who had seven children. Barnabas Bonfie was born January 13, 1785, 
in Amsterdam, and married Polly Smith, of Dutchess county, born February 22, 
1787, by whom he had seven sons and three daughters. He died in Gray, 1871, 
and his wife in 1874. Peter B. Burlingame and wife had four sons and three 
daughters, two of whom are living, subject of sketch and Mary E., who has three 
children living. Her mother resides with her. Barnabas E., son of Peter B.. was in 
the 117th New York Infanliy, Company C, and died May 25, 1863, aged nineteen. 
Mr. Burlingame died January 14, 1888, in Grant. The subject of this sketch is a car- 
penter by trade, but his principal occupation has been farming. He is a Repub- 
lican. He is a member of the Free Will Baptist Church and his wife is a Methodist. 
Mr. Burlingame was twice married : First, to Alma S., daughter of Henry Caruthers. 
She was born June 31, 1853, and died August 29, 1886. They had two children, of 
whom one died in infancy, and Frank W., born October 26, 1884. His second wife 
was Mattie (Hollenbeck) Pardee, born in Salisbury, October 10, 1845. Her 
father was Francis, son of Jasper Hollenbeck, born near Hudson, who married Miss 
Van Wormer, by whom he had four sons and two daughters. Francis Hollenbeck 
vras born near Hudson, 1810. His wife was Margaret A. Emery and they had three 
sons and two daughters. He died October 26, 1872, and his wife in 1881. Subject's 
wife was first married in 1868 to Joseph Pardee, born 1837, in Russia, a son of Loien 
and Betsy (Prindle) Pardee of Russia. Joseph Pardee and wife had two children: 
Merritt J., deceased, and Edith G. Mr. Pardee died in 1871. 

Bridenbecker, Amos, Schuyler, was born on the farm where he lives, April 20, 
1817. His father, Daniel B., was also a native of Schuyler, and his grandfather came 
from Germany and took an active part in the War of the Revolution about Fort 
Schuyler. September 27, 1838, Mr. Bridenbecker married Caroline Pruyn, and they 
had three children : Mrs. Dr. E. W. Raynor and Mrs. George W. Richardson, and one 
son, Ezra D., who died September 19, 1851. He married second, in 1853, Ann M. 
Young. Mr. Bridenbecker was in the militia under General Spinner, with rank of 
lieutenant- colonel. 



6 HISTORY OF nERKIMER COUNTY. 

Brown, Horace, Frankfort, was born in Frankfort March 23, 1839, he being one of 
thirteen children of J. Z. Brown (son of Darius), who was born in the same town 
October (i, 1807; he was a farmer and a preacher, being a Methodist minister and 
preaching for fifty years. He died in his native town July 21, 1887. Darius Brown, 
a brother of Horace, was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion. He died May 10, 1864, 
aged twenty-nine years. His life was lost at Spottsylvania, his body not being re- 
covered. Another brother, Burton, served in the war, was honorably discharged on 
account of ill health, and died about a year later. Mr. Brown has always made his 
home in his native town. 

Bradley, H. W., German Flats, was born in St. Lawrence county June 2, 1852, and 
has been in mechanical lines all his business life. He came to Ilion in 1874 and entered 
the armory as tool maker. He has been assistant superintendent since 1888. In 1873 
he married Anna G. Austin, of Windsor, Vt., and they have had one son, Lester H., 
who is studymg at Norwich University. Mr. Bradley stands high in Masonry, and is 
one of the substantial men of Uion. 

Barringer, C. A., German Flats, was born in Ilion December 31, 1845, and has lived 
all his life on the farm where he was born. His father was Samuel Barringer, and his 
grandfather Zachariah Barringer. Our subject owns 135 acres of fine farming land, and 
his two sisters, Mary and Martha, reside with him. 

Burch, S. C, German Flats, was born January 8, 1861, and was educated in the 
Ilion Academy. After acting as book-keeper for some years, he and his father, C. B. 
Burch, started in business in 1884. The next year Mr. Burch married Alvira C. Bud- 
long, daughter of William Budlong. Mr. Burch has been village clerk, and a promi- 
nent member of the K. of P., Odd Fellows, the Uion.Hook and Ladder Company, and is 
very highly esteemed in the social circles of Ilion. 

Bellinger, George P., Danube, was born on the old farm in 1867. He was liberally 
educated at Fort Plain and at the Clinton Liberal Institute and assisted his father on 
the. farm until the death of that gentleman, when he succeeded to the property, which 
occurred on the 2d of Noveuiber. 1888. He married Grace Johnson on the 9th of 
September, 1891, and they have a daughter, Ruth, born November, 18, 1892. Christian 
Bellinger, great-grandfather to George P., settled here early in the seventeenth century ; 
his great grandfather, Christian Bellinger, was taken prisoner by the Indians. His 
father, James Bellinger, lived and died on the old farm. He owns about 125 acres of 
6ne dairy land and keeps about forty head of stock. 

Burch, C. B., German Flats, was born in Otsego county December 7, 1834. His 
father was Orlo Burch. C. B. Burch was first engaged as a clerk and then in farming. 
He came to Ilion in 1865 and worked in the armory for ten years. In 1884 he estab- 
lished his present business. Mr. Burch is a Republican and a member of the A. O. U. 
W. In June, 1863, he married Miss Harriet A. Ross, and they have five children, 
three sous and two daughters ; Seymour C, W. W., and A. W., are the sons. 

Barse, F., German Flats, was born in Herkimer county, town of Herkimer, October 
5, 1830, and came to Ilion in 1863. After filling responsible positions he embarked in 



FAMILY SKETCHES. ' 7 

the saloon and bottling business fifteen years ago, and in 1882 the firm became 
Barse & Miller, as it at present exists. Mr. Barse married Mary B. Wildey, and they 
have one daughter, Kate. Mr. Barse's mother was a Miss Smith, related to the Smiths 
of Herkimer. 

Benton, W. W., German Flats, was born in Andover, Vt., January 2C. 1830. He 
was a blacksmith's son, and learned the trade of blacksmith. After two years spent in 
the armory at Springfield he came in 1863 to Ilion and has been in the armory ever 
since, being now one of the contractors. He is a Mason, and has served on the Board 
of Education. In 185G he married Meriam L. Hunllev ; they had one son, W. W. jr. 
virhodied in his seventeenth year, a promising young man, who had already distmguished 
himself as a student. 

Bennett, R. W., Frankfort, only son of Daniel and Oalista (Dyke) Bennett, was 
born in Frankfort. Daniel, the father, was born in Connecticut. He settled in Frank- 
fort si.Kty-five years ago and is now living at ninety-one years of age, his wife Cali.sta 
also being eighty seven years of age; his father, Waterman Bennett, was a native of 
Connecticut; his father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. R. W. Bennett was 
married February 6, 1853, to Dorcas R. Cooledge, daughter of Horace and Mary (Buck) 
Cooledge, of Frankfort. They have one daughter, Flora A. (Mrs. John E. Maynard). 

Maynard, John B., a native of the town of Litchfield, has lived in Frankfort fourteen 
years. He married February G, 1878, Flora A. Bennett, of Frankfort; they have three 
children, Arthur B., Mabel A., and Ella Jenette. His place, "Valley View Stock 
Farm," of one hundred acres is as the name indicates, situated upon a hill which gives 
a fine view of the surrounding country. In 1890 Mr. Maynard built a very fine barn 
for dairy and stock purposes, it being thirty-six by seventy-two feet with twenty feet 
posts, and basement finely arranged for thirty cows, with stalls and box stalls for 
horses also, it being one of the notable buildings of the town. 

Baird, John, Norway, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, November, 1852. He is 
the fourth of six children born to John and Elizabeth (McCulloch) Baird, of Scotland, 
where they lived and died. Elizabeth Baird died in 1855, and Mr. Baird married Mary 
Gordon, by whom he had ten children. He was a successful dairyman. He died in 
1886. In 1871 John and his brother James came to America. James spent the most 
of his life, after coming here, in Otsego county, as a cheese-maker and school teacher. 
He died in 1876. John was reared on a farm and educated in the common parish 
schools of Scotland. He has followed cheese-making since he came to America. For 
the last ten years he has been engaged in the White Creek Cheese Factory of Norway. 
In 1881 he married Ella Fox and they have had three daughters: Grace N, Ella F., 
and Mildred E. Mr. Baird is a Republican and a member of Newport Lodge, No. 451, 
F. and A. M. Mrs. Baird is a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Elwood) Fox of 
Stark. Mr. Fox is of German descent and his wife is of English descent. They reared 
eight children and both died in Stark, N. Y. 

Bellinger, J. C, of Newell & Bellinger, Little Falls, is a grandson and namesake of J. 
C. Bellinger, one of the prominent characters of the early part of the present century. 



8 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

His great-grandfather was Henry Bellinger; so he represents the fourth generation of 
this branch of the Bellinger family in this State. J. C. Bellinger is a native of East 
Bloorafield, Ontario county, N. Y., where he was born in 1866. Although but a young 
man, he is one of the bright business men of the town. July 1, 1891, he entered into 
partnership with J. R. Newell. He had formerly been a clerk in the same business. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

Burney, F. C, Little Fall.s, though a young man is distinctly one of the representa- 
tive business men of Little Falls. He is a native of St. Lawrence county and a de- 
scendant of one of the oldest families jn the county, on his mother's side. He embarked 
in the hardware business in 1888 with a Mr, Cooper, but in January, 1891, this firm 
dissolved and was replaced by Burney Brothers, as it remains at present, the partners 
being F. C. and J. G. Burney. The subject of this sketch is a member of both Odd 
Fellows and Masons. In politics he is a Republican. He has three brothers, and all 
four are Masons; one of the four raised the other three, all at one time. The 
business of Burney Brothers is large and important, and by honorable methods and 
superior bilsiness management they have become important factors in the commer- 
cial life of Little Falls. 

Brown, Roswell E., Little Falls, commission broker for Armour & Company, is a 
native of Fairfield, and spent his early years in farming. Subsequently he .«pent some 
time in the live-stock business. Ten years ago he came to Little Falls to take his 
present position with Armour & Company, and during this time he has had a large and 
constantly increasing business. Mr. Brown is well known in the social as well a.s com- 
mercial circles of this part of the State, and is a prominent member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. He is also a member of the order of B. and P. Elks and in politics he is a Mc- 
Kinley Republican. Mr. Brown's grandfather came to New York State from 
Connecticut. 

Barney, Dr. A. G., Dolgeville, father of F. M. Barney, M. D., settled in Dolgeville in 
July, 1861. He died here September 2. 1888. F. M. Barney was educated in Fair- 
field Seminary and graduated from the Albany Medical College March 15, 1888. Dr. 
Barney married Mattie Broderick of Little Falls. They have no family. The doctor 
is health officer of the town and is identified with local, social and benevolent associa- 
tions. His ancestors came originally from Massachusetts. 

Bishton, F., German Flats, is a native of England and came to America in 1876, lo- 
cating in Ilion. He established his meat-market here in that year and has since con- 
ducted it with success. In 18G7 he married Miss Sarah Simpson and they have a 
family of four boys and two daughters. Mr. Bishton is a Democrat in politics and is a 
member of the Knights of Honor. 

Bellinger, James H., Little Falls, is a son of P. E. Bellinger, of whom mention is 
made elsewhere, and although a young man is one of the representative farmeis of Lit- 
tle Falls, and probably the most able and successful of all the men who are known un- 
der the same name. He is a native of this township and was educated in Little Falls 
and Utica. He married Eva Brown and they have one child, a son. He owns 16'2 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 9 

acres, used for dairy purposes and grain, and has thirty-eight cows. Mr. BelHnger 
is a Democrat and a member of the Royal Arcanum. 

Burke, M. L., German Flats, is a native of Utica and was born September 23, 1837. 
He learned the locksmith's trade but has been for the last thirty-two years a con- 
tractor in connection with the Remington Arms Company. In 1857 he married 
Miss Annie Fogerty, by whom he has had six children, three sons and three daugh- 
ters. The sons are William, Fred J., and Frank T., the daughters, Mrs. Charles R. 
Hubbell of Syracuse, Isabella and Mary E., now Mrs. Charles H. Munson of Herkimer, 
H. Ellen T., now Mrs. Charles Fox of Little Falls. Mr. Burke is one of the leading 
men of Ilion and was elected trustee of the village in 1892. He is a Republican 
in politics and a member of Knights Templar in the Masonic order of Little Falls Com- 
mandery, No. 26. 

Budlong, A. L., Frankfort, the only son of R. P. and Rebecca (Miller) Budlong of 
Frankfort, was born May 30, 1850, on the Budlong homestead where he now lives. His 
grandfather was Aaron Budlong, a native of the town, also born on the old family 
homestead, which was settled by his great-grandfather Aaron Budlong, he being 
one of the first settlers, when it was a forest. Rebecca (Miller) Budlong, the mother, 
was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Miller of Miller's Mills, Columbia. A. L. 
Budlong was married November 3, 1880, to Julia Marriner, one Of three children 
of Edward and Julia (Frost) Marriner of New York City. They have had three chil- 
dren : Edward Marriner, Fred Eugene and De Elmo P. Budlong (died in infancy). 

Briggs, WiUiam, (Jerman Flats, was born in Warwick, Kent county, R. I., June 23, 
1814. He learned the cotton manufacturing business, which he followed in Rhode 
Island and New York States, for many years. He was in the Remington Armory for 
twenty-five years, and for the past nine years has lived a retired life. He has had a 
varied but successful career. He married Esther Ann Titus in 1839, and they had 
two sons, George T. and William T., both deceased, and one daughter,' Ellen Bradley 
Briggs, who is prominent in the social affairs of the town. Mr. Briggs' father was 
William E., his grandfather William, and his great-grandfather came from Bristol, 
England. Mrs. Briggs died August 27, 1883. 

Brockett, Clinton, Dolgeville, was born in the town of Oppenheim, November 6, 1826. 
His family gave its name to this vicinity (Brockett's Bridge). His father was post- 
master for twenty-four years, and his brother for twenty years, while Mr. Brockett 
has served as deputy postmaster for some time. He married Ruth A. Leek. They 
have no children. Mr. Brockett now lives in Dolgeville (formerly Brockett's Bridge), 
retired from active business, having disposed of bis farm. He has held local public 
offices, and has always been one of the foremost and most public-spirited citizens of 
the locality wherein his family have been popular and important members of the com- 
munity since the Revolution. 

Bidleman, Peter M., Manheim, was born in the town of Manheim, July 10, 1839. 
He received a good education in the public schools of Manheim and Little Falls Acad- 
emy, and has always followed farming, having inherited from his father a faim of 1£0 



10 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

acres, besides which he now owns two other farms. The Bidlemans are of Revolu- 
tionary antecedents, and have always been prominent in local affairs here. Peter M. 
Bidleman married May Broat, and has had four children, three sons and a daughter. 
The oldest son, Frank M. Bidleman, died February 1, 1890, aged twenty-four years, 
ten months and eighteen days. 

Briggs, A. M , German Flats, was born in Sauquoit, Oneida county, December 8' 
1844. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventeenth New York Volunteers, Aug- 
ust 10, 18G2, and served three years in the war. After the war he went into the hotel 
business at Cassville for five years. He was five years in Whitestown, six years in 
Herkimer, two years in Clayton, on the St. Lawrence, and has been four years in the 
Mohawk Valley Hotel, in Mohawk. In 1871 Mr. Briggs married Miss Nellie Ambrose, 
of Clayville, Oneida county, and he has two children, Charles D. and Edith lona. 

Baker, Walter, German Flats, was born in Sheffield, England, June 8, 1837, and came 
to America in 1847. He was engaged in different shops in Connecticut until 1801, 
when he came to Ilion, where he was connected with the armory as contractor for 
twenty-five years. He now does the drop forging and cold pressed work for the 
Wyckoff, Seaman & Benedict Typewriter Company. In 185C he married Sarah M. 
Spencer, and they have seven children, three sons and four daughters. Mr. Baker is a 
prominent Mason, and has been chief of the Eion fire department. 

Brown, E. H., of Little Falls, is a native of Union Square, Oswego county, N. Y., 
and was educated there. He traveled for himself for some years and then started 
business in Watertown, N. Y., with his brother. April 11, 1880, he inaugurated his 
present enterprise in Little Falls, and has conducted it most successfully since, his place 
havmg the reputation of being the leading fancy dry goods, notion, and millinery house 
in Little Falls. Mr. Brown's ancestors were natives of New York State for three gen- 
erations before his time. In December, 1888, he married Harriet Davies, of Cleve- 
land, 0., and they have one son. Mr. Brown is a Republican in politics, and the family 
are members of the Episcopalian church. 

Bacon, Warren H., Dolgeville, was born in Oppenheini. He received his education 
in the Fairfield Seminary, Clinton Liberal Institute, and the Cazenovia Seminary, and 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Keck, of Johnstown. After three 
years therein, and upon the death of his father, he left his studies to settle up the estate 
of his family. Mr. Bacon was elected supervisor of the town of Oppenheim in 1878, 
1879, 1880, and in 1883, being chairman of the board for two terms. He is at present 
trustee of the village of Dolgeville, justice of the peace of the town of Oppenheim, 
district deputy of I. 0. 0. F., member of the Royal Arcanum, and identified with all 
social and benevolent institutions. He owns the old homestead of 120 acres of dairy 
land in Oppenheim. Mr. Bacon's ancestors on his father's side came from Dudley, 
Mass., in 1819, and settled there. His great-grandfather, Jonathan Bacon, was a sol- 
dier in the Revolution. His grandfather was Jonathan Bacon jr., and his father was 
George H. Bacon. On his mother's -side he is descended from the Davis family, who 
came to Massachusetts, or Maine, in 1642, of English parentage. 



Family sketches. n 

Burcli, R., Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, ami is a son of George Burch, who was 
one of the most successful men in this town, past or present. His grandfather, Robert 
Burch, can.e from Killingby, Conn. In 1870 Mr. Burch married Sarah Isabella, daugh- 
ter of Solomon T. Hubbard, of Newport, R. I., and they have one daughter, Belle 
Louise. Mr. Burch is largely interested in railroad stock, and in farming. 

Brice, Martin, Schuyler, was born in Germany, October 18, 1842, and came to Amer- 
ica in 1849. March 27, 1883, he married Mrs. Elmira Baum, one of the wealthy wo- 
men of Schuyler. The family consists of Horatio R., for two years principal of the 
Richville Union School, St. Lawrence county, Byron H., and Ida Baum. Another 
daughter is Mrs. Chas. A. Cramer. The farm comprises 210 acres and a dairy of thirty- 
five cows, with fine substantial buildings. 

Breckwoldt, Julius, Dolgeville, was born in Germany, in which country he received 
a good education. In 1872, at the age of fifteen, he came to New York city, and served 
his apprenticeship with F. W. Jgunge. About 1877 he became an employee of Alfred 
Dolge, and has since risen to be general overseer of the moulding departments, and 
treasurer of the business. He supervises about forty hands. Mr. Breckwoldt is a 
member of the Dolgeville Board of Education, treasurer of the fire company, presi- 
dent of the Dolgeville Herald Publishing Company, president of the Dolgeville Coal 
Company, and treasurer of the Dolgeville Building and Loan Association. He is also 
identified with all social and benevolent institutions. Mr. Breckwoldt married Miss 
Jennie N. Lambertson. They have two children. 

Brockett, Z. G., Dolgeville, was born at Brockett's Bridge, now Dolgeville, February 
19, 1868. He received his education here and at the Albany Normal School, and after 
clerking and teaching school for a few years, he established about three years since his 
present grocery and drug business. Mr. Brockett's ancestors for sevei-al generations 
have been located here and identified with the welfare of this vicinity. His grandfather 
was postmaster for twenty-five years, and his father twenty-six years. Mr. Brockett 
is identified with the Masonic lodge, the Odd Fellows, etc., besides being associated 
with local and benevolent institutions. 

Bradford, George H., Manheim, was born on the old farm of 130 acres, in Man- 
heim, upon which he now hves and owns, it having descended to him from his father. 
Mr. Bradford has been identified considerably with local progressive affairs, and has 
held the office of town clerk for two years. He married Miss Kittie Feeter, and has 
three children (two girls and one boy). His family are of Revolutionary antecedents 
and are much respected in this county. He is identified with the County Grange, 
Royal Arcanum, etc. 

Bell, Charles, Herkimer, was born in Columbia, Herkimer county. He received his 
education in the Cedarville High School and Whitestown Seminary, and. commenced 
the study of law with Earl & Prescott, and was admitted to the bar from the ofiBce of 
Steele & Prescott June 20, 1884. On January 19, 1885, he formed a copartnership 
with J. D. Henderson for the practice of law, which firm still exists, and is one of the 
most prominent law firms in Herkimer county. Mr. Bell is a member of the police 



12 HISTORY OF HERKDIER COUNTY. 

and fire commissioners, which oflSces he has held since their organization in 1187. He 
was selected chairman of the Democratic County Committee in 1889 which office he 
sti 11 retains. He also a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken his thirty- 
second degree, and is identified with various social and benevolent institutions. He 
married Carrie, daughter of J. J. Steele, of German Flats. Mr. Bell's father is Warner 
Bell, his grandfather Nicholas Bell, and his ereat-grandfather Philip Bell, the latter 
having been killed in the Revolutioiiary War. The ancestry of the family is Mohawk 
Dutch. 

Bradford, Hopestill, Newport, was born in Fairfield, November 19, 1812, a son of 
Joseph and Lovina (Tyler) Bradford, who were natives of Massachusetts. Joseph 
Bradford settled in Fairfield about 1809 and moved to Newport in 1815. He was a 
native of Zoar, Berkshire, Mass., and settled in this town in 1826. He followed farm- 
ing and dairying. He was a son of Elisha and Eunice (Bennett) Bradford, his father 
having been a soldier in the Revolution. Our subject was the only child, and married 
January 24, 1843, Rebecca M., daughter cf Royal P. and Rebecca (Green) Luther. 
Rebecca Green was bom in Warren in 1804, a daughter of Dyer and Sallie (Eddie) 
Green, and a native of Massachusetts. Her daughter, Rebecca, was born in Cheshire, 
Mass., in 1822, May 27, and settled in this town in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford have 
three children as follows : George L., cashier of the Oneida National Bank of Ttica; 
Alice C, bom January 9, 1842, died March 4, 1S67; Lovina C, bom September 23, 
1854, died April 8, 1861. Our subject is a Democrat and has been assessor and trustee. 
George L. Bradford married Married Mary C. ilorcy, a native of Fairfield and a daugh- 
ter of David and Elsie (Buchanan) Morcy, of Newport. He graduated from the 
Whitestowu Seminary, and was engaged in the Newport Bank for seven years, then 
with the Oneida National Bank for twenty-two years. He has two children, RebaA. 
and Florence L., the former born July 6, 1869, and the latter bom April 15, 1871. 

• Bunce, George H., Herkimer, was bom in the town of Russia October 21, 1865. 
His father is Madison Bunce. He was educatsd in the schools of Norway and Pros- 
pect, and took a Latin scientific course in Fairfield Seminary, graduating as valedic- 
torian of the class of '84. After this he taught school winters and worked summers 
on a farm until 1887, when he began the study of law with E. A. Brown in Herkimer, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1891. He was appointed clerk of the Surrogate's 
Court in January, 1890, which position he at piesent occupies. He was married in 
1887 to Miss Mary E. Curtis, of Ohio, N. Y. Mr. Bunce is identified with local, social 
and benevolent institutions, such as Odd Fellows. Kappa GaniiLa Phi Club, Hook and 
Ladder Company, etc. 

Bellinger, J. M., Mohawk, was born in Mohawk January 20, 1849. He received an 
excellent education, and was connected with the Remington Armory for twenty-three 
yerrs. During this time he kept books for Mr. John Hoefler for ten years. Mr. Bel- 
linger followed civil engineering and telegraphy, and was connected with the New 
York, TJtica and Ogdensburg Railroad for two years ; was with Berkwith & Quack- 
enbush at the building of the West Shore Railroad at Little Falls and had charge 
of the night forces. Mr. Belhnger then established his paper box and wood case man- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 13 

ufactory in Mohawk, which has steatlily increased since its inception. He employs 
twenty-five hands. For thirteen years past he he has been second lieutenant of the 
Thirty-first Separate Company of the National Guards, and is the third ranking 
second lieutenant in the State. Mr. Bellinger married Miss Allie M. Harris. They 
have no family. He is a Mason and identified with local, social and benevolent insti- 
tutions. 

Bellinger, Peter, Manheim, was born in this county March 7, 182G. He is descended 
from Revolutionary stock, and has been a very successful farmer for many years. He 
has owned as many as five farms at different times. Mr. Bellinger married Miss Mary 
A. Goodell, a daughter of Andrew Goodell, and has three children living. Mr. Bellin- 
ger has held local public office, and is much interested in all measures tending to the 
progress of this community. He is at present an extensive real estate owner. 

Burns, Edward M., Herkimer, general manager of the Adirondack & St. Lawrence 
R. R., is a native of Albany and began Lis business career as a cleik in a country store, 
and for some years afterwards was so employed by a merchant in Albany, and at the 
breaking out of the war as a clerk in the inspector-general's ofiice at the State Capi- 
tol in Albany. After some one hundred regiments of volunteers were organized he 
enlisted as a private in the 97th N. Y. Volunteers, but was at once promoted to a 2d 
Lieutenancy in the 94th N. Y. Volunteers, then serving as Provost Guard at Alexan- 
dria, Va., but very soon afterwards ordered to the field where he served during the 
campaign of McDowell, Banks and Pope about the defence of Washington and in the 
valley, doing some staff duty. His health giving out, by reason of the severe labor and 
exposure, he was for a time a patient in the hospitals about Alexandria, but was finally 
sent north with but little hope for his life. At the request of his colonel, brigade and 
division commander, the secretary of war made a special order exempting him from the 
operation of the order requiring di.sabled officers to resign and accept pensions. As his 
health slowly returned his services were required by the government as deputy provost 
marshal for the 14th Dist. N. Y., comprising the counties of Albany and Schoharie, 
which position he held during all changes of administration until some eighteen months 
after the close of the war, at which time owing to the complete and perfect condition 
of the records under his care, he was offered the opportunity to go to Washington to 
take charge of all such records there, but declined, preferring to enter active busi- 
ness, which he did as a piano forte manufacturer, succeeding to a business established by 
his father. In 1867 he married Miss Mary A. Thomas and came to Middleville N. Y., form- 
ing a partnership with his brother and continuing the business of tanning calf skins which 
had been carried on by his wife's grandfather, father and brother. He is a Republican 
and a 32d degree Mason (Scottish Rite). Mr. Burns was the projector of the railroad 
which he now manages. The road was built in 1880-1 and he was elected president and 
operated the road as a narrow gauge until the property was sold in 1890. The new 
owners made Mr. Burns vice-president and general manager, which position he held 
until the road again changed hands and came into the possession of Dr. W. S. Webb, 
who rebuilt the road, made it a standard guage and extended it to Malone, Mr. Burns 
retaining his position as geneial- manager which he still holds. 



l4 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Ely, Daniel W., Norway, was born in Salisbury April 15, 1852. His father was 
Horace R. Bly, a son of Daniel Ely. The latter wag a native of Rhode Island born in 
1782 and an early settler in Norway, where he lived and died in 1823. Hie wife was 
a Miss Bennett, who bore hini five children. After the death of Mr. Ely she married 
Mr. Barkley, and had one son, John, who was killed in the late war. Horace R. Ely 
was born in Norway August 26, 1815. He married Harriet A. Legg of Mendon, Mass., 
born June 14, 1817, who bore liim three sons and two daughters. Mr. Bly was a Re- 
publican, was once collector, and he and his wife were members of the M. E. Church 
at Gray. Mr. Ely died February 22, 1880, and his wife resides with subject. Daniel 
W. Ely was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1876 he mar- 
ried Jennie E. Wilcox of Norway, born November 10, 185.3, a daughter of Parker and 
Adeline (Hall) Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox was born in Rhode Island in 1816 and he died in 
July, 1892, and his wife in September, 1858. Daniel and his wife have had three 
children, Nellie A., Daniel W., and Leah W. When young Mr. Ely worked at the 
tanner's trade. He afterwards became a farmer, which business he has since followed. 
For ten years he engaged in the nursery business in Painesville, Ohio. He is a Repub- 
lican and was supervisor of Norway in 1892. He is a member of Newport Lodge, 455 
F. & A. M. 

Eushnell, K. A., M. D., Little Falls, was born at Albany, N. Y., and graduated from 
the Albany Medical College in the class of '78. He commenced an active practice here 
in 1879. He is president of the Herkimer County Medical Society, consulting physician 
of Faxton Hospital, Utica, N. Y., trustee of the village of Little Falls and identified 
with leading social organizations such as Royal Arcanum Home Circle, etc. He is 
also a high-up Mason and enjoys a most lucrative practice in his profession. Mr. Bush- 
nell's family were originally New Englanders. He married Miss Alice Gray of Herki- 
mer. 

Bose, John, Herkimer, is a native of Germany, but has been in this country twenty- 
three years. He began life in America as a clerk in a store in New York. After two 
years in this capacity he spent a year in a distillery and then came to the Washington 
Mills, Oneida county. He spent one year in the Utica factory of Frankfort and then 
came to the H. D. Elison farm to work it. This farm of 500 acres he works at present 
and owns sixty acres besides. He has eight children, six boys and two girls. They 
are Henry J., Wm. F., George L., Fred A., Annie M., Arthur U. G., Cora L., and John 
M. Mr. Bose takes no sides in politics, but votes for whom he believes to be the 
best man. 

Braylon, Stephen, Russia, and his wife, Abigail (Eddy), and their oldest son, Smith, 
came from Cheshire, Mass., in 1802, and settled at Brayton's or Luther's Corners, 
where Stephen bought and sold land and followed farming. Their children were 
Smith (deceased), Stephen (deceased), Lucetta (deceased), wife of Ellis Martin 
(deceased), and Rensselaer (deceased). They were all residents and farmers of the 
town of Newport. Smith married Candace, daughter of Aaron Martin, and their 
children were Louisa (deceased), wife of Jason Ames; Albert W., Abigail, Aaron (de- 
ceased), John, Stephen (deceased), Warren A. and Emma, who died when one year 
old. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 15 

John Budlong came from Rhode Island about 1780, at the age of nineteen, to this 
county in 1788. He married m 1793, Zilpha Ladd, of Schuyler, Herkimer county, 
N. Y., commenced housekeeping in a log house, no fortune except a wife. She lived 
to the age of seventy-four, he sixty-nine years. They had sis sons and two daughters. 
Two sons died unn^arried. The remainder married. All settled in this State. The 
oldest son, Nathan, remained with his father on the homestead. In 1823 he married 
Sally Packard, of Wayne county, N. Y. They had five children, two died unmarried. 
The daughter Chloe married James J. Maurice, of Aurora, Cayuga county, N. Y. They 
had no children. She died October 17, 1888, at the age of fifty-six. John N., of 
Schuyler, a farmer and cattle dealer, married September 14, 1864, to Mary A. 
Bridenbecker, of Schuyler. They had one daughter, Maud. He died in 1873, aged 
thirty-five years. The widow and daughter reside in Utica. Maud married B. L. 
Fitch, of Utica, occupation merchant tailor. Ira P. Budlong was born August 7, 182G. 
On November IG, 1853, he married Mary A. Brown, of Fairport, Monroe county, N. Y. 
They reside on the homestead and own six other farms, all devoted to dairying pur- 
poses. They have three children, Clayton, Arthur and Cora Dodge, all married and 
farming. Farms all join the old homestead. 

Bellinger, Henry H., Herkimer, was born in Herkimer, N. Y., and educated in the 
schools of Little Falls and Fairfield. He is part owner of a large farm, originally con- 
sisting of 292 acres, but has sold off some lots on Bellinger street, and the extension 
of Church street. His father was born here and was a farmer. He took part in the 
war of 1812, at Sackett's Harbor. Mr. Henry H. Bellinger enlisted in the 162d N. 
Y. Volunteers, Company A, and served under Hancook, Dix and Foster. He was 
subsequently in the adjutant-general's office. His faiher's name was Fred P. Bellinger, 
a prominent man of his day, who held seats in both the Legislature and Senate. 

Babcock, Calvin G., Newport, was born in Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y., 
January 7, 1835. His father was Richard C. Babcock, a son of Gideon Babcock, who 
was an early settler of Madison county. Richard C. was a native of Rhode Island and 
one of the first settlers of Madison county. He was a sea captain, having crossed the 
ocean sixteen times and visited all the important places in Europe, but spent his last 
days in Madison county as a farmer. His wife was Mary C Perry, a cousin of Com- 
modore Perry. They had six sons and four daughters, Calvin G. being the youngest. 
Mr. and Mrs. Babcock both died in Madison county. Calvin G. was reared on a farm 
and educated in the common schools, and in Brookfield and Hamilton Academy. On 
the 20th of November, 1859, he married Loderaa Gile, a native of Oneonta, N. Y., by 
whom he had three children, Mary C, George H. and Calvin G., jr. In 1869 Mr. 
Babcock with his family came to Newport and settled on the place he now owns. He 
is a cheese maker by trade and owns Shedbrook factory of Newport, Sterling Creek 
factory of Schuyler, North Schuyler factory in Schuyler, and the Newport factory. 
He and his family are Baptists. 

Barse, Irving, Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls, and has been a farmer always. 
He is young and energetic, and is making his way in the world successfully, owning 
at present eighty acres of land, which he utilizes for dairying purposes, and keeping 



16 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

fifteen cows. In 1880 he married Mamie Burt, ami they have two daughters. Mr. 
Barse is a memher of the Grange at Little Falls. 

Babcock, Stephen E., Little Falls, civil engineer, is a native of Troy, N. Y., and has 
spent all of his adult years in his profession, being 'mown from the Atlantic to the 
Pacific as one of the greatest hydraulic engineers of the Union. He has been in Little 
Falls seven years and has constructed water-worljs for Amsterdam, N. Y., Johnstown, 
N. Y., Grloversville, Troy, Greenwich, Ticonderoga, etc., as well as for Little Falls and 
other places. He is now engineer of the Little Falls Water works and engineer of 
the Glens Falls sewer .system, twenty-five miles, now being constructed, and is con- 
sidered an expert in all departments of his profession. He is also well known in social 
circles over a wide extent of country, and is a prominent Mason, a member of Apollo 
Commandry, No. 15, Troy, a Knight Templar, a member of the American Society of 
Mechanical Engineers, Engineers' Club, New York city, vice-president of the American 
Water Works Association and Fellow of the American Geographical Society, as also 
patentee of several valuable devices for improved sewerage. 

Bullock, Charles B., Ohio, was born in Norway, N. Y., June 13, 18.35. His parents 
were Ira and Mary (Hodge) Bullock. (See biography of Augustus Odit.) Charles 
V. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He early learned the 
blacksmith trade, which he followed in Norway and Cold Brook fifteen years. In 1857 
he married Mary C. Hall, a native of St. Johnsville, N. Y., and to them were born 
two daughters, Fannie, who married Samuel Lawton, of Ohio, and has two daughters, 
Agnes and Myrl ; they live at Cold Brook ; and Emma. Emma resides with her pa- 
rents. For the last twenty years Mr. Bullock has resided on a farm in Norway. He 
and his wife are members of the Baptist church of Norway. Mr. Bullock was drafted 
in the late war, but furnished a substitute. The parents of Mrs. Bullock were Dennis 
and Fannie Hall, who were early settlers of Gray, coming there from St. Johnsville, 
N. Y. They were the parents of four children. Mr. Hall was drum major in the 
Ninety-seventh New York Infantry and served three years. Mr. Hall was a furrier 
by trade. 

Barwell, Henry, Russia, was born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England, 
March 25, 1838, a son of Joseph and Mary (French) Barwell. Mr. Barwell studied 
medicine and practiced in England many years. He died in 1875. His younger son, 
the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools and at Airedale Acad- 
emy, graduating thence at the age of fifteen years. At nineteen he came to the United 
States, locating in the \Vest. About 18GG he came to Poland, where he has since re- 
sided. He is a Republican, a member of Newport Lodge, F. and A. M., and has been 
a Mason since 1860. May 1, 1872, he married Emily C. Cruikshank, of Deerfield, 
Oneida county, born October 28, 1852 a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Pierce) 
Cruikshank, who was a direct descendant of Captain Michael Pierce, who came from 
England to America in 1G46, and was slain in battle by the Indians March 26, 1C76, 
near Pawtucket Falls. Mr. Barwell and wife have two children, Mary E. Lamed and 
Harry Leicester. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 17 

Benedict, William C, Russia, was born in Whitesboro, Oneida county, February 13, 
1850, a son of William Benedict, whose father was a native of New Canaan, Conn. 
He had seven sons and two daughters. William Benedict was born in 1814, was ap- 
prenticed to a tanner and followed that business. He has been a resident of Whites- 
boro about fifty years. His wife was Rachel Hogan, a native of New Scotland, Al- 
bany county, born in 1818, and they had five sons and one daughter. Mr. Benedict 
was a Whig and afterwards a Republican. He was trustee of the village in which he 
lived. Suljjeot of sketch was reared as a tanner and educated in the common schools. 
In 1870 he married Elizabeth Wimble, a native of Whitesboro and daughter of Jesse 
and Eliza Wimble, who were natives of England. They came to America and first 
settled in Vermont, and afterwards in Whitesboro. They had twelve children. Mr. 
Benedict and wife have one son, Charles 6 , who resides in Grant. His wife is Libbie 
A., daughter of John and Catharine (Miller) Jones of Northwood. Mr. Benedict, pre- 
vious to 1875, was engaged in a tannery with his father at Whitesboro, the firm being 
known as Benedict & Son. In that year he went to StittsviUe and followed his trade 
three years, then returning to Whitesboro, where he remained two years. He then 
engaged in tannery five years for Clark Dodge of Grant, N. T. At the end of that 
time he purchased the property, and has since carried on a successful business. He is 
a Republican and has been supervisor of the town. 

Boyer, Horace M., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls, June 6, 1840. His great- 
grandfather was one of the original settlers (Mohawk Dutch) of the valley and par- 
ticipated in the war of the Revolution. Joseph Boyer, a son of this Revolutionary 
soldier, and grandfather of Horace M., participated in the Indian wars of 1812. Hor- 
ace M. Boyer was engaged with his father, Joseph Boyer, jr., in contracting, and upon 
the death of the senior Boyer, succeeded to the business, which he has successfully 
carried on before and since the late war. At the out-break of the war he enlisted in 
the Seventh Independent Battery of Newburgh, N. Y., and participated in many of 
the most important battles and engagements during that period. Among these were 
Williamsburgh, Fair Oaks, Chicamauga, Seven Days' Fight, Hatcher's Run, Siege of 
Petersburgh, Fort Darling, Evacuation of Richmond, etc. He served as orderly ser- 
geant during the four years, and was mustered out at the close of the war. Mr. Boyer 
married Margaret Varsen, of Fairfield. They have no children. In contracting, Mr. 
Boyer has erected the larger number of important structures, bridges, etc., in the 
vicinity, among which we mention the residences of Messrs. Burrell, Richmond, 
Houghton, Lintner, Bellinger, Metropolitan Hotel, Congress Block, etc. ; also the 
Skinner Opera House and numerous other prominent buildings. He built the stone 
■wall opposite the elevator, which is fifty-three feet high, five hundred feet long, 
twenty-three feet thick at bottom, four feet at top, etc. Mr. Boyer is a staunch 
Democrat, but don't want an office. 

Burgess, Mrs. Sarah A., Winfield, was born in the house where she now lives, and 
is a daughter of Sanders and Elisabeth (Prescott) Dodge. Her father was born 
1803, in Minden, and came to Winfield with his parent at an early age. He settled 
in Chepachet about 1835, in the stone house now occupied by his daughter. He 



18 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

married Elisabeth Prescott February 29, 1839, and died October 5, 1889, at tlie age 
of eighty-seven years. Their children were Dr. Dodge, of Oneida Castle, and Mrs. 
Sarah A. Burgess. Sanders Dodge was a brother-in-law of the late Amos H. Pres- 
cott, formerly judge of Herkimer county, and of Daniel M. Prescott, of Oneida 
county. Sarah A. Dodge married George W. Burgess, of Otsego county, N. Y., 
October 'iG, 1858, he died April 25, 1862, aged twenty-eight years and left one 
daughter, Eva A., who died October 18, 1888, aged twenty-nine years, she left a 
daughter, Sophie Smith, who lives with her grandmother, Mrs. Burgess. 

Bailey, Albert, Winfield, was born in Wales in 1840. He came here in 1842 with 
his father, George Bailey, who married Mary Clark, in Yorkshire, England. Their 
only son, Albert Bailey, married Adeliza Irons in 1865. She was a native of Hart- 
wick, Otsego county, and a daughter of Asa Irons and Abigail Roberts. Albert and 
Adeliza Bailey have two children living: E. Julia May and George A. Bailey. 

Brace, Lucius F., Winfield, is one of the assessors of the town of Winfield, which 
office he has held for seventeen years. He was born August 30, 1822, and has been on 
the farm where he now lives since 1847. He is son of Captain Asahel Brace, whose 
father was Deacon Abel Brace, one of the first settlers of Winfield. Lucius F. Brace 
married Margaret J., daughter of Israel Young, of Columbia. They have one son, 
Frank L. Brace, editor and proprietor of the West Winfield Star, also supervisor of the 
town of Winfield. Murray Eleazer Brace was born on the farm where he now lives, 
the old homestead of Eleazer C. Brace, his grandfather; and after him it was owned 
and occupied by his son, Parnach P., after him by his son, Murray Eleazer Brace, who 
still owns and occupies the old homestead of about 100 acres. Parnach Brace was born 
on this farm January 28, 1838, and died here June 2, 1885. He was married to Lizzie 
Round December 13, 1864, she was a daughter of James K. Round, a native of this 
town, who was born June 3, 1809, and died April 16, 1849. He married Barbara 
Clapsaddle, of Columbia, November 12, 1835, a daughter of Dennis Clapsaddle. Mr. 
and Mrs. Round had two children, Lizzie and Murray ; the latter was born September 
25, 1836, and enlisted October 13, 1861, sergeant in Company C, Fifty-eighth Illinois 
Volunteers. He came home on a furlough on account of disability, and died four weeks 
later, July 29, 1861. 

Booth, Amanda M., Russia, is a daughter of Elihu, who was a son of Alexander, a 
native of New Haven, Conn., born December 11, 1767. His wife was Huldah Thomp- 
son, born April 22,1768, by whom he has these children : Elisha, Neas,Elihu, Harvery, 
Russell, Walter and Mehitable. In 1811 Alexander Booth and all his sons except 
Russell came to Russia, and the next year the other members of the family joined 
them. Mr. Booth was a Democrat and died July 11, 1829, and his wife June 14, 1842. 
Elihu Booth was born in Connecticut December 22, 179.5. At the age of sixteen he 
came with his parents to Russia. Here he married Nancy Tifl^any in 1829, a native of 
Cooperstown, born March 14, 1805. Her parents were Ebenfzer and Silence Tiffany, 
who has five daughters and three sons. He died February 4, 1852, and his wife July 
16, 1851. Elihu Booth and wife have four children, Amanda M., Elihu N., Castella C. 
and Castella N. Amanda M. is the only one living, and her home is at Prospect, N. Y. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 19 

Elihu Booth was a Democrat and commissioaer of highways, also constable for many 
■years. He died May 3, 1859, and his wife September 13, 1877. The wife of Elihu N. 
was Margaret Caruthers, daughter or William Caruthers. They had one child, Mar- 
garet N., who owns and resides on the old homestead. Castella C. married Thomas 
Smith, of Brooklyn, and had one son, Thomas E., who died aged two years. Mrs. 
Smith died November 6, 1883, at Prospect. Elihu N. Booth died January 19, 1892, 
and his wife February 27, 1892, in Grant. Ehhu Booth was a soldier in the war of 
1812, and after its close was a captain and general of militia which had general train- 
ings each year in different localities of the town. He helped build the first church in 
Grant, and took an mterest in all movements to build up the village and its religious 
growth. Alexander Booth came to Russia with his family and settled four miles in 
the wilderness.where he built a saw-mill on Black Creek, cleared a small plat of ground 
and erected a frame house for the family to live in. He commenced clearing off the 
farm, sawed logs at the mill, built a bridge over Black Creek and erected a number of 
buildings, a post-office, established mail once a week. The name of Black Creek was 
changed to Pottsville, and later to Booth, after the first settlers. At the time of the 
assassination of Lincoln it was changed to Grant. After the death of Alexander, Elihu 
bought out the interest of the other heirs in the saw-mill and farm, and kept the first 
store, made potash, and took a load to Albany once in two weeks, across the country, 
there being no railroads at that time. At his death his son Elihu N. bought out the 
other heirs, and followed his father in religious zeal and enterprise. His daughter, 
Margaret N., was the sole heir to the estate, which has passed to the fourth generation, 
and has been in the Booth family possession for nearly 100 years. Mehitable Booth 
taught the first school in the barn, opposite the house on the Booth farm. Nine j'ears 
ago the old saw-mill was carried off by high water. 

Bemiss, Oscar, Winfield, one of the representative farmers of Winfield, was born 
in Richfield, Otsego county, May 1, 1822, and came to Winfield in 1832, with his father 
Asahel C. Bemiss, who was born May 9, 1780, and died December 27, 1848. He mar- 
ried Betsey Harding, born September 20, 1792, who died March 27, 1884. Oscar F. 
Bemiss married, February 20, 1850, Esther A. Bemiss; born September 26, 1822, died 
September 23, 1892, aged sixty-nine years, eleven months, and twenty-three days. 
She was a daughter of Jonathan Bemiss, of Edmeston, Otsego county. Oscar F. and 
Esther A. Bemiss had five children: E. Elizabeth, Martha O., Lyman D., Kate M., and 
Flora C. Bemiss. Martha married Frank M. Westfall, and they have two daughter.s, 
Mabel Bell, and Orrilla May. 

Brace, Woodruff A., Winfield, was born on the old homestead joining the farm 
where he now lives, April 17, 181G, and has lived on this same farm over fifty years, 
having bought it with his brother Asahel G. in 1839. He married Julia M., daughter of 
Israel Young, of Columbia, May 31, 1843. They have one daughter, Florence A., 
born June 10, 1850. She married May 15, 1879, Mr. Arlington Spicer, and they have 
two children, Elsie Eusebia and Bertha Brace Spicer. They all live as one family on 
the old homestead. M. Arlington Spicer was born in Plainfield, Otsego county, Febiu- 
ary 16, 1853, is a son of Minor and Mary Ann (McFarland; Spicer. Minor was a son 
of Edward Spicer, a soldier of the Revolution, and one of the first settlers of Plain- 



20 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

field. Mary A. McFarland was a daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Palmer) Mc- 
Farland. 

The B/-ace Family, Winfield. It was in the year of 1793 that Abel Brace, a man of 
fifty-three years of age, who had served as captain in the Revolutionary War, and 
been a member of the State Legislature of Connecticut, left his home near Hartford, 
Connecticut, to make a new home in the wilderness of Central New York. By the 
aid of marked trees, he found his way from Herkimer to the centra! part of the town 
of Litchfield (the town of Winfield was not formed until 181G), and built a log house 
but a few rods distant from the present residence of his youngest great-grandson, Sew- 
ard H. Brace. He was accompanied by his wife, her aged mother (Mrs. Lydia Wood- 
ruff), and his entire family, consisting of nine sons and five daughter.<!, most of whom 
were married, and with their families made an important addition to the population of 
the new country. One son, James Brace, did not like pioneer life, and soon returned 
to Connecticut. The others settled in the immediate vicinity of their father's home. 
After a time, these early settlers did not feel secure in the possession of their farms, 
and it seemed wise that some one go to Washington and adjust matters. Abel Brace 
was the man chosen for the hazardous undertaking. Most of the journey must be 
made on foot. His neighbors and friends met to bid him God-speed, and many earnest 
prayers were ofiered that he might return in safety. He was for many years deacon 
of the Congregational church, and when he passed away in 1832 he was carried to his 
last resting-place, a mile away, by the hands of loving friends. As the years rolled on 
death claimed some of his descendants, and others followed the tide of emigration 
westward until there were none left in the town of Winfield bearing the name except 
the family of Capt. Isabel Brace. He had married Caty Curtis, of Farmington, 
Connecticut, and occupied the paternal home. They raised a family consisting of 
five daughters and six sons. The daughters married and left their native town, 
as did the second son, James Brace. But for more than forty years Captain 
Asahel Brace and five of his sons lived within a mile of each other, enjoying peace 
and plenty. In 1867 change came, and Captain Asahel Brace was gathered to 
his fathers. In 1869 Asahel Gridly Brace passed away, leaving no descendants. 
In 1871 Eleazer Curtis Brace also died. He left three sons and three daughters. 
His only descendant bearing the name now living in Winfield is Murry Eleazer 
Brace, who has just attained his majority, an'l occupies his father's home. Of 
the three sons of Captain Andrew Brace now living, the eldest ii Abel Woodruff 
Brace, seventy-six years old, who lives on the farm that he bought more than fifty 
years ago. His only child is a daughter, Mrs. M. Arlington Spicer, who, with her 
husband and children, reside with him. The next, Lucius F. Brace, has also attained 
to three score years and ten. He lives on the farm to which he removed forty-five 
years ago, when he left the parental home. His only child is Frank L. Brace, the pres- 
ent supervisor of the town, who has been for some years a successful grower of small 
fruits, and has recently launched an editorial bark in the form of the West Winfield 
Star. The youngest is Henry L. Brace, who inherited the family home, and did much 
to make it a model farm. Ten years aero he removed to VYest Winfield, leaving his 
place in the care of his only son, Seward Brace He has also one daughter, Mrs Adel- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 21 

bert Leach. In re'igion the Brace family have been Congregat'ouahsts ; in politics Re - 
publicans; and by precept and example total abstainers from all intoxicating drinks; 
most of the family abstaining also from the use of tobacco. 

Bartlett, Rush, Winfield, owns a dairy faim of 400 acres, and ships milk from the 
fam to New York. He and his brother have a stock farm twenty five miles west of 
Topdka, Kan., where ihey raise horses and ship them here for sale. Mr. Bartlett was 
born in Winfield June 27, 1849, w'^e'-e he has since resided, with the exception of 
thirteen years spent in Kansas. He i.s a son of Emery Bartlett, who was born he-e 
June 24, 1818. His father, Jonathan, was one of the first settlers of the town, and 
the first on the farm now occupied by Charles Burgess on the town line. He came 
here from Massachusetts when the town was a wilderness. Rush Bartlett married 
Cora, daughter of Dwight Burgess, March 23, 1881. They have three children, Dwight, 
Estelle and Carrie. His farm came to him through his father, Emery Bartlett, who 
purchased it of Dean Burgess. 

Button, Gould, Winfield, was born in Brookfield, Madison county, November 12, 

1809, a son of John H. and Esther (Bentley) Button. He is a member of the Meth- 
odist church, in which he has been trustee. He married Thurza, daughter of Thomas 
and Lucina (Fisk) Adams, and they have one son, Henry W. They lost one, Sergeant 
Samuel Guile, who died on the battle field May 10, 1864. He was a member of Com- 
pany B, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment, Sixth Corps, and died at the battle 
of Spotsylvania Court House, in Virginia. Alonzo Young, boru in the town of Win- 
field March 15, 1835, a son of Hiram W. and Polly (Hay) Young. He was educated 
in the common schools. He left Winfield in 1847 and settled in Clyde, Wayne county, 
which has been his residence pver since. He went to California in 1858, and enlisted 
June 1, 1862, in the Third California Regiment of Infantry, Company I, and seived, 
three years. He enlisted at Jackson, Amadore county, Cal. The regiment was or- 
dered to Salt Lake City, and the whole time was served in Utah. He took part in the 
battle of Big Bend of the Bear River, where four companies killed over 300 Indians. 
Tnere were thirty-six killed in the battle and 140 wounded. He returned from Cali- 
fornia in 1865. 

Brown, Charles H., Winfield, was born in Columbia, Herkimer county, December 
21, 1831, and is a son of James Brown, who came to this county when a child, about 

1810, with his father, Phil'p Brown, of Half Moon, N. Y., who was one of the first 
sdttlers of Columbia. James Brown had five children, Charles H., Milo H., Busebia, 
Euphemia L. and Philip H. Their farm is in the northeast corner of Winfield, a part 
of the farm being m Columbia, also a part in Richfield. Charles H. Brown married 
November 11, 1857, Barbara A., daughter of Marks Folts, of Herkimer, who was a 
son of Peter Folts and Barbara Rasbach. She was a daughter of Marks Rasbach. 
They were some of the first settlers of the town of Herkimer. Charles H. hnd Bar- 
bara A. Brown have had eleven children, three of whom are deceased : James II., 
Charles J. and Leon L. There are eight li mg, Carrie E., Laura E.. Flora E., Mary 
B., Fanny B., Nettioi L., Philip H., and. Benjamin G. Marks, and Elizabeth Folts, have 
had ten children, of whom three have died, Mary A., Isaac and Saloma A. Seven are 



22 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTf. 

livirg, Catharine, Fanny, Marcus, Joseph M., Barbara A., Ehzabeth and Andrew. Mr, 
Brown is one of the assessors of the town of Winfield, which position he has held 
most of the time for about twenty years. He is a member of the Pomona Grange of 
Herkimer county. 

Brace, Henry L., Winfield, was born in Winfield January 4, 1827, a son of A.^ahel 
Brace, who was born in Har ford. Conn., in 1779. He came with his father. Deacon 
Abel Brace, to what is low Winfield in 1793. The latter married in 1799 Katy Cuitis, 
by whom he had thirteen children. Asahel was made captain of militia, and in the 
Wat of 1812 he went with his company to Sackett's Harbor. Abel, grandfather of H. 
L. Brace, died in 1831 at the age of ninety two. H. L. Brace succeeded his faiher as 
proprietor of the homestead farm in 1847. In 1848 he married Pamelia Holmes, and 
they have a son and daughter, Ellen H., who married Adelbert Leach, and has a son 
and daughter; Seward A. and Lena A. Leach, and Seward H., who married Mary A. 
Vincent. They have one son, Howard M. Abel Brace was "deacon of the First Con- 
gregational church, and his son Charles was a deacon of the same church, as is also 
Henry L., who was appointed deacon June 16, 1858, of the church at East Winfield, 
and retained that office after the removal of the church to West Winfield. The church 
was raised in West Winfield June 2 and 3, 1876. Henry L. Brace sang in the choir 
over fifty years, and has been a member of this church forty- four years. Pamelia A. 
Brace has sung in the rhoir of this church since 1848. 

Carran, Thomas G-., Litchfield, was born in this town and owns a dairy farm of IGO 
acres. He was collector of the town in 1874. He is a son of Henry and Philenda 
Carran, who had four children, of whom two are living : Thomas G. and Mary E. Two 
died: Francis M., who enlisted in Company B., 121st New York Volunteers. He was 
first corporal of his company, he was wounded in the battle of Chancellorsville May 3, 
1863, and died in the hospital June 5, 1863. The other son was William H., who died 
September 16, 1874, in his twenty-eighth year. He was educated at the Winfield 
Academy, read law with R. 0. Jones, of Utica, and was admitted to the bar. After 
that he taught the Boonville Union school nearly three years, and then went to New 
York city, in practice first with the Gazzan Collection Company, after which he formed 
a oo-partnarship with Mallory & Ritler, which firm existed until his death. The 
father, Henry Carrau, was a native of the Isle of Man, and came to this town and 
settled near Cedar Lake, about 1830. He died December 1, 1852, in California, aged 
about thirty four years, after being there only ten days. The mother, Philender Car- 
ran, was a native of this town, having been born on the same farm where the son and 
daughter now live. She was a daughter of Thomas Goodier, a son of Rev. Aaron 
Goodier. 

Crandall, Otis N., Winfield, was born in Independence, Allegany county, October 
27, 1825, and came to this town with his father. Almond Crandall, who was born July 
11, 1801, a son of Col. Nathaniel Crandall, who was born August 9, 1771, in Massa- 
chusetts, and settled in Winfield before 1800. He died October 31, 1838. His wife, 
Olive Grey, was born July 1, 1776, and died November 3, 1838. Their son Almond 
died December 17, 1876. His wife was Lorinda Cook, born September 6, 1803, and 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 23 

died August 9, 1871. Her father, Otis Cook, was born October 26, 17G9, and died 
June 2, 185G, aged eiglity-six years. Otis Crandall married Flora F. MoKee October 
7, 1858. She is a daughter of Samuel McKee, of Winfield, and they have three chil- 
dren : May C, Almond and Myron M. 

Croak, John B., Winfield, was born in Carlow county, Ireland, August 13, 1838. He 
came to Frankfort in 1848 and to Winfield in 1852, where he worked at farming until 
1856, and since that at mason work until December, 1863, when he went to Washing- 
ton in the quartermaster's department, remaining there until the spring of 1864. He 
was drafted in the fall of IS*):) au'l paid $300 commutation. In the spring of 1864 he 
returned to Winfield and worked at his trade in that town, and Rome, Utica and other 
places as a contractor and builder, and did quite an extensive business. In 1885 he 
was appointed postmaster of West Winfield, which he held until June, 1889, when he 
returned to his trade He married Nancy Rice in 1869, and they have four children : 
WiliamT., George H., Maggie and Julia. John B. Croak is a son of Martin and 
Margaret (Maher) Croak (both deceasedX The former died in Dakota, and the latter 
died on the ocean of cholera, June 23, 1848. 

Caruthers, Henry, Russia, was born in Rus<^ia, N. Y., November 12, 1824, a son of 
William, a son of Henry, a native of Scotland, who married Jane Davidson and had 
one son, Will'am. In 1818 Mr. Caruthere and family came to America and settled in 
Russia, where he erected a log house and there resided until his death in 1852. His 
wife died in 1838. William Caruthers married Margaret Smith, a native of Scotland, 
by whom he had six sons and three daughters. He was assessor and commissioner 
of highways. He died in 1875, aged seventy- two, and his wife in 1869, ag^d sixty- 
seven. Henry Caruthers married Cynthia H. Woodin, by whom he had four children ; 
Elma S., deceased ; Frank W. ; Retta M., deceased ; Libbie J. Frank is with his 
parents and Libbie is Mrs. Heidel and resides in Los Angelos, Cal. Mr. Caruthers 
owns a farm of 250 acres and keeps a large dairy. He is a Republican. He and fam- 
ily are Free Will Baptists. The father of Mrs. Caruthers was Isaac J., a son of Isaac 
Wooden, a native of New Haven, Conn., who came to Russia about 1813, where he 
died April 13, 1841. His wife was Rebecca Micks, by whom he had three sons and 
three daughters. She died July 29, 1852. Isaac Wooden, jr., was born in Conneoti- 
c'lt in 1795. When eighteen years of age he came with his parents to Russia. His 
wife was Sylvia Cory, a native of Russia, by whom he had five children He was cap- 
tain of militia, and died September 24, 1881, at the age of eighty-five. 

Chapman, Byron E., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls August 21, 1854. He re- 
ceived his education in the academy of this village, after which he was for eight years 
an assistant in the Little Falls post-oflice. Immediately after severing his connection 
with this department, he established in August, 1872, his pressent lucrative news and 
stationery business. Mr. Chapman married Hattie A. De Witt, of Chittenango, and 
they have two children. Mr. Chapman's ancestry is New England, the record of the 
family dating beyond Revolutionary times. 

Cronkhite, Jonas, Danube, was born November 12, 1836. He succeeded to the old 
bomeste-'d upon which his grandfather Cornelius settled in 1786. This was originally 



24 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

part of the Lansing patent. Cornelius, upon his death, left the land to his son, John 
C. Cronkhite, father of Jonas, to whom it descended. The farm contains 118 acres of 
fine dairy land, upon which Mr. Cronkhite has erected a magnificent residence. He 
married Ann McKenzie, and they have one son, Grant J., who married Kitty Seeber, 
and they have one son, Ralph. Jonas Cronkhite has served as inspector of elections, 
commissioner of highways, etc. 

Cooper, Henry C, Norway, was born in Cold Brook, Herkimer county, February 6, 
1828. His father, Charles Cooper, emigrated from Tolland county. Conn., with his 
father, Sylvanus Cooper, and mother, Mary Meacham Cooper, two brother.', Wm. G. 
and Anson, and two sisters, Rosannah and Roxana, and settled in the town of Rus- 
sia about 181G. Rosannah and Roxana both died of consumption in Cold Brook 
in early womanhood. William G. married Eunice Congdon, emigrated to Port 
Leyden, Lewis county, raised a family of six children, three sons and three daugh- 
ters, where he died aged eighty-two. Anson married Esther Hall, moved to North 
Bay, Oneida county. His children, one son and four daughters, still reside there. He 
died in North Bay aged seventy-seven. Sylvanus Cooper died in Cold Brook in 1861, 
at the age of eighty-four. His wife, Jfary, also died there, aged seventy-six. Charles 
Cooper married Margaret Thompson, the daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Thompson. 
Charles Cooper was a niason and farmer by occupation. He died in Cold Brook, July 
6, 1889. His wife survives, aged eighty-nine Hugh Thompson was a native of Ire- 
land and emigrated to this country before the adoption of the constitution, was mnrried 
at Schenectady, resided for a few years at Johnstown, moved from there to Rj-sia m 
1806, where he died in 1848, aged eighty-three. His wife, Elizabeth, survived him 
several years, dying at the age of eighty-sis. His family consisted of eight children : 
five sons, William, John, Jessie, Henry and Archibald; three daughters, Jennett, Je- 
mima and Margaret, all of whom are dead except the latter. The subject of this sketch 
was reared on a farm and educated in the common and select schools of his native 
town and Fairfield Academy. At the age of seventeen he commenced teaching school 
and followed that three years. May 4, 1854 he married Jane M. Richards, who bore 
him five children : Wendell P. ; Adalbert R., who died at the age of fourteen ; Lillie, 
who died in infancy ; Etta M., and Charles W. Mr. Cooper is a farmer by occupation. 
Early in life he was a Garrisonian Abolitionist and when the Republican party was or- 
ganized united with that party and remained with them until 1868. In 1872 he voted 
for Horace Greeley, in 1876 for Peter Cooper, in 1880 he was presidential elector for 
Weaver, in 1884 and 1888 and 1892 he voted the Democratic tickets. He has held 
numerous town offices. He resided in Russia until 1859 when he went to Norway 
where he has since resided. 

Geo. H. Casler, Warren, was born June 5, 1835, in the town of Warren, and is a son 
of Adam Casler, whose father was also Adam, a pioneer of Minden, Montgomery 
county. Adam, jr., was born October '.iO, 1802, and after his marriage came to War- 
ren, where he lived until a few years before his death. Then he went to Columbia, 
where he died October 24, 1863. His wife was Barbara Snyder, who was born Octo- 
ber 26, 1803, and died April 22, 1872, at the home of her sor, Gf rif c H. f] i 1 cie 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 25 

him ten children: Lucinda, born August 26, 1824; Catherine, born June 12, 1826; 
Almira, born June 30, 1828; Charity, born August 9, 1830; Betey M., born June 
21, 1833 (died at the age of two years); George H., born June 5, 1835; Diana, born 
March 25, 1836; James M., born March 20, 1838 ; Julia, born February 16, 1840 (died 
in childhood) ; Mary J., born December 4, 1842 (died at the age of eight years'). Geo. 
H. Casler at the age of nine, was bound out to Geo. M. Cleeland, until twenty-one, 
for $150 and schooling. He worked out by the month until married and then rented 
farms on shares until 1867, when he bought one hundred acres where he now lives. 
He now owns three hundred acres. He is a Republican and has held the office of col- 
lector for one year and poormaster for thirteen years, of which he is now servmg. 
He married, November 2, 1856, Betsey, daughter of Isaac and Leah (Bronner) Max- 
field, and has had three children : Myron J., born November 8, 1858, and married 
first, Libbie Shaver, who bore him two children, Willie and Georgie, and second, mar- 
ried Alice Guyer, who bore him one child, Edna Blanche. Charles E. was born De- 
cember 81, 1860. He married Estella Ecker, who bore him two children, Ray and 
Lee, and Libbie Leah, born May 15, 1869. 

Christman, W., Herkimer, is a native of this country and was engaged m farming for 
many years. Then he followed the trade of carpenter and mason for some time, and 
then took up shoemaking which he still follows. In 1858 he married Miss Helen E. 
Petrie. and they have seven chddren living, three sons and four daughters. Two of 
the daughters are married, one being the wife of Tiotor Barnes, and the other H. L. 
McKeever. There have now been six generations of this family in this county and 
the name is a well-known one in this part of the State. 

Churchill, Henry, Herkimer, is a native of New Tork, and took a university course 
at Tale College, graduating with honors. In 1866 he came to Herkimer from Glov- 
ersville and entered into the manufacture of paper with his brother-in-law, the Hon. 
Warner Miller. He has since that date given the greater part of his time to the pros- 
ecution of his manufacturing enterprise, but is also president of the First National 
Bank of Herkimer, in which he takes a great interest and just pride. 

Cole, Truman, Fairfield, one of the enterprising young men of Herkimer county, is a 
native of Fai'-field, and a son of Justice A Cole. He manages 213 acres of dairy farm, 
and a herd of forty-five cows. He was educated at Fairfield and Fort Plain, and then 
spent two years in the study of law in the office of Mills & Palmer, Little Falls. He 
then took up farming, which he has successfully followed. Mr. Cole is a broad-minded 
man, and is held in much esteem. He is at present one of the assessors of Fair- 
field, and is a member of the Grange and of the Grange Mercantile Association of 
Little Falls. 

Clive, Henry, German Flats, is a native of England, and traces his ancestry to the 
celebrated Lord Clive. He was born February 11, 1844, and came to America in 1864. 
He has been in the Armory for many years and is a Mason, and a member of the 
United Friends. In 1861 Mr. Clive married Emma Wall and they have ten chil- 
dren. The Olives were among the first gunmakers of England, 



26 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Crumby, George Feuner, Newport, was bora is Newport, September 14, 18 — , a son 
of David and Julia E. Fanner. David D. was born at Troy, N. Y., Mircli 13, 181G, 
and settled in the town of Norway when two years of age, with his parents. Here 
he lived until the age of thirty. He was a merchant at Norway and Newport until 
1859, when he moved to St. Paul, Minn., and was engaged in the livery bu.sine?s lor 
eight years. He then returned to Newport and followed farming and milling un- 
til his death, March 31, 1889. His marriage occurred May 17, 1852. His two 
gins were George F., born September 14, 1855, and Charles B., who was b"rn 
September 17, 18C6, a graduate of the Eastman Business College, and one of the 
promising young men of the day. George F. attended the public schools at New- 
port until sixteen years of age, when he entered Fairfield Seminary, from which he 
graduated in 1874. He was valedictorian of his class. He then taught school at 
Dansville, N. Y., for one year, when he entered Hamilton College and graduated in 
1879 as valedictorian of his class. He was admitted to the bar and commenced 
practicing in New York city. After several months he returned to Little Falls and 
formed a co-partnership with R. H. Smith. In 1882 he entered into partnership 
with Hadley W. Jones, which lasted until his death, July 27, 1887, aged thirty-one 
years. He was school commissioner in 1881, and that same year received the nomi- 
nation for assembly on the Democratic ticket. He was president of the village of 
Little Falls at his death. October 4, 1882, he married Lillian Gardrer, and they had 
two children, Bessie and Mabel. 

Coe, Henry R., Middleville, came from Connecticut with his wife, Lydia, a daughter 
of Thomas J. Sturgis, about the year 1837. Their children were as follows: Helen 
Alexander, wife of Herman Alexander; Louise, wife of James Morris; and Albert S., 
all residents of Middleville. He worked for Smith & Stow as foreman in their chair 
factory for a number of years, when he purchased an interest in same, which he con- 
tinued until his death. May 2, 1875. He was an active Democrat, and held the ofHce 
of justice of the peace. His wife is still living at the age of seventy- five years. His 
son, Albert S., was educated in the school at Middleville, and at the age of fifteen en- 
tered the employ of V. S. Kenyon as clerk, continuing for two years. He then bought 
a half interest in the chair manufactory of his father, which he continued until the lat- 
ter's death. In 1887 he commenced the letail furniture business, also undertaking, 
which he has since followed. He married, February 25, 1875, Ida L., daughter of 
Anson and Laura Morey. She died in May, 1882, and he married second, HattieCros- 
sett, by whom he had five children : Lena L., May E., Bessie, Charlie, who died De- 
cember 19, 1891, aged two years and four months ; and Hazel. Mr. Coe is a Democrat, 
having been justice of the peace and justice of sessions, which latter position he now 
holds. He was charter member of the Royal Arcanum Council 1335, of which he has 
been treasurer since its organization 

Colhns, Dennis, grocer, of Little Fal's, is a native of Ireland, but came to Amer- 
ica in 1848 when quite young, and his life affords a fine example of the success 
that inevitably results from the union of ability and honorable methods. He began life 
as a clerk, and now owns the fine Collins block opposite the Metropolitan Hotel, and 



FAMILY.SKETCHES. 27 

the block in which Pepper's and Wi)Hams' stores are located, besides bsiik stock and 
stock in the Superior Furnace Company. He began his present business in 1867. 
In 1865 he was town collector. In 1868 he married Margaret Hesrr, and they have 
six children. Mr. Collms is treasurer of the Little Falls branch of ihe Irish National 
League and is a Republican in politics. 

Cloyes, Anson G., Frankfort, was born in Frankfort August 3, 1844, he being one of 
eight children of Silas and Abigail W. (Brown) Cloyes. His grandfather was Luther 
Cloyes, who was born in Framingham, Mass., and settled here in early life. Anson C, 
the youngest son, married in 1869, Adelia N. Harvey, by wlioni he had five children: 
Jessie E. (deceased), Gilbert S., Ada L., Homer E. and Bessie M. (deceased) ; the mother 
died when they were young. He later married Mary E. Fish of TJtica, by whom he 
ha« one son. Mr. Clo}'es is an enterprising farmer, his farm buildings being notable 
for their size, number and convenience, one barn being 119x 45 feet. He has recently 
built a horse barn 60 x 40 feet with all the modern conveniences, an ice house with a 
capacity of 200 tons, a tool house 36 x 22 feet, a piggery 25 x 20 feet, a poultry house, 
etc. He has a dairy of fifty cows, producing on the average 300 lbs. of butter per 
week. A fine creamery is soon to be built. His farm consists of 275 acres, which is 
beautifully situated, overlookmg the city of Uticaand commanding an extended view 
of the Mohawk and Sauquoit valleys. 

Cunningham, Daniel F., Little Falls, one of the youngest but most enterprising busi- 
ness men of Little Falls, is a native of Ireland, but has been in America since 1881, and 
during these eleven years he has been wonderfully prosperous, the result of entei prise, 
industry and superior abilities. His business in groceries, shoes and meats occupies 
three stores on Ann street, and is fully stocked. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the 
Hibernian Society, and is a prominent Democrat, having been secretary of the local 
organization here. In October, 1887, he married Jennie McGurt, of Little Falls. He 
is highly regarded in the social and commercial circles of Little Falls. 

Chester, John, Little Falls, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Early in life he was 
a flour miller, serving as foreman in the Buxburn Flouring Mills of Aberdeen. He 
came to this country when twenty-three years of age and engaged in paper-making in 
Little Falls. After seven years he left this business to engage with the Saxony Knit- 
ting Company, with whom he remained twenty-one years, holding the position of 
overseer of spinning. On June 23, 1892, he left the mill and bought his present meat 
and provision business. Mr. Chester is a Mason, Knight of Honor, etc. He is now 
member of the board of education for some time, and has served the village as trustee. 
He is also a stockholder and member of the Little Falls Co-operative Association. His 
wife was Margaret Byron of Little Falls, by whom he has had twelve children, eight 
of whom are living. 

Casler, B. P., Little Falls, although a young man, is one of the leading merchants of 
Little Falls. He is a native of this town, and ever since the age of thirteen has been 
connected with the dry goods business. He was with Burch & Co. for eight years, 
and then formed a partnership with J. H. Casler six years ago. Their business is one 



28 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

of the largest and best in the place. Mr. Casler is a member of the Royal Arcanum, 
the Red Men and Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Presbyterian church. In poli- 
tics he IS a Democrat. The Casler family is one of the oldest and best known in Her- 
kimer county, several of the Caslers of a century ago having taken a prominent part in 
the Revolution. ' Mr. Casler married Anna L. Chester of this town. 

Casler, Philo W., Little Falls, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. He received his educa- 
tion in the Polytechnic Institution there, and in 1?73 started a produce business in 
New York city. After five years successful operations in this line he came to Little 
Falls and inaugurated his extensive brickyards and lumber business, in which he furn- 
ished constant employment to about twenty-five hands and five teams. Mr. Casler 
was elected master of the County Grange in January of this present year. He lives on 
a valuable farm one and a half miles south of the village. Mr. Casler's wife was Mj.«s 
Martha Hopson, of Salisbury Center, by whom he has had two children. 

Clive, Stephen, German Flats, was born in Birmingham, Eng., June 20, 18-10. He 
came to America in 1863. In 1852 be began to learn barrel making and was a master 
mechanic in this line when he cante to this country. He started to work in this coun- 
try in Trenton, but went to Yonkers in 1864 to make carbines for the government. He 
next went to work in New York in sporting goods ; then to the Winchester Arms 
Company, and finally came to the Remington Armory in June, 18G7. He contracts 
for boring and straightening the gun barrels. Mr. Clive is a prominent Mason. In 
1858 he married Catharine Jones and they have three children. Mrs. C. A. Hollenbeck, 
Albert A. and Alice M. Clive, having lost two grown up sons, Gilbert E. in 1890 and 
Stephen A. m 1891. Mr. Clive's father was Stephen Clive and his grandfather was 
Benjamin Chve, one of four brothers, leading gun makers of Birmingham, Eng. Mr. 
Clive was the first person of his name to settle in America. 

Cunningham, Thomas, Mohawk, was born in New York city June 7, 1829, and has 
been a resident of Mohawk since 1834, then called Bennett's Corners. He has been 
engaged in the mercantile business all his life up to 1889, when he was appointed post- 
master of Mohawk by President Harrison. He is a Mason, a member of Utica Com- 
mandery, and an elder in *he Reformed church. He is also a member of the Oneida 
Historical Society and the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society of New 
York. He was married in 1856 to Miss Celestia E. Chase, of Mohawk. They have 
had five children ; four are living, three daughters and one son : Mrs. M. J. Wight- 
man, Margaret A., Katharine C, and Andrew D., the latter of whom is a civil engineer. 
He is a graduate from the United States Naval School at Annapohs, Md., and the 
Troy Polytechnic. Mr. Cunningham is quite an antiquarian and has a valuable collec- 
tion. 

Coffin, E. J., Little Falls, attorney at law. was born in Herkimer, of English and 
Irish parentage, in 1847. He received his education at Whitestown Academy. After 
graduation he took a short course in engineering, and in this capacity assisted in the 
Morristown extension of the Utica and Black River Railroad. After the completion 
of this road he entered the law office of Hon. A. M. Mills, of Herkimer. He was ad- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 29 

mitted to the bar June 13, 1879. He then entered the ofBce of Judge Hardin, justice 
of the Supreme Court, with whom he remained three years, since which time he has 
been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He has served one term as 
corporation attorney of the village of Little Falls. 

Gary, John L., German Flats was born in 1830 and has lived in Mohawk forty 
rears. He was for many years a heavy shipper of grain from Buffalo to New York. 
When thirty-eight years of age he married Miss Mary Kirkland, and they have three 
son=, Samuel, assistant superintendent of the Erie canal for Herkimer county ; Charles 
Floyd, mail clerk on the New York Central; and George B., who lives in Chicago. 
Mr. Gary's father, Samuel, was a native of Oneida county and his grandfather also 
Samuel, came from New Hampshire. 

Cronkhite, Co-nelius, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came from Dutchess 
county, N, Y., in 1786, and purchased for one hundred pounds a tract of land from the 
Abraham Lansing patent. He lived here improving his land and following agricultural 
pursuits until his death. He was the father of si.x children, three sons and three 
daughters. H* was succeeded by his two sons, Henry G. Cronkhite and John C. 
Cronkhite, Henry C. Cronkhite, the father of James H. Cronkhite, receiving for his 
share 109 acres, to which he added 18 acres. Henry C. was drafted in the war of 
1812 and served by sending a substitute in Sackett's Harkor. James H. C-onkhite 
was born February 11, 1823, and succeeded to 127 acres of land, to which he has added 
75 acres of beautiful dairy land adjacent to the village of Minden. He married Miss 
Margaret Moyer of this town and they have had three children, two of whom survive, 
one son and one daughter. Mr. Cronkhite has served twenty-one years successively 
as justice of the peace. At the present writing he has retired from active agricultural 
pursuits. 

Garden, Frank E, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls, December 5, 1866. He re- 
ceived a good education, after which he clerked for several years and railroaded. On 
March 15, 1889, he and his brother, Harry Garden, bought out the bottling establish- 
ment of Smith & Go'lins, since wh'ch time they have most successfully conducted the 
business under the firm nam« of Garden Brothers. They are equal owners in the es- 
tablishment, and are both energetic and enterprising young business men. They em- 
ploy men and run teams and deliver the bottled goods all over Herkimer county. 

Cole, Gilbert, farmer of Fairfield, is a native of this town and has lived here all 
his life. He owns a farm of eighty-eight acres. He married Miss Mary E. Huyck 
of Fairfield, at the age of nmeteen, and has one son, Mr. Duane Cole, who is 
also married and has one child. His wife was Miss Mary Irving, of Toronto, Ont. 
Mr. Cole is sixty-seven years of age, hut is still an active man, both mentally and 
physically. He has been postmaster for many years and is a prominent Democrat. 

Comstock, F. F., M. D., German Flats, is a native of Oneida county and was born 
May, 14, 1849. He studied medicine in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New 
York city, and graduated in 1873. In 1876 he opened his office in Ilion. He is a 
member of the Herkimer County Medical Society and a Mason. He has been health 



30 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

officer of Ilion and is a strong Democrat. In 1S74 Doctor Comstock married Miss 
Alice J. Brand and they have a family of three sons. 

Schall, Daniel, Starkville, was born in Danube, April 16, 1814, a son of Wilhelmai- 
and Eve (Kneaskarn) Schall. The grandfather of Daniel came from Germany prior to 
the Revolution, and settled at what is now Mindonville, Montgomery county. He was 
killed in the Revolutionary War, and left one son and three daughters. Subject's 
father was born in Manheim, June 18, 17C9, and died September 29, 1S2C. He was a 
farmer and tailor by trade. His first wife was born in Minden, June 18, 1775. Her 
father was killed in the Revolution. She had fifteen children, thirteen of whom sur- 
vived : Leah, Nancy, Catharine, John, Peter, William, Jacob, David, Henry, Eve, 
Daniel, Jonas and Mariah. Daniel had a common school education, and has earned his 
own living since his father's death. At fifteen he began tailor's trade. In 1834 he. 
with his brother, established business at Starkville. About 1882 he retired from busi- 
ness. In 1851 was elected to the Legislature as a Free Soil Democrat. He was one of 
the original Republicans and served as supervisor; also held the office of postmas- 
ter from May 5 1802, to July 17, 1877; during the war was one of the active workers 
in seeing that his town furnished her quota of men for the army. He was twice mar- 
ried first to Cornelia, daughter of William and Polly (Davis) Gibson. His wife died 
June 11, 1883. His second wife was Cora W., daughter of Richard and Lucinda 
(Smith) Wilson. They had one child, Dan W., born May 31, 1887, died January 9, 
1889. Mr. Schall is a Universalist and his wife a Methodist. She was bom at Her- 
kimer. 

Miller, Dr. Adam, Jordanville, was born in Columbia, May 21, 1819, a son of William 
J. and Nancy (Hiner) Miller. The grandfather, John A., was a son of Andrew, who 
came from Germany and settled in Rensselaer county, in colonial days. He was a 
patriot in the Revolutionary War. He was the first man buried in Columbia church 
yard. His son, John, was born in Rensselaer county, and was a picneer of Columbia, 
where he lived anddied in 1842. His wife wasDorjthy Garner. Their childi en were: 
Andrew John, William J., Christopher, Jacob, Susan, Barringer, Nancy, Chamberlain 
and Catharine. William J. was born in ColuTibia in September, 1796, where he re- 
sided until his eightieth year. He was captain of militia, and served as supervisor. 
His wife died in her eighty-eighth year. She was born in Columbia, a daughter of 
Jac"b and Elizabeth (Kenter) Haner, pioneers of Columbia. Subject was one of ten 
children : Adam, John, who died aged nineteen ; Jacob W., Philip, William, Mary E., 
Cornelia, Caroline, Catharine and Melinda. Dr. Miller was raised on a farm, received a 
district and select school education, and at nineteen began the study of medicine with 
Dr. Charles H. Easton. He graduated from Geneva Medical College in January, 1844, 
and located in Jordanville, where he has practiced ever since. He also attended a 
course at the University of the City of New York, 1854-5, and has been the only phy- 
sician in thi^ town until 1881. He has been a member of the Herkimer Medical So- 
ciety since 1844, and has served as its secretary, and also as school superintendent of 
Warren in 1850-52. He i* a Democrat and was postmaster from 1853 to 1861, and 
takes an active interest in politics. He was assistant surgeon of the State militia in 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 31 

1843, and in 1844 was appointed surgeon by Governor Bo'ick, and was appointed act- 
ing assistant surgeon in the Government Hospital, near Alexandria.Va., in 1862, which 
he held until si kness compelled him to return hoxe. In January, 1863, he was ap- 
pointed assistant surgeon of tie One Hundred and Fifty-second New York Volunteers, 
and nine months later resigned on account of failing health. He is a member of F. and 
A. M. and has been twice married, first to Mary Ann, daughter of Warren Mack, of 
Herkimer. His wife died in 187.5. She was an active member of the M. E church. 
His second wife was Mary A. Vining. 

Smith, Alexander, Stark, one of the representative citizens of Stark, was born May 
22, 1823, where he now reside?, a .son of Martin and Elizabeth (Nicholson) Smith. 
The grandfather, Andrew, was a son of Johanah Smith, who was a native of Germany 
and came to this country during the French and Indian wars as a soldier. After the 
war he settle'' in Albany county prior to the Revolution, and came to this county about 
1788, where he built the first farm bouse in Staikville (where subject now resides). He 
married Margaret Basinger, by whom he had these children: Elizabeth, Catharine, 
Dolly, Ma'-iah, Frederich, Susan, Christina, Abram, John and Andrew. Johanah Smith 
and wife were Lutherans. Andrew Smith, the grandfather, was born July 2, 1762, in 
Heldeberg, Albany county, and in 1798 bought out the other heirs and held the home- 
stead, where he died in October, 1848. His wife was MagdalinaBetsinger. She had a 
sister who was captured by the Indians in 1781 and carried to Canada, where she mar- 
ried an Indian chief, and afterwards when asked to return home preferred to remain 
with her adopted people. Andrew and wife had four children : Delia, Lana, Margaret 
and Martin. The latter was born March 8, 1791, where his son now resides, and died 
here September 28, 1859. His wife was born February 2, 1798, and died August 11, 
1864, and they had eight children : Lucinda, Julia A., Alexander, Almeda, Adaline, 
Almira, Martha and Rozeltha. Alexander received a district school education and owns 
the old homestead, where he has always resided. He served as supervisor three term.s, 
besides other town offices. In 1870 he was elected sheriff on the RepubUcan ticket. 
In 1844 he voted for Polk; in 1848 he became a Free Soiler, and in 18.56 was a Repub- 
lican. July 9, 1877, he was appointed postmaster at Starkville, where he remained in 
the same position many years. He is a leader in town affairs. January 1, 1850, he 
married Martha, daughter of Alexander and. Jane (Mount) Hall. He has beea a lead- 
ing Mason since 1857 and belongs to Utica Commandery No. 3. He was one of the 
organizers of Starkville cheese factory. 

Burpee, Nathaniel, Litchfield, one of the early settlers of Frankfort Hill, was one of 
the sons of Moses Burpee, sr., of Jaffrey, New Hampshire. He was born January 1, 
1766. He emigrated to this region about 1790, and worked for some years for those 
that wanted help in clearinsr their land, as it was nearly all a wilderness at that time. 
In 1795 he married .Merab Smith, who was born in Cheshire, Conn., May 2, 1770. In 
January, 1797, he bought of Oliver Prescott (grandfather of the late Judge A. H. Pres- 
cott, of Herkimer,) 102 acres of land in Whitestown, Herkimer county, (now Frank- 
fort) for 61 pounds and 4 shillings. Here they spent the remainder of their lives. He 
died August 13, 1819, aged fifty-three. She died March 22, 1844, aged seventy-three. 



32 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

They had five children, four sons and one daughter. Three of them died on the liome 
place. Ephraim, the oldest, died December 11, 1831, aged thirty-five. Susan, the 
daughter, died Aueust, 1873, aged sixty-eight. Ephraim and Susan were not married. 
Anson S., the youngest son, married Hannah T. Gary, "£ Litchfield, Herkimer county. 
He died September 6, 1850, aged forty-two. He left no children; they died in their 
infancy. The homestead was sold in 1874 to D. M. Prescott. Nathaniel, jr., the third 
son, married Abigail R. Wood, of Litchfield of this county. May 17, 1825. He bought 
the Calhoun place near the old homestead. He had three children born here, two 
daughters and one son. The daughters died in their childhood. The son, Newton N., 
was born November 30, 1828. Nathaniel, jr., died' July 7, 1835, aged thirty-three. 
Newton N. married his step sister, Mary Wadsworth, of New Hartford, Oneida county. 
They lived a few years on the old hoTestead with their aunt, where they had two 
children born, a daughter Ella and son Frank. Then they went to DeKalb. HI., on a 
farm. Newton enlisted in the army in the late war, served with distinction, was dis- 
charged honorably, returned home and died a few years after. Newton 'p mother mar- 
ried tor her second husband John Wadsworth, of Litchfield, this county, and is still liv- 
ing in Chicago, 111., in her eighty-eighth year. Newton's children are both married, 
and they and their mother Use in Chicago. Titus Burpee, the second son of Nathaniel 
Burpee, sr., was born in Frankfort, October 10, 1799. He married Olivia Johnson, of 
Southington, Conn., October 14, 1822. She was born in Souihington, July 7, 1801 
She was granddaughter of Isaac Ingraham. Titus bought a farm near Frankfort vil- 
lage, where their children were born, Harriet A. and George W. After a few years he 
sold his farm and bought the Asa Priest farm in Litchfield, Herkimer county, in 1832, 
which contains about 100 acres, and is a grain, dairy and fruit farm. Here they lived 
until their deaths, his February 20, 1873, in his seventy-fotirth year; hers March G, 
1884, in her eighty-third year. Harriet A., their daughter, W'as born July 9, 1824. She 
married Isaac Drought, of Camden, Oneida county, November, 1848. They have five 
children : Mervin B., M. Olivia, Harriet E., Susan M. and Herbert. They are all living, 
and all married and have children, except Herbert. George W. (Titus's son) was born 
May 16, 1827. He married .\lmira McClure. of Franklinville, Cattaraugus county, 
February 25, 1852, who left two children, Emma A. and George H. She died Febru- 
ary 27, 1862, aged thirty-two. He married for his second wife Harriet Woodbridge. 
of Trenton, Oneida county, March 18, 1863. She left one son, Edwin T., who died 
January 8, 1889, in his twenty first year. She died March 27, 1873, in her forty-fifth 
year. Mr. Burpee married for his third wife S. Elizabeth Savage, of Sauquoit, Oneida 
county. May 13, 1886 (she is a direct descendant of Miles Standish), has no children. 
Emma A.,. Mr. Burpee's daughter, was born October 14, 1854. She married A*. C. 
Paddock, of this town. Tliey have two children, Eflie A., born October 24, 1876; Ar- 
thur S., born October 10, 1879. They live on a farm near Sauquoit, Oneida county. 
George H. was born February 24, 1857. He married Florence Rawlings, of Philadel- 
phia, Pa. They live in Jersey City, N. J. .Mr. Burpee and his wife still live on his 
farm in Litchfield. 

Bridenbeckcr Brothers, Frankfort. Bridenbecker, Judson, one of the four children 
of Alexander and Elizabeth (Sherwood) Bridenbecker, was born on the family home- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 33 

steaJ (where the brothers now reside) November 7, 1867. Sherwood the brother, was 
born December 12, 1869. Alexander Bridenbecker, the father, was also born on the 
farm, at which place he died January 3, 1885. William Bridenbeoker, the grandfather 
was born in Fort Herkimer during the Revolutionary War. Elizabeth Sherwood, the 
mother, was born atMorristown, N. J., she being a daughter of Rev. B. A. Sherwood 
and Mary. Mrs. Sherwood is now living at Utica, aged ninety, Mr. Sherwood having 
died January 12, 1893. The great-grandfather was Rev. Abbott Sherwood, of New 
Jersey. The other members of this family now living are Hattie (Bridenbeoker) Reid, 
wife of James T. Reid, of Toronto, Canada; Willis A. Bridenbeoker, of Mascotte, Flor- 
ida, and Adelma J., second wife of Alexander Bridenbecker, now living at Chicago. 
The brothers are both married, Judson having married Minnie S., daughter of the late 
John Bellinger, of Little Falls; and Sherwood, Emraa E. Mason, of Hyndsville, Scho- 
harie county. The Bridenbecker Brothers' farm of 175 acres is a fine dairy, stock and 
fruit farm. They have a dairy of twenty- five cows (of which most are Holstein), own 
nine horses, notable among which is the young and handsome stallion Mortimer Gold- 
dust. This horse is by the celebrated trotter " Sprague Golddust" (2:15J) and is the 
exact image of his sire. They have twelve acres of strawberries producing from 25,"00 
to 50,000 quarts per annum. They are to be classed among the enterprising young 
men of the county. 

Caswell, George, German Flats, was born at Schuyler Lake, Otsego county, and 
lived at Cedarville thirty-three years. He was first engaged in the hotel business there. 
He came to Ilion three years ago and lately opened the Caswell Hou.se. Mr. Caswell 
is a Mason and has been for twenty-seven years. His father was Levi N. Caswell and 
his grandfather was Levi Caswell, who came to Otsego county from Connecticut. In 
1864 Mr. Caswell married Cora A. Williams and they have two children, Grace L. and 
LeeN. 

Curry, Thomas H., Little Falls, senior member of the firm of Curry & Conboy, was 
born in Oneida County, but his parents moved to Manheim when he was but five 
months old. After receiving a thorough education he taught school for some time and then 
entered business. The present partnership was formed September 8, 1888, and the busi- 
ness has been large and prosperous, owing to the honorable methods and personal 
popularity of the partners. Mr. Curry has always taken an active part in politics and 
has been supervisor of the town of Manheim for four consecutive terms. He was first 
elected in the spring of 1888. His ancestors on l^is mother's side were among the 
original Mohawk Dutch, and his father's parents came from Ireland in 1836. Mr. 
Curry is a Republican in politics ; a member of Engine Company Number five ; of the 
Elks, the Iron Hall, etc. 

Conkling, James, German Flats, born in Troy, New York, May 22, 1854. When 
three years of age his parents moved to Litchfield, Herkimer county, graduated from 
Whitestown Seminary in 1875, studied law with Francis Kernan from 1877 to 1880, 
when he was admitted to the bar. After his admission he removed to Ilion. He has 
taken an active part in the afi"airs of his town and village for some years and is one of 
the leadmg Democrats of the county. February 11, 1885 he married Miss Eva J. 



34 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Beckwith. daughter of Hon. E. D. Beckwith, now ot Little Falls. President of the vil- 
lage of Illion in 1889, also elected supervisor in 1890, 1891, and re-elected in 1892 by 
the largest majority ejer given to a supervisor in the town of German Flats. He was 
the candidate of his party for member of Assembly in 1891, but was defeated. Has a 
lucrative law practice and is the attorney for the Ilion Building and Loan Association. 

Clayton, Samuel, Frankfort, was torn in Lancashire, England, June 22, 1848. He 
was one of eight children of John A. and Betty (Gee) Clayton. The family first located 
in Ilion, and Mr. Clayton lived in Herkimer county about twenty-seven years. He 
came to Frankfort in 1884 and built the large and commodious building which he uses 
as a hardware and agricultural implement store, deahng also in stoves, etc. He was 
first married to Susie M. SuthfT, who died in 1877, leaving one son. Alfred Samuel Clay- 
ton. October 5, 1881, he manied Georgiene M. Warner, a daughter of Captain F. C. 
aQd Hannah H. (Bruce) Warner, of Baltimore, Md. They have one son, Franklin 
Robert Clayton. Captain F. C. Warner was an oflBcer in the navy and captain of the 
ship Osceola. 

Coak, M. B., Little Falls, dea'er in agricultural implements, etc., .Mary street, Little 
Falls, is a native of Manheim. His father is a farmer, and he spent his early years on 
the farm, just outside the corporation limits of Little Falls, having been all his life in- 
terested in farming. He first branched out into the mercantile field as a dealer in hay 
carrier business. From this he developed into a full agricultural implement business in 
1881. He began in a moderate way, and has met with great success, and does a large 
trade. He carries a very full and complete line of all kinds of farm implements. In 
politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Home Circle. 
Mr. Cook's great-grandfather came from Wallingtord, Conn., about 1800, and the 
family have resided in this county ever since. M. B. Cook also owns a creamery and 
farm in Madison County, and operates one farm in the town of Manheim. His wife 
was Kate Waters, daughter of S. J. Waters, and they have one daughter three years of 
age. 

Cristman, James A., Ohio, was born in the town of Ohio, November 8, 1863. He 
is a farmer and carpenter and builder, and received his education in the district schools, 
January 1, 1891, he married Annie Bickford. daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Bick- 
fjrd, of Russia. Mr. Cristman is a Democrat, and has been h'ghway commissioner. 
He is a member of the North Star Grange Number 686, of Ohio. James A. is a son of 
Augustus Cristman, a son of John Cristman. Tha latter was a native of Paine's Hollow, 
born in 1800 and died in 1808. His wife was Catharine Crouse of Paine's Hollow, by 
whom he has thirteen children, two of whom died in youth. His wife died in 1848, 
and he married Lavina (Lampher) Bennett. Au^'ustus Cristman was a farmer and 
lumberman. In 1854 he married Malissa Henry, daughter of Thomas Henry. They had 
four children: Sarah L., Alexander, James A., and Marshall II. His wife died Ma ch 
22, 1890. 

Coleman, F. W., German Flats, was born in London, March 7, 1850, and came to 
America in 1869. He has always been in the carriage trade in this country. The firm 
of Garlick & Coleman was formed in 1873, and in 1877 was succeeded by F. Coleman 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 35 

& Company. In 1889 the Coleman Carriage Company was formed with Mr. Coleman 

as manager. He is an active business man and a member of the Ma.sonic order and the 

A. 0. U. W. In 1881 he married Miss Susan Oram and they hive a family of eight 
children. 

Clapsad .'le, Frank, German Flats, was born in Columbia January 17, 1858, and ran 
a carriage business for some years. He came to Mohawk in 1885 and purchased the 
horses for running the various lines of street railways there. In 1886 he married Miss 
Maude Brown and they have one infant son. His grandfather was one of the early 
settlers in Columbia. 

Davis, Henry H., Litchfield, is the proprietor of the North Litchfield cheese factory, 
and uses the milk from about 400 cows. He started making cheese March 28, 1892, 
and will close January 1. The estimate of cheese for 1892 will be about 140,000 
f ounds, which has sold for from 8J cents to 10^ cents. He is also a farmer, and was 
bo n in Edmeston, Otsego couEty November 5, 1834. He bought this factory and 
farm in 1890, it having been built by Joseph Kast, about 188.5. Mr. Eunyan purchased 
the land and built the first factory here about 1862. Mr. Davis made chei s e in Ken- 
tucky in 1870 and in 1871 made cheese for S. P. Goodier, then the owner of this prop- 
erty. He married Eliza G. Lindsay, and they have one son, George H., who is now 
making cheese at Warwick, Orange county. He married Lisetta Otterbin, and tley 
have one son, Harry. 

Downing, Zeno I., D.D S., Winfield, was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, 
October 14, 1837, educated in the common schools and Rome Academy; commenced 
the study of dental surgery with Dr. David W. Perkins, of Rome, and S. F. Tremain. 
He commenced the practice of dentistry in Rome in 1860 and in West Winfield in 
1865, where he has remained since. Has been town clerk for the last twelve years. 
He has been secretary of Winfield Lodge, F. & A. M., about fifteen years. He is also 
a member of the A. O. U. W., No. 99, of which he has been recorder for about five 
years. He is past master workman of that 'odge, past master of F. & A. M., No. 581, 
and is a member of Winfield Council No. 1,033, R. A., of which he was secretary for 
tiiree years. He married Sarah E., daughter of Dr. E. F. Beals, June 29, 1868, and 
they have one daughter, Carrie L. G., and have lost one son, Warren Zeno, who died 
June 9, 1882, aged nineteen years. 

Dutton, Ward, Winfield, was born on the farm where he now lives October 14, 
1859, a son of Puffer Dutton, a native of this State, who settled on this farm about 
1830. He married Susan, daughter of Nathan Layton, of Richfield, and they have five 
children. Ward, Charles, Flora E., Sarah and Helen Dutton, Ward and Sarah being the 
only survivors. Ward Dutton married in 1883 Eugenia Vrooman of Richfield 
Springs. She was a daughter of Nicholas S. Vrooman, and they have had four 
children, Bessie, who died August 24, l8S6 ; Ethel, died January 29, 1887 ; Christabell 
and Henry Ward. 

Dewey, Dennis A., Winfield, a son of Alexander and Lucretia Dewey, was born in 
Plainfield, Otsego county, N. Y., June 7, 1841, and came to this town in 1877. He 



36 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

married Mary A., daughter of James and Mary Arling, February 24, 1870. She died 
April 12, 18S8, and he married second AHce Gorton, of this town, December 17, 1890, 
and they have one son, Alexander. Mr. Dewey is one of the representative farmers of 
Winfield. He enlisted August 22, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty- 
first New York Volunteers, and served about three years. Tie was in all the engage- 
ments of h's regiment up to May G, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness, when he 
was wounded and taken prisoner. His limb was smp-itated by the Confederates, and 
he was imprisoned most of the time at Lynchburg, Va., and Libby Prison at Richmond 
for about five months. His father was born in Plainfield, Otsego coun'y, and settled in 
this town in 1865. He held the office of assessor of this town, and was supervisor for 
three years in succession in 1888, '89 and '90. He is a member of S. G. Button Post, 
No. 364, G. A. R. 

Derapsey, James, Frankfort, was born in the town of Salisbury, Herkimer county, 
October 1, 1857. He was one of nine children of Richard and Mary Dempsey. 
When nine years of age he went to live '"n the town of Schuyle"-, engaging in the 
business of buying and selling cattle and hay. He owns a farm of 125 acres in the 
town of Newport and one of 100 acres in Frankfort, He was married February 24, 
1892, to Mary Davin, daughter of Andrew and Ella Davin, of Little Falls. They re- 
side in Frankfort village, where he owns fine property. He has a dairy of forty cows 
and is one of the enterprising citizens of Frankfort. 

Douglas, Dr. E. H., Little Falls, was born in Saxonville. Mass., February 25, 1867. 
He received hi? preliminary education in the Little Falls Academy, and wasgradu ted 
from Dartm<-uth Medical College in 1889. He has since practiced medic'ne in Little 
Falls. Dr. Douglas is of Scotch extraction. His father, Andrew Douglas originally 
came from Scotland, and has been for many years identified with the knit goods indus- 
tries in Little Falls and Ilion Dr. Douglas is a prominent member of the Royal 
Arcanum, Elks, Red Men, Odd Fellows, and other leading social orpanizations. He is 
at present coroner of Herkimer county. 

De Coster, Harry A., Little Falls, is a native of the State of Maine. His family is 
well and favorably known in the history of that State. Harry A. De Coster received 
his education at Tuft's College, Massachusetts, from which he graduated in 1885. He 
entered the law office of Judge Sheldon in 1886 and was admitted to tlie bar in 1888, 
immediately thereafter commencing the active practice of his profession. In 1892 Mr. 
De Coster received the appointment of corporation attorney for the village of Little 
Falls. He married Miss Minnie Shepard of this county. 

Devendorf, Irving R., Herkimer, district attorney for Herkimer county, is a native of 
the town of Danube, Herkimer county, and after a preliminary education he began the 
study of law in the office of the Hon. George W. Smith, of Heikimer, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in October, 1880, and began practice in 1881, forming a partnership 
with A. J, Smith under the name of Devendorf & Sini'h. Mr. Devendorf was elected 
district attorney in 1888, and was re elected in 1891. He is proving eiuineuily suc- 
cessful in his ofilce, and as an indication of his fitness and ability, it might be men- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 3^ 

tioned that almost every indictment during bis term lias resulted in a conviction. Mr. 
Devendorf's ancestors have lived in this part since the early settlement of the State, 
and his great- grandfathers on both sides took part in the Revolutionary War. 

Day, Erasmus W., Schuyler, is one of the notable men of Herkimer county. He was 
born October 19, 1815, and has been an active man all his life. He has always been a 
prominent farmer, and has been engaged also in mercantile lines. In public life he 
has been prominent in Schuyler. From 1840 to 184G he was deputy sherifif, was super- 
visor of the town for several years, and was representative to Albany in 1869. In 1838 
he married Mary Ann Root, a daughter of Captain Root, who was celebrated in the 
War of 1812. They have three children, Warren E., Sheldon R. and Mrs. J. D. 
Leland, of Washington, D. C. The grandfather of Mr. Day was commissary in the 
Revolutionary War, and his father, Dr. Warren Day, was surgeon in the War of 1812. 
His son. Dr. Warren E. Day, was a surgeon in the late war, and for several years after 
the close of the war he continued in the errploy of the government. 

Dolge, Henry A., Dolgeville, was born in Germany on the 19th day of March, 184.0. 
He was educated in the Gymnasium college there, and in 1865 engaged in the com- 
mission business. Shortly afterwards he rem ved to South America, where he became 
identified witli mercantile transactions, and in 1867 he operated a fugar plantation in 
the West Indies. The climate not agreeing with his health, he came to New York 
city about 1870 and engaged for twelve years in the real estate and the insurance 
brokerage business, which he relinquished to become identified with the extensive 
manufacturing industry of Alfred Dolge as resident manager at Dolgeville. He is also 
postmaster at the latter town. He married Miss E. W. Gunther, and they have one 
daughter living. 

Dedicke, Edward, Dolgeville, was born in Hamburg, Germany, February 22, 1854. 
When seventeen years of age he came to America and secured a position as porter in 
Alfred Dolge's New York store. Mr. Dolge, recognizing his worth, brought him to 
Dolgeville when he moved his felt mills to this place. Edward Dedicke rapidly acquired 
a thorough knowledge of this industry in all its departments, and has occupied the 
position of foreman in each. About two years ago he was appointed superintendent 
of the felt mills. Mr. Dedicke married Miss Barbara Stehr, and has three children, two 
boys, Henry and Carl, and a daughter, Anna. He is Regent of the Royal Arcanum, 
vice-president of the School Society and of the Building and Loan Association, secretary 
of the Mutual Aid Association, a member of the I. 0. 0. F., president of Volunteer 
Fire Company, etc. 

Doty, E. L., German Flats, was born in Onondaga, April 8, 1850, and came to his 
present farm in 1863. His father was Abner Doty who died in 1890. The family 
came from Connecticut about the beginning of this century and are descendants of Ed- 
ward Doty \iiho came to this country in the Mayflower. In 1875 Mr. Doty married 
Grace L. Howard, and they have one son and two daughters. Mr. Doty is a Prohibi- 
tionist, and a member of the A. 0. U. W. He grows a large quantity of strawberries, 
averaging over 50,000 quarts annually. 



38 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Doolittlp, E. H., German Flats, wa» born in Rradford, N. H., September 11, 1832. 
He came to Herkimer county in 1864, for twelve years was employed in the Reming- 
ton Armory. In 1878 he was elected justice of the peace and held the office thirteen 
years. He has carried on a large busine.ss in real estate and insurance for several years. 
In 1857 he married Mifs P. V. V. Groeslieek of Chittenango, N. Y., and they have 
three sons, W. G., Edward H. and Prank Hooker. Mr. Doolittle is a master Mason 
and has been justice of the sessions two years. 

Dieffenbacher, Jacob, Frankfort, was born in the duchy of Baden, Germany, March 
18, 1845, he being one of eleven children of Engelhardt and Catherine Dieffenbacher. 
His father, ruined by revolution at home, emigrated to this country with his family in 
1856, being assisted by William Gates, into whose employ the family entered. During 
the Rebellion Mr. Dieffenbacher was employed in armories in the manufacture of army 
pistols and at the close of the war he engaged in the grocery and provision business at 
canal lock 45 in Frankfort, where he has since remained. He married, December, 
1885, Pauline Bauer, a daughter of Frederick and Pauline (Bolza) Bauer, both nalivts 
of Saxony, who emigrated and settled in Utica. They have two children, Sarah M. 
and Theresa E. 

Dunckel, Peter J., Dolgeville, was born at Frey's Bush, Montgomery county, May 
27, 1828. George Dunckel, his great-grandfather, came from Germany and settled in 
Montgomery county early in the 17th century. George G. Dunckel, son of George 
Dunckel, and grandfather of Peter J., was a Revolutionary soldier and was wounded at 
the battle of Sharron. John Dunckel, jr., son of George G. and father of Peter J., was 
born and always lived at Frey's Bu.sli, Montgomery county, where he followed the 
occupation of farming and blacksmithing, and where he died at eighty-five years of age. 
Peter J. Dunckel has followed grist-milling for a number of years. He owns a farm of 
180 acres, besides other valuable property. His wife was Miss Lucy Woolever, a 
daughter of Nicholas Woolever. They have three children living. 

Dudley, William Henry, M. D., Newport, was born at Madison, New Haven county. 
Conn , January 1, 1855, a son of Lucian W. anl Mary E. (Page) Dudley. Lucian W. 
was a son of David, and he of Roswell, who was a .son of David, a lieuterant in the 
Revolutionary war. The latter was a son of Deacon David, who was a son of Eben- 
ezer, and he a son of John who came to Guilford, Conn., from England, in 1G73, and 
the same year married Martha French, of Guilford, Conn. The subject was one of two 
children (the brother being George W.), and settled in Newport in November, 1888. 
In h's youth he attended the common school, and a preparatory select school of the 
grade of an academy. At eighteen years of age he entered the employ of the father 
at Norwich, Conn., as drug clerk, remaining five years, when he entered the office of 
Dr. W. S. C. Perkins of that city to study medicine. In 1879 he entered the College 
of Physicians and S'lrgeons, of New York, which is now the medical department of 
Columbia, and remained there one year. Then spent two years at the University of 
the City of New York, where he graduated March 9, 1882. He then returned to Nor- 
wich, Conn., and practiced medicine for three years, when he removed to Butte City, 
Mont., where he remained two years. At that time he received the appointment of 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 39 

surgeon to the Elkhoru Mining Company, of Jefferson County, Mont., where he re- 
mained two years more. December 25, 1886, he married Lilhan T. Fillmore, daughter 
of Ralph H. and Elizabeth (Fitch) Fillmore. Ralph H. F^Jlmore being a cousin of ex- 
President Fillmore. The grandfather of Mrs. Dudley, Comfort D. Fillmore, was a sol- 
dier in the war of 1812. His wife, Annice, drew a pension until her death, at ninety- 
one years. Dr. and Mrs. Dudley l^ave had two children : Earl W.. who died May 27, 
1887, aged four months, and Ray W., born April 14, 1889. He is a member of the 
Congregational Church, and his wife of the M. E. Church. Dr. Dudley and his father 
are both Republicans. The doctor is vice-president of ihe Herkimer County Medical 
Society; also on the consulting stafi of the Faxton Hospital of Utica, N. T. He is 
health officer of Newport, and also belongs to the fire company. He is a member of 
St. James Lodge, F. &. A. M., No. 23, of Norwich, Conn.; Iroquois Chapter, R. A. M., 
of Ilion, No. 23G ; of Little Falls Commandery, K. T. No. 26, and Ziyara Temple, 
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Also belongs to I. O. R. M,, being sachem of the Tribe. 
Dr. Dudley while in Montana traveled through the National Park as surgeon to the 
Butte City Liederkranz Society, and wrote and published a book on its wonders. 

Dexter, Henry W., Newport, was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, July 16, 1823, 
a son of William B. and Sarah (Jewett) Dexter, who settled in Fairfield about 1819. 
His mother was a native of Connecticut and his father of Providence. The latter was 
a volunteer in the war of 1812, and was a Whig and later a Republican. He was very 
active in politics, and was a member of the Liberal church. He had four daughters 
and one son : Phoebe A. (deceased), Mary J. (Parkhurst), Henry W., Loiiisa A. (Deer- 
ing), Elizabeth A. (Grigwold), and Henry W. The latter married January 18, 1844, 
Mary E. Parkhurst, a native of Fairfield, and a daughter of Lyman and Susan (Enos) 
Parkhurst. They have two children, Addie S., wife of Capt. Thomas E. Merritt of 
the One Hundred Fifty-First Regiment Infantry, and at present auditor of the Adiron- 
dack & St. Lawrence railroad. He has al.so a son. Dr. Lyman C. Dexter, a physician 
and druggist of Newport. He married Gertrude Harris, daughter of Archibald Harris. 
Henry W. Dexter started in business as a farmer in the town of Newport, 1847, and 
continued until 186.5, then speculated in livestock and produce until 1880. He was on 
the committee of the right-of-way of tlie H. N. & P. R. R., and was also a director 
unt'l 1890. Mr. Dexter is a 32d degree Mason, a member of Newport Lodge No. 455, 
Iroquois Chapter, and attends the Universalist church. He is also a director in the 
Newport National Bank. 

Davis, R. Irving, Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls and was born on the home- 
stead farm, near this village in 1863. The family is an old and honored one in this 
State, his ancestors having resided here since the year 1767. His great-grandfathers 
participated in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Davis entered Hamilton College and 
took a highly creditable course in that institution to the middle of his sophomore 
year, when other duties compelled him to forego the completion of his studie.'. 
He is a member of the Theta Delta Chi society of that college, also of the Royal 
Arcanum, the American Legion of Honor, the Red Men and the Orange, and has 
filled chairs in all of the societies. Mr. Davis is now actively engaged in the real 
estate and insurance business, and in the latter line represents companies whose 



40 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

capital aggregates over $3,000,000, including both fire, life and accident insurance 
companies. Mr. Davis is socially popular and stands high in the estimation of Ihe 
business men and the public generally of the county. He possesses superior busi- 
ness abilities and has had educational advantages far exceeding those of business 
men generally, and all these combine to guarantee him a bright future, which he 
will undoubtedly attain. 

Douglass, Dr. A. J., German Flats, was born in Lewis county in lft37 and graduated 
from the Long Island College Hospital in 1872. He has practiced medicine in 
Ilion since 1875. He has also been prominently connected with the school board, and 
has invented a blackboard crayon rack that is attracting much attention among edu- 
cators. In 1892 Dr. Douglas was elected president of the village of Ilion. In 1872 
he married Mary D. Chittenden. They have one son, Adelbert C. 

Dexter, Lyman C, Newport, was ' orn February 21, 1854. His early education was 
obtained in the public schools at Newport. At the age of fifteen years he entered 
Fairfield Seminary. He graduated from Hunperford's Collegiate Institute at Adams, 
N. Y., in 1872, and was employed in 1874 and 1875 in Utica, N. Y., as financial agent 
for Alfred Putnam in the drv goods business. He then studied medicine with Dr. A. 
J. BrowD, of Newport. He graduated from the University of Michigan in June, 1879, 
and then took a post- graduate course in Bellevue Hospital, New York city, from which 
he graduated in March, 1880, and commenced the practice of his profession in New- 
port the following summer. He started the first exclusive drug store in Newport, 
which he cow conducts. He is also a stockholder in West Brothers' knitting mill, and 
is a member of the Improvement, Agricultural and Herkimer County Medical Societies. 
He is a member of Lodge No. 455, F. & A. M., in which heVas been junior and senior 
wardens; belongs to the I. O. R. M., the Phalitorian Literary Society of Hunger- 
ford Institute and of the Nonsaskin Literary Society. He is a Republican, and has 
been tovi'n clerk four consecutive years, health officer two years, and is at present town 
physician of Newport, fie married June 27, 1884, Gertrude B., daughter of Archibald 
and Annie (Coffin) Harris. They have three children. Henry Merritt, Burr Tiffany and 
Anna May. 

Douglass, Dr. Allison 0-, Little Falls, was born in Oneida county, N. Y. He received 
an academic education in Rome and Whitesboro. He graduate^ from the Long Island 
Medical College in 1876. He began practice immediately thereafter in Gray, Herkimer 
county, from which locality he removed to Little Falls in 1888 Dr. Douglass has a 
brother engaged in the practice of medicine in Ilion, N. Y., and another in Lowville, 
Lewis county, N. Y. He is of Scotch descent. Dr. Douglass enjoys an extensive and 
lucrative practice here. 

Deimel, Menning A., Herkimer, was born in Herkimer and received his education in 
the schools of Lansingburg and Albany. After leaving school he entered the office of 
Deimel & Snell as book-keeper. After fix years' service therein he formed a copart- 
nership with Mr. Snell in the Herkimer Manufacturing Company, of which he is the 
practical manager. This establishment manufactures spring beds, etc., and gives em- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 41 

ployment to about forty hand«. Mr. M. A. Deimel is a son of H. A. Deimel, senior 
member of the firm of Deimel & Snell. He is a member of the Fire Department, 
Elks, Odd Fellows, Red Men, etc., and connected with leading .social and political or- 
ganizat ons here. 

Da'e, William H., Little Falls, was born in L ttle Falls. He leceived his education 
in the village schools and engaged with his father in contractirg. About fifteen years 
ago he and his brother, George B. Dale, formed a partnership, which has since existed. 
During this entire period no account has been kept between the brothers, each having 
implicit confidence in the other. Mr. W. H. Dale is one of the village trustees, a mem- 
ber of the Methodist church, and identified with social and benevolent circles. This 
house has contracted for and completed much important work here and in this vicinity, 
and worthily sustains a very high reputation. The Dale family originally came from 
County Antom, Ireland. 

Dievendorf, Jacob, German Flats, was born in 1814, and is one of the oldest inhab- 
itants of the county. His life has been spent mostly in farming, and he ha? been very 
successful in every way. He is now president of the Mohawk National Bank, and 
formerly had various large interests that he has now centralized. His father was David 
Dievendorf and his grandfather Jacob, who came to this part 100 years ago. Hig 
nephew, R. M. Dievendorf, is one of the leading merchants of Mohawk. 

Ellis, Lorenzo, Russia, was born in Wctmoreland, Oneida county, January 6, 1836, 
a son of Daniel Ellis, born in Slab City, Madison county, in 1802. He married Sallie 
Coy, a native of Madison county, by whom he had five sons and one daughter, Orrin, 
Alanson, Orlando, LeRoy, Lorenzo and Louisa. He went to Oneida county and fol- 
lowed farming, and later in life became a boatman on the Erie Canal. He died in 
Oneida county in 1858 and his wife in 1874. Lorenzo Ellis married November 12, 
1858, Jane, daughter of Ozias and Emily (Jenkins) Wilcox, natives of Oneida county. 
To Mr. Ellis and wife seven children have been born : Frank W., Mary M., Walter and 
Eugene C, living, and Charles, Lewis and Ahce, deceased. Mr. Ellis was a boatman 
on the Erie Canal from 1847 to 1863. He then went to Newport, where he was en- 
gaged in lumbering one year and in the express and stage business eighteen years. In 
1887 he went to Poland and engaged in the hotel business. In 1889 he purchased 
property now known as the Ellis House, of which his son Frank is proprietor. Mr. 
Ellis also has a good livery. He is a Republican. 

Eckler, Hendrick, Warren, with his family came from Holland and settled in Warren 
about 1765. He had a son Captain Henry, who was born in Holland, who received 
his father's homestead of 100 acres. He had four sons : Christian, John, Daniel and 
Henry. John Eckler was born in the homestead and spent his life there. His wife 
was Sophia Van Home, who bore him five children: John, Thomas, Henry, Christina, 
Mary A., the latter the only one living. John Eckler was born on the homestead in 
September, 1810, and died September 9, 1876. He was twice married, first to Hannah 
Van Denberg, who bore him three children : Clarinda, Orange and Van Denberg (de- 
ceased.) His second wife was Hannah, daughter of Cornelius and Eva Cronkhite, who 



42 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

bore him four children : Foster (deceased), Mariette (deceased), Lester C. and Rose. 
His second wife died in 1872. Lester C. Ecker was born March 1, 1847, in Springfield, 
where Hendrick Eckler first settled. He added sixty acres to the original farni and 
lived there until March 1, 1886, when he bought the hotel in Warren and has since 
conducted it. He received an academic education, is a Mason and a Republican, and 
has been postmaster under Harrison. He married, December 14, 1870, Julia, daughter 
of David and Christina (Harder) Johnson, and they have one child, Ralph J. 

Emery, John, Russia, was born in Ohio, November 23, 1824, a son of Rowland 
Emery, born in Charlestown in 1786. He came to Ohio at an early day, one of the 
pioneer settlers, where he spent most of his life. His wife was Elizabeth Jones, by 
whom he had two sons and six daughteis. His brother, Matthew, was in the War of 
1812. Rowland Emery died in Ohio in 1849, and his wife died in 1842. In 1846 John 
Emery married Mary A. Curtis, born in Schoharie county February 25, 1828. a daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Amie Curtis, who about 1838 came from Duanesburg, Schoharie 
county, and settled in Ohio, where they reared four sons and seven daughters. Mr. 
Emery at the age of nineteen years was captain in the militia under Governor Bouck. 
He was highly honored in his native town, being excise commissioner for four years, 
a member of the auditing board for four years, supervisor 1866-67, justice of the peace 
from 18G6 to 1870, and was one of the menibers who incorporated the M. E. Church in 
Ohio. He held all the offices in that church in time, and was superintendent of the 
Sunday-school for fifteen years. He moved from the town of Ohio to the village of 
Poland, January 1, 1889, where he now lives. His grandfather, Robert Emery, was 
born in New York and early in life settled in Montgomery county. He died in Strat- 
ford, aged ninety-three. 

Earl, Robert, 2d, Herkimer, was born in Herkimer December 22, 1867. He received 
his education in the Herkimer schools, St. John's Military Academy, Manlius, N. Y., 
and Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. After the completion of his studies he entered 
the office of D. H. Burrell & Company Little Falls, N. Y., and later the ofBce of the 
Saxony Knitting Company of the same place. May 1, 1892, he was elected assistant 
ca.shier of the "' Old " Herkimer Bank, Herkimer, N. Y., which position he now holds. 
Mr. Earl is a trustee of the village of Herkimer, and has the distinction of being the 
youngest member ever elected to that board. He is a Mason and a member 
of several social organizations. He is a son of the late eminent Samuel Earl and a 
nephew of Chief Judge Robert Earl of the Court of Appeals of the State of New 
York. 

Ely, Samuel, Warren, was born where he now lives, near the south line of Warren, 
November 29, 1807, and is a son of Samuel and Fannie (Cooley) Ely. His grandfather 
was Simeon Ely, of English descent, and born near West Springfield, Mass. In 1805 
he settled on the farm where the subject now lives, and died there in 1815, aged eighty- 
five. The subject's father was born in Massachusetts in 1774, and came with his 
parents to the present homestead in 1805. He died in 1851 in his seventy-seventh 
year, and his wife died about 1862 in her ninetieth year. They had five children. Our 
subject has always lived on the homestead, has never been sued and has never sued, 



FAMILY. SKETCHES. 43 

has not tasted liquor in fifty-three years, and lias been a member of I be M. E, Chun h 
fifty-four years. He married in 1831, Mary A., daughter of George and Betsy (Cooke) 
Snyder, and they have had seven children : Lorana, wife of James Pollard, dead, left 
one son ; Ann, wife of IraDunckel ; Helen, wife of Rosell Warren ; Wesley, Elizabeth, 
died unmarried ; Fannie A., and Darwin, who served three years in the 121st N. Y. 
Volunteers. Mrs. Ely died in 1880 in her seventy-second year. 

Edsall. Dr. Irving S,, was born October 1.5, 1858, a son of William and Jane (Swar- 
tout) Edsall, residents of Delaware county, N. Y. He attended the Roxbury public 
school until eighteen years of age, when he entered the Albany Normal School, from 
which he graduated in 1879, He taught school for a time, then commenced the study 
of medicine, entering the Albany Medical College in the fall of 1882. He graduated 
in March, 1885, and settled in Middleville the same year. He is a member of the Her- 
kimer County Medical Society, of which he was vice-president in 1890 and president in 
1891. He is also a member of Newport Lodge F. & A. M. No. 455 ; of Nehasena 
Tribe I. 0. R. M. of Newport, of which he is a charter member; and also^ belongs to 
the Middleville Council Royal Arcanum No. 1335, in which order he served as medical 
examiner. He is a Republican in politics and was appointed county physician in 1888. 
He is a member of the Board of Trustees in Middleville and was one of its original 
trustees when it was incorporated, in 1890. In 1892 he was elected its president. Dr. 
Edsall is a member of M. E. Church, of which he is Sunday-school superintendent. 
September 11, 1885, he married Ella Sikes, adopted daughter of Harvey Sikes of 
Greene county, N. Y. They have one child, William, born in 1890. 

Edes, James, Manheim, was born in England in the year 1835. In 1854 he came to 
this country and commenced to work on a farm, and after an industrious period he was 
enabled to purchase his present fine property of 190 acres of dairy land upon which he 
keeps fifty-five head of horned cattle, four horses, besides other stock. His wife was 
Miss Charlotte Boyce, an English lady, who died in April, 1890. Mr. Edes has had six 
children, two boys and four girls. Mr, Edes is a thorough representative and prosper- 
ous farmer. 

Evans, Jam^s H., Herkimer, was born in Granville, Washington county, N Y., 
November 14, 1839. He received a good education in the schools of Cohoes, and at 
an early age entered the employ o; the Ogden Mills there, later on assuming charge of 
the spinning rooms, and in 18G9, became identified with the knitting industry in Cohoes. 
He jame to Herkimer n 1877, and entered the employ of Morris Mark, with whom he 
remained until the formition of the Gem Enittiug Company, four years ago, of which 
he became the leading partner and practical head. The other members of the concern 
are H. A. Deimel, 0. R. Snell, and M. A. Deimel. Employment is furnished to 150 
hands, and Swiss Ribbed Underwear in cotlen, wool and silk is produced, three 
hun Ired dozen being turned out per day. The factory is a large three-story brick 
building with basement and contains all modern improvements and machinery. The 
products are disposed of through their New York office at 48 Leonard street. Mr. 
Evans is a thirty-second degree Mason. 



44 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtJNTV. 

Eaton, Volney, Herkimer, is a native of Eatonsbush, this county, and is the son of 
a fanner. He is a direct descendant of Francis Eaton, who came over in the May- 
flower. His father took part m the war of 1812, and served at Sackett's H^.rbor. Gen- 
eral Eaton, of Revolutionary fame, was also an ancestor of Mr. Volney Eaton. Mr. 
Eaton has been in the saw-mill business for some years. Latterly he has retired from 
active business. He has twice been high sheriff, once of Herkimer County, once of 
Ionia, Michigan. In politics he is a Republican, and was one of the first organizers of 
the Republican party in this part. 

Enos, William P., Herkimer, was born in the town of Ohio, March 30, 1830. He 
received a common school education and after learning the machinest trade, at which 
he worked for thirty years, traveUng to many cities and States in the prosecution of 
this industry. He afterwards purchased his farm on the Steuben road of 140 acres of 
dairy land, upon which he has since lived. He keeps twenty-five or thirty head of 
stock and cuts from sixty to seventy tons of hay. He married Miss L. Sherman and 
has a son and a daughter. The family is of New England descent. He was in the 
ordnance department of government service as inspector during the war. 

Fish, Irving K., Litchfield, was supervisor of Litchfield, in 1888, 1889, and 1890. He 
was born here on the farm where he now lives July 26, 1847, son of Alonzo L. Fish, 
who by his pen and practical instructions, was one of the first to advance dairy in- 
terests in Herkimer county, and establish export trade in dairy products. Was 
supervisor of Litchfield in 18G0, 1861, and 1862, and the originator of many useful en- 
terprises; a native of Connecticut, who came herewith his father Samuel Fish, the 
original owner of this farm which has been in the family ever since. Samuel was a 
son of Nathaniel Fish. Irving K. Fish, married E. Jennie Beals, and they have one 
daughter, Cornelia J. Mrs. E. J. Fish is a daughter of Rev. Oliver Beals, who was a 
son of David Beals, one of the first settlers of this town. 

Fish, Wallace Isaac, Litchfield, is one of the prominent farmers of Litchfield. He 
married Emma M. Underwood, December 24, 1856, and they have two children living, 
S. Lynn, who married Gertie E. Rider, and Fred P., who married Jennie M. Davis, 
and is overseer of the poor. Isaac W. Fish is a son of Elias W., who was supervisor of 
this town for many years, he was a son of Samuel who came here with his father 
Nathaniel, one of the first settlers here. Isaac W. Fish's mother was Alma P., daughter 
of Isaac Parker, a brother of the Rev. Archibald Parker, both of them being among the 
first settlers of the town of Litchfield. George Parker was the father of the Parker 
brothers, who were the first settlers here. George Parker died June 26, 1820, aged 89 
years, his wife Sarah died July 23, 1836, aged 94. Isaac Parker died January 23, 
1840, aged 67, his wife Mercy, died October 29, 1856, aged 86. Blias W. Fish died 
June 26, 1869, aged 66, and his wife Alma P., died February 2, 1883, aged seventy- 
seven. The_deod of this farm, dated Decembers, 1794, from Archibald Parker, to 
Isaac Parker, is now in the poSfeession of Isaac W. Fish, and was recorded July 29, 
1818, signed Walter Fish, clerk. 

Fisher, Henry, Ohio, was born in Germany in 1825. His parents were John and 
Barbara Fisher, who had five sons and two daughters. In 1847 Mr. Fisher and family 



FAmLY SKETCHES. 45 

came to America and settled in Ohio township, where he purchased sixty acres of lami 
in the wilderness. On this he built a log house, in which he spent the remainder of 
his life. He was a Democrat, and he and his wife were Lutherans. He died in 1853 
and his wife in 1872. Henry Fisher was twenty-two years old when he came to this 
country with his parents. He married Christina Fisher, a native of Germany, by 
whom he had live children, Nicholas, Charles, Rachael, Amelia, and Emily, all of whom 
are living. Mr. Fisher owns 269 acres of land, and keeps a large dairy. He is a Dem- 
ocrat, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. He is one of the 
stockholders in the Poland union store. 

Folts, Mrs. D., Herkimer, is one of the remarkable women of the age, and lives a 
mile and a half from Herkimer. Her son, W. P. Folts, works the farm and manages 
outside alTairs, and she does a great deal of magnetic healing. She has been practicing 
twenty-two years and has established a wide and substantial reputation. They have 
one hundred acres of land used for dairying and grain. Mrs. Folts' father was a doctor. 
From the GrloversviUe Intelligencer: "One mile and a half east of Herkimer village 
lives an old lady called Mrs. Folts. This person has obatined a wonderful reputation 
for the healing of diseases. It is now twenty-two years since she began to attract by 
her great healing powers, and to-day her house is a modern Mecca for the sick, many 
of whom travel hundreds of miles to consult her. Her patients consist mainly of 
chronic cases, though the diseased and crippled of all kinds seek her aid. Many won- 
derful cures are said to have been performed by this remarkable woman, and her pat- 
rons have unlimited confidence in her powers. Two busses are kept running from 
Herkimer to her house, and every Central train stopping in Herkimer brings her new 
patients. Sometimes i8 many as twenty will come on one train to see the old lady. 
Mrs. Folts is about si.Kty-flve years of age. Her father was also gifted in the healing 
art. She lets the cures she does do all her advertising. In Herkimer, where she is 
well known she is regarded as very skillful and the patronage she is receiving from all 
the world is truly wonderful." From the Rome 6'emiraeL' "We read of miracles in 
the healing art, but one has lately come under our own observation. One of our near- 
est neighbors, Mr. Hanley, has a little son thirteen years old, who has been afflicted 
some two years with hip disease. Our most eminent physicians could do him but little 
good. An open sore on his limb discharged continually and the pain was almost un- 
bearable. Two weeks ago he was taken to see Mrs. Folts, at Herkimer, who treated 
the case by rubbing with the hands and by medicine and since that hour he has suffered 
no pain, the wound has healed, and there are fair hopes of a permanent cure." 

Forrest, David J., Russia, was born in Russia March 31, 1851. His father was Will- 
iam Forrest, a son of John and Martha Forrest. (See sketch of J W.Forrest.) William 
Forrest was born August 5, 1805, in Russia. He was educated in the common schools 
aud reared on a farm. He was a great reader and a well informed man. His wife 
was Abigail, daughter of David and Effiah Hunter. They had three sons and four 
daughters. Mr. Forrest followed clerking for some time in Utica, but afterwards be- 
came a farmer. He was a Democrat and was assessor and highway commissioner. He 
was a captain of a rifle company in the State militia. David J. Forrest was reared on 



4G HTSTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the farm he now owns, and was educated in the common schof^ls. In 1879 he uiar- 
rie'' LilMas McArthur, a native of Russia, and daughter of Donald McArUiur. They 
have four children : Raymond H,, Fred E., Edna J., and George A. Mr. Forrest is 
a farmer and a Democrat. He is a member of Russia Grange, No. G30. He and 
wife are members of the regular Baptist Church of Russia. 

Frederiksen, J. D., Little Falls, is a native of Denmark. He received his education 
in the leading schools of Denmark and graduated from the Royal Agricultural Col- 
lege of Copenhagen. After his graduation lie was director in a beet sugar manu- 
factory for some time. He then became interested in Professor Hansen's dairy invcn- 
tion.s, which he first introduced in this country. Tley consist of Hansen's reiuiet 
extract, Hansen's butter color, Hansen's cheese color, etc., etc. Mr. Frederiksen in- 
duced ProCe-SSor Hansen to establish a large manufactory here in Little Falls, to supply 
the American demand, of which he is manager. Mr. Frederiksen is a thorough bu.<i- 
ness man and has achieved remarkable success. 

Flansburg, Cornelius, Ohio, was born July 16, 1834, son of Bartholomew and Angel- 
ine Flansburg, and was educated in the common schools. In 1867 he married 
Elizabetli Curnmings, born October 4, 1848, a daughter of James and Margaret Cuni- 
mingsot Ohio. Mr. Cumniings died July "25, 1885. His wife is still living at the age 
of seventy-two years. Subject and wife have two children, Olive A. and Jess'e B. 
At twelve years of age Mr. Flansburg began working on a farm by tlie month. In 
1858 he went to California for seven years, following lumbering and mining. He then 
returned to Ohio, and has since been a farmer. He is a Republican and has been 
assessor six years. He with his family attends the M. E. church. 

Freygang, Gustav A., Dolgeville, was born in Prussia, February 24, 1859. Mr. 
Freygang received his education in that co"ntry, where he also learned the shoemaker's 
trade, and afterwards in 1879 was foreman of a large shoe manufactory in Petersburg, 
Russia, until 1883, when he came to America, and on January 18, 1884, engaged with 
Alfred Dolge. He is now foreman over the shoe business for Mr. Dolge, and has charge 
of about seventy-five hand.s. Mr. Freygang married Miss Roza Franz. They have no 
issue. 

Fellows, Charles L., Newport, a son of George W. and Louisa H. (Bowen) Fellows, 
was born April 8, 1867, and had one sister, Ruth V. George W., the father, was a 
son of Joel and Angeline, who had five children. The subject was married to Emma 
L., daughter of Albert A. and Harriet L. Bullard. He is a Republican and is town, 
also village, clerk. He commenced as a drug clerk for Dexter & Holcomb when six- 
teen years old, and after three years entered the employ of D. Wells, in the mean- 
time studying law with C. A. Moon. He entered the Albany law school in 1889. from 
which he graduated June 18, 1890. He was admitted to the bar at General Term of 
the Supreme Court April 28, 1892. After graduating he entered the office of C. A. 
Moon, of Newport, and on the death of the latter assumed charge of the business and 
office. The subject is a member of the Newport Lodge F. and A. M., No. 465, in which 
he serves as senior warden. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 47 

Ford, A. W., Fairfield, is a native of Middleville, and has always followed farming. 
He was born September 7, 1826, and in 1863 married Irene Isham. They have tour 
children, one son, David, and three daughters, Addie Belle, Mary and Irene. Mr. Ford 
owns three hundred acres of fine dairy farm in Fairfield, where his grandfather settled 
His father, David Ford, was born in this town in 1782 and served at Sackett's Harbor 
in the war of 1812 as captain. 

Finster, George, Schuyler, was born October 6, 1817, and in 18.51 he married Eme- 
line M. Sweet. They have two sons, R. V. and Delos. The former resides at home on 
the farm. Delos married Emily Husted, and they have three children, two sons and a 
daughter. The father of Georse was Jacob, and his father was John Finster, who 
participated in tlie war of the Revolution, and fought at the battle of Oriskany. 

Fenner, Resell, Newport, was born at Cold Brook January 1,3, 1825, a son of Jere- 
miah and Phosa (Rich) Fenner, His father came from Rhode Island to Newport 
when two years old. in 1794, He was a son of George, whose children were: Jere- 
miah, Harding, Gorton, Seth, George, Lydia, Sallie, and Elsie. Resell Fenner had one 
sister, Maria Louisa (deceased). He married on October 15, 1863, Mary Ann, daugh- 
ter of Henry Bristol. He entered the lumbering business at Forestport in 1850 and 
after seven years engaged in the livery business at St. Paul, Minn,, for seven years. 
In 1849 he went to California, remaining but fourteen months (in mining interests). 
He was also in the cigar business at Utica for seven years. He died October 2, 1892. 
His family are attendants of the Baptist church, Mr. Fenner's father was one of the 
original owners of the water-power of Newport. 

Faville, Henry, Dolgeville, is a grandson of John Faville, who settled here in 1795. 
He was born December 5, 1830, and after receiving an academic education followed 
the occupation of farming for many years. He married Miss Sarah L. Slauson, and 
they have two children, a sjn and a daughter. William H. Faville, his son, is engaged 
in the hardware business in the Favill<^ block, Dolgeville. The ancestors of this family 
participated in the war of the Revolution, also the war of 1812. Members of the fam- 
ily also held commissions in the late war. Henry Faville has long been identified with 
the progress of Dolgeville. He owns large real estat<^ interests in and adjacent to 
this village, comprising the Faville block, seventy- five to eighty acres of building lots, 
etc. He has held important public offices most acceptably to residents and property 
owners. , 

Fay, Rimmen C, German Flats, superintendent of the Remington Armory, born in 
Ludlow, Mass., Aug. 6, 1848. After having received a liberal preliminary education he 
was employed for several years by the Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Com- 
pany of Hartf rd. Conn., as machinist, contractor and ilraughtsman. During this 
time he made complete sets of working drawings of the celebrated Gatling Machine 
Gun under the direction of the inventor, Dr, Richard J, Gatling, He left Colt's 
Armory to enter the emp'oy of the Fales & Jenks Machine Company at Pawtucket, 
R, I., as contractor upon the well-known Rabbeth spindle, and remained there about 
seven years, when Mr. Rabbeth sold his interest in the spindle to the Hopedale 



48 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Machine Company of Hopedale, Mass. Mr. Fay was then engaged by the Hopedale 
Machine Company to design the tools and fixtures required to manufacture the spindles 
there. After this was accomplished he was engaged for about two years manufactur- 
ing the spindles by contract, after which he was engaged as supeiintendent of the 
Hopedale Machine Company's entire works. After having served in this capacity for 
about four years he resigned the position on account of ill health. He next entered 
the emoloy of the Pratt & Whitney Company of Hartford, Conn., as designer and 
draughtsman of special machinery and also as traveling salesman. He remained with 
this company until he was engaged July 1, 1888, by the Remington Arms Company as 
superintendent. Mr. Fay has taken out about twenty patents. He is a member of the 
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the leading mechanical engineering society 
in the United States. In 1870 Mr. F»y married Miss A. Izette Doane, of Brookfield, 
Mass., and they have a family of seven children. ^ Mr. Fay's father was Lucius N. Faj', 
of Brookfield, Mass., and Mrs. Fay's father was Cheney Doane, of 'he same place, who 
was a cousin of Bi.shop William Croswell Doane, of Albany. Her grandfather was a 
drum -major in the Revolutionary War, and her uncle, Nathan Doane, was a drum- 
major in the war of 1812, both father and son using the same drum, the live oak shell 
of which is now in the possession of the G. A. R. Post of Worcester, Mass. Her 
grandfather was a lineal descendant of John Adams. 

Farrell, Thomas P., Frankfort, was born December 14, 1843. He went into the 
grocery business in Frankfort, and lias continued it to the present time, a period of 
t\yenty years, he being one of the stirring merchants of the town. April 27, 1876, he 
married Mary Josephine Carry, of Utica, and they have one daughter, Mary Julia 
F»rrell. In 1886 he purchased the fine George Gates mansion for a residence. Mr. 
Farrell is a member of the Boartl of Education, of the Board of Water Works, and is 
one of the largest taxpayers in the town. 

Ford, James W., Fairfield, is a native of Fairfield and was born June 3, 1836. He 
has been a farmer all his life, and owns two fine dairy farms of 128 and 164 acres, 
upon which he has a herd of seventy milch cows. Mr. Ford's grandfather came here 
from Green River, Conn., about 107 years ago. Mr. Ford married Miss Sarah A. Ives 
in 1861, and they have a family of one son and three daughters, William, Mrs. Truman 
Cole, Fannie S. and Mabel II. Mr. Ford is a Republican in politics, and is recognized 
as a leading man in every way in this part of the county. 

Fisher, John C, Ohio, was born in Germany iebruaiy 23, 1840, and was reared on 
a farm. In 1869 he came to America and first settled in Indiana. After residing there 
ten years he came to Herkimer county, where he has since 1 ved. He married in Ger- 
many Ona Farber, a sister of Christopher Farber, of Ohio town.^hip. To Mr. Fisher 
and wife were born seven children : John, Henry, Lewis, Willie, Sophia, Mary and 
LiUie. Mr. Fisher has 229 acres of land in Ohio township and keeps a dairy. He is a 
Democrat in politics. 

Ginbey, James S., Wiiifield, was born in Winfield August 27, 1850, a son of James 
Ginbey, who settled in this town in March, 1848, from London, England. His wife 
was Mary Ann Thomas, of Welsh birth. They are both living in Winfield. James S. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 49 

Ginbey married Almina Seckner, of Columbia. February 12, IgTO. James S. Ginbey 
has a farm of 112 acres, on which he settled in 1876. He bought the farm from Sanders 
Dodge in 1882, and still owns it, having added many buildings and made it very com- 
plete. He has cleared a part of the farm from the woods and improved the re- 
mainder. 

Goodier, Alonzo J., Litohfjeld, was born on the farm where he now lives November 
12, 1843. He owns a grain and dairy farm of 100 acres. He married Carrie Tomp- 
kins, of Bridgewater, Oneida county. They have two sons, Floyd T. and Warren A. 
Alonzo Goodier is a son of Aaron Goodier, and he is a son of Aaron Goodier, a native 
of England, who came to this country with his brother Henry about 1794 and settled at 
Goodier's Corners. He built the stone house now owned by Marsden Goodier. J. 
Alonzo Goodier has held the office of school commissioner for two terms of six years. 

Graves, George, M. D., Herkimer, was born in Herkimer. He received his educa- 
tion at the Fairfield Academy and Clinton Institute, graduating from the former in 
1867 and from the Medical department of the University of Buffalo, class of '70. He 
commenced the practice of his profession in Ilion. After remaining there for two 
years he removed to Herkimer, where he has since located, enjoying a leading patron- 
age from his townsmen. Dr. Graves has been treasurer of the Herkimer County 
Medical Society. He was at one time an assistant surgeon in the National Guard, 
State of New York, and United States examining surgeon for many years, and is 
now surgeon of the Adirondack & St. Lawrence Railway Co. Dr. Graves is identified 
with several fraternal and benevolent institutions, such as the Masons, A. 0. U. W 
Fire department, etc. He married a daughter of Sheriff Wetherwax, by whom he haa 
two sons and a daughter. 

Garlock, William H., Russia, was born November 23, 1821, and is a son of Philip, 
who was a son of George P. Garlock, a native of Canajoharie, where he lived as a 
farmer, his death occurring at the age of eighty-six years. He had nine sons and four 
daughters. Philip Garlock was born in Canajoharie, was reared on a farm and 
received a common school education. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Gar- 
lock, and they had six sons and one daughter. Mr. Garlock served in the war of 1812. 
He died in December, 1865, aged seventy-two years and his wife died in April, 1844, 
aged^fty-six years. Subject was reared on a farm and received a common school 
education, and married Elizabeth Woodin, a native of Russia. Her parents were Isaac 
and Sylvia Woodin, whom we have mentioned elsewhere in this work. In 1834 
William H. came with his parents and settled in Russia, where he has since resided 
and followed farming. He has been a Republican since 1855, and has been justice of 
the peace thirteen years. He and wife are members of the Free Will Baptist Church. 
They have two sons, George and Corey, both residents of Grant, George being post- 
master at that place and Corey being assistant. Corey has been deputy sheriff four 
years, and George justice of the peace eight years. For the past two years George 
has been agent for the Deering Company in Chicago. The Garlock family is of German 
descent, and came to this country in 1708, settling in Schoharie county. Adam Gar- 
lock on the maternal side was in the battle of Oriskary utdtr General Nicholas 



30 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Herkimer, and subject's great-grandfather on his father's side was Peter Garlock, who 
was over 100 years of age at the time of his death. Adam Garlock saved one of his 
neighbors from the scalping knife in the early days. 

Goes, Martm, Warren, was born in Root, Mongomery County, February 20, 1833, 
and is a son of David and Lydia (Hale) Goes. His grandfather, Derrick, came from 
Holland and settled at Kinderhook. The subject's father was born at Kinderhook, 
February 22, 1798, and after his marriage came to Root and in 1833 to Springfield, where 
he bought forty acres on which he lived until his death, January 22, 1858. His wife 
died in Schoharie, aged seventy-six. They had five children : Elizabeth, Rebecca. 
Augusta, Martin and Lydia. Martin Goes taught school seven years, and in 1858 
bought 100 acres in Richfield. In 1864 he located where he now lives on 230, and is 
now the owner of 330 acre.« of land, devoted to hops? and dairying. He is one of the 
founders and a director of the First National Bank of Richfield Spring.o, and was one 
of the original movers and a trustee of Richfield Springs Seminary. He is a Mason. 
He has been twice married: First, February 4, 1858, to Martha, daughter of Alonzo 
and Catherine (Springer) Bigelow, and had one son. Springer. Mrs. Goes died June 

30, 1870, and he married Cornelia, daughter of James and Adeline (Bowker) Ferguson, 
who has borne him one child, Howard. They are both Presbyterians. 

Grosvenor Family, Herkimer, of which the representatives now are Mr. Charles 
Gray Grosvenor and Mr. Thomas Walter Grosvenor, is one of the oldest families in 
the United States and one of the most prominent from an historical standpoint in 
Herkimer county. They trace their descent from ancestors who came over to Eng- 
land with William the Conqueror and their more recent ancestors came to America in 
1653. In this country their ancestors on both sides were prominent in the Revolution. 
Their grandfather's name was Gray. (See Simm's History for full account of an- 
cestors). Col. Thomas Grosvenor, of Sheridan's army, was their uncle. Charles Gray 
Grosvenor is a civil engineer by profession. In 1884 Thomas W. Grosvenor established 
a clothing and gent's furnishing business in Herkimer, and was joined in 1885 by his 
brother, Charles G. The latter gentleman was president of the village in 1888, and 
the water works were constructed during his term of office. Both are Democrats in 
politics and members of the Sons of the Revolution. Both are members of the Man- 
hattan Athletic Club of New York. 

Ger.stenlauer, Gottlieb, Norway, Herkimer county, was born in Germany, October 

31, 1839. His parents were Michael and Dorothea Gerstenlauer. who had three sons 
and three daughters. Mr. GiTStenlauer died in Germany, May 9, 1S62, and his wife 
December 21, 1860. Gottlieb was reared on a farm in Germany. In 1867 he came 
to America and worked twelve years for Hinckley & Ballou of Hinckley. In 1867 he 
married Sarah Brand of Morehouseville, Hamilton County, born April 5. 1851, a 
daughter of Frederick and Mary Brand, and they have three children, Dorothea, Clara 
and Grace. In 1880 Mr. Gerstenlauer settled on a farm in Norway, where he has 
since resided. He is independent in politics. He and liis family are members of the 
German Lutheran Church. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 51 

Getman, Sanford, Schuyler, is a native of Columbia, Herkimer county, born May 13, 
1826. He owns a grass farm of 106 acres. His grandfather came from Fulton county, 
near Fort Plain. His father was John G. Getman. In 1852 he married Lucy J. Bur- 
rell. and they have had five children, four of whom survive : Lewis G., William D. 
Horatio Seymour and Jesse S. Their oldest son, Jay B., is dead. Mr. Getman has 
been a member of both the Masonic and I. 0. O. F. orders, and in politics is a Prohibi- 
tionist. Also a member of the M. E. church and class leader for twenty years. 

Gray, Alfred, German Flats, was born in Avoca, Steuben county, August 31, 1854. 
His father was Henry Gray, a banker and merchant. Alfred Gray came to llion in 
1880 and began business in the Merry block. He sold out two years ago and in Sep- 
tember, 1892, opened his present grocery business. In 1876 he married Miss Alice 
Finch, of Syracuse, and they have one child. Mr. Gray's family has been in this part 
of the country for five generations. His mother was aMarkell, a prominent family of S^ 
Johnsville. 

Graham, J., Schuyler, is a native of Deerfield, Oneida county, and was born May 7, 
1826. His father was James Graham, jr., a native of Westchester county. He was 
born May 7, 1789. His father was James Graham, also a native of Westchester county, 
and his grandfather was John Graham, of that county, who participated in the War of 
the Revolution and was connected with marine afi'airs. In 1849 Mr. Graham married 
Mary Gordon. He has been assessor of Schuyler for fifteen years, and is a staunch 
Republican. 

Glidden, Dr. Charles H., Little Falls, was born in Orleans county, N. Y., in 1856, 
received his education at the Brockport State Normal school, graduating -from that in- 
stitution in 1875. He was principal of the Union school at Caledonia, N. Y., one year 
and of the academy at Avon Springs, N. Y., two years. He became a student in the 
office of Dr. E. M. Moore, of Rochester, N. Y., in 1878, graduated from the Medical 
department of Columbia College in New York city in 1881, and commenced the prac- 
tice of his profession here in the same year. He is present city physician and has served 
several times as city health officer. He is a member of the American Medical Associa- 
tion, a fellow of the New York State Medical Association and a member of the Herki- 
mer County Medical Society. He married Miss Margaret C. Milne, of Orleans county, 
N. Y., in November, 1881. Dr. Glidden conducts an extensive practice here. 

Getman, Clark, M. D., Salisbury Corners, was born in Columbia, Herkimer county, 
October 14, 1854. His ancestors were of Revolutionary stock. He received an aca- 
demic education in the institutions of Winfield and Cazenovia, and graduated from the 
Medical department of the University of Buffalo, N. Y., in 1883. He immediately 
thereafter commenced the practice of his profession in Dolgeville, where he remained 
for eight years, enjoying a large and lucrative practice, during which time he erected a 
fine block on Main street, and other buildings, which he still owns. Dr. Getman then 
removed to Salisbury Center, where he is now practicing. He married Miss Cole, of 
Richfield, and they have two children, a son and a daughter. Dr. Getman is identified 
with the Masons, Odd Fellows, etc 



52 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Gettley, John, German Flats, is a native of Germany and came to America in 1854. 
He was a painter by trade, but went into the plumbing business two years ago, in the 
firm of Metsger & Gettley. Mr. Gettley is a master Mason, a member of the Royal 
Arcanum and is a Republican. In 1861 he married Miss Mary A. Metsger and they 
have one daughter, Racbael B. 

Getman, Mahlon, German Flats, was born in Columbia, June 6, 1835, and was en- 
gaged in farming until 1867, when he embarked in the cheese business and is to-day 
one of the largest dealers and manufacturers in the county. He owns four factories 
and manages two others. The annual export of his own four factories averages about 
400,000 pounds. Mr. Getman married Sarah A., daughter of Eraslus Holmes, in 1858, 
and they have one daughter, Mrs. Truman Snell, of Manheim. Mr. Getman has been 
president of the village of Mohawk, and also held official positions in Columbia. 

Garner, George C, Danube, was born in the town of Danube, December 25, 1851. 
His grandfather, John Garner, settled in Jefferson county, N. Y. His father, Peter 
Garner, had a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. George C. Garner 
married Helen M. Waltmouth ; they have no children. Mr. Garner owns 300 acres of 
land devoted to dairy purposes and about forty head of stock. He is a member of the 
Grange and has served as excise commissioner of Danube. 

Greene, Alonzo Herkimer, Little Falls, was born in the town of Danube and re- 
ceived his education in the Little Falls Academy. In 1862 he was appointed deputy 
county clerk, which position he held three years. In 1866 he engaged in the general 
insurance business, and the same year was elected to the office of police justice, the du- 
ties of which office he faithfully performed until 1874. In 1882 Mr. Greene was ap- 
pointed postmaster under President Arthur, and held this position four years. He has 
held various other positions of responsibility. As a member of the board of education, 
his perseverance and determination to place the schools upon the high plane they now 
occupy, had much to do with the erection of the magnificent school buildings that Lit- 
tle P'alls people are proud of. After a service of fifteen years, he retired from the board 
in 1892. His experience as a civil engineer has had very much to do with the progress 
of Little Falls. He married Mary P., daughter of the late Hon. Kelson J. Beach. Mr. 
Greene is of Holland descent on his father's side, whose ancestors originally settled in 
Dutchess county, N. Y. His mother was a grand-niece of General Nicholas Herkimer 
of Revolutionary fame. 

Holland, George E., Litchfield, is a merchant, farmer and lime manufacturer, and 
has also held the office of postmaster since 1875. He was overseer of the poor, and 
was drafted during the late war, but paid $300 for a substitute. He was born in Ban- 
gor, Me., October 18, 1835, and came to Frankfort with his father, Dr. Richard Holland, 
who built the Graefenberg water cure, which was named after the first water cure in 
Germany, and successfully conducted by him from 1847 until about 1864. He married 
February 1, 1860, Anna E., daughter of Elisha Wetmore, jr., whose father came from 
Connecticut and settled early in Paris, Oneida county, having bought five hundred 
acres of land in the woods. He came from Connecticut with a sleigh and yoke of cat- 



t*AMILY SKETCHES. 53 

tie. George E. aoJ Anna E. Holland have three cliildren : F. Adele, Jennie I., and 
Daniel. Dr. Richard Holland wa' born Dec. 28, 1806, and is well and smart. He now 
lives at Watertown. 

Haokley, Arthur C, Winfield, carries on the manufacture of cheese boxes, and ma- 
terial for the same, also has a lumber yard and saw-mill. He was born in Plain- 
field, Otsego county, February 6, 1850, and settled in West Winfield in 1872. He 
commenced business here at that time, and was married in 1891. He is a son of 
Dr. A. Hubbard Haokley, a resident of Plainfield, whose first wife was Emeline, 
daughter of Levi Carpenter, one of the first settlers of Bridgewater, and a native 
of Connecticut. Dr. Hackley, has two children : Arthur C, and Alice M. The 
latter is studying medicine in the Woman's Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa. 
Arthur C. married, in 1891, Jessie M. Casler, a daughter by adoption of A. B. Hag- 
gerty, of West Winfield. Mr. Haokley is the present master of Winfield Lodge, No. 
581, F. and A. M., of West Winfield, which position he has held for seven years, but not 
continuously. He has been president of the board of education for three years and a. 
member for seven years. 

Hiteman brothers, Henry and John Hiteman, Winfield, are natives of Germany. 
Henry came to this country m 1863, and John came in 1870. They landed in New 
York in debt for their passage. Henry was fifteen years of age and John about sixteen 
years. Both worked at farming for a few years. Hen rj' began the tannery business 
in 1869, and John in 1874, and then commenced the tanning business for themselves 
in 1884, and are still in business in West Winfield. They are sons of Conrad and 
Elizabeth Hiteman. Henry Hiteman married Louisa Mehner, of Ohio, and they have 
two children : William B., and Gertrude M. John Hiteman married Mary Huber who 
died in 1884, aged 27 years. He afterward married Mary Gula, by whom he has had 
two children : George J., and Edna P. Both families are residents of West Winfield. 

Harris, William, Litchfield, son of Martin, is a farmer and manages the Wilkinson 
estate, which farm has been occupied by that family since 1870. It was first settled 
by Selah Holcomb in 1791, and Ira Wilkinson settled on the next farm north of this. 
William Harris was born April 10, 1847, and married Catherine Doyle, born April 14, 
1849. They have eight children : Martin J., William B., Francis A., Edward B., Mary 
T., Maurice D., Mathew B. and Harry W. 

Harrison, Thomas E., Winfield, was born in Litchfield, February 25, 1836, a son of 
Stephen Harrison, who came from England and settled first in New HartforJ, and 
then in Litchfield about 1833. He married Mary Watson, and they had eight children, 
five hving : John W., Thomas E., William H., Rosa R. and Elizabeth The thres de- 
ceased are Margaret, Mary Jane and Eliza A. Thomas E. Harrison married. May 24, 
1885, Olive E. Alexander of Litchfield, and they have three children: Mary Eliza, 
Herbert Alexander and Leonard E. Mary Eliza was educated first at the West Win- 
field Academy, then at the State Normal School at Albany, where she graduated in 
the class of 1888. She is now a teacher in Selden, Long Island. Herbert Alexander 
was educated at the West Winfield Academy, and graduated there; then taught school 



54 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

two years. lie read medicine with the late Dr. E. S. B. Spencer of West Winfield, 
and entered the New York Homoeopathic Medical College of New York City in Octo- 
ber, 1891, and is still attending that college, from which he will graduate in 1894. 
Leonard E. Harrison is now attending the West Winfield Union School and Academy. 
Mrs. Olive E. Harrison is a daughter of Jo.seph and Eliza Alexander of Litchfield 
they had two children: Esther Jane, and Olive E. Alexander. Thomas E. Harrison 
ha") been justice of the peace for four years, and was re-elected last spring. 

Holcomb, Edward B., Litchfield, farmer and dealer in agricultural implements, was 

supervisor for 1891 and 1892. He is a son of William Holcomb, who was given this 
farm by his grandfather. It is a part of the old original farm first settled by Selah Hol- 
comb, in 1791. William Holcomb was a son of Alburn, who was a son of Selah, who 
had two children : Alburn and Sally Crosby. Alburn had four children : Mrs. Pamelia 
Wright, William, Albert and Irving. William had two children : William L. and Ed- 
ward B., who married Mary E. Crist, and they have two children : Ernest Selah, and 
Edith May. Mrs. Mary B. Holcomb was a daughter of H. H. Crist, of Winfield. 

Histed, W. Duane, Litchfield, is a farmer, cheese manufacturer and merchant. The 
first cheese factory was built here by William Rider about 1867, and ownt d by him 
until 1885, when he sold it to Duane Histed. He was born in West Exeter, April 22, 
1853, and settled at this place in 1881. He is a son of William Histed a native of 
Pennsylvania. Mr. Histed married Cora A. Cole, and has three children : Nellie Estelle, 
James Edwin and Robert Earl. Mrs. Hi.sied is a daughter of Henry Cole of West 
Winfield, a native of this county. 

Hines, Riley B., Norway, was born in Newport, August 4, 1867. He is a son of 
Benjamin and Harriet (Holliday) Hines. (See sketch of Charles F. Hines). The sub- 
ject was educated in the common schools, was reared on a farm and now follows the 
occupation of farming. March 27, 1889, he married Anna M. Haver of Newport, a 
native of Ohio, born in 1868, a daughter of John and Johanna A. Haver. The subject 
and wife have one child. Bertha M. Mr. Hines owns three hundred acres of land and 
keeps a large dairy 2i miles east of Cold Brook, on the State road to Norway, in the 
town of Russia. He is a Republican and he and wife attend the M. E. Church. 

Hughes, E. H., Russia, was born in Western, Oneida county, N. Y., September 20, 
1839. His father was John Hughes, a native of Wales, who when a young man came 
to Oneida county. By his first wife Mr. Hughes had one daughter and two sons. His 
second wife was Jane Roberts, a native of Wales, by whom he had one son and three 
daughters. Mr. Hughes was a physician and had an extensive practice. Subject of 
sketch was reared on a a farm and after the death of his father which occurred when 
subject was six years old, he went to live with his uncle, William G. Roberts, and there 
resided until twenty years of age. He then farmed in Oneida until 1869, when he 
came to Russia, where he has since resided on the Hinckley farm. February, 1863, 
lie married Jane Hughes, a native of Remsen, Oneida county, and a daughter of John 
and Laura Hughes. To E. H. Hughes and wife have been born two children : Laura 
J. and Gardner, deceased. Air. Hughes is a Republican. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 55 

Hart, James, Little Falls, was born in Johnstown, Fulton county, November 7 1824. 
He completed his education at Fairfield Academy and taught school in the towns of 
Salisbury and Little Fails. In 1851 he commenced the study of law in the office of 
Loomis & Griswold, and in 1854 he was admitted. He was deputy collector of inter- 
nal revenue under J. R. Stebbins, tlnited States collector. He held several minor 
offices. He was a trusted and worthy citizen, and he died suddenly on the 4th of 
March, 1888, at his residence, leaving his son, James B. Hart and Edward S. Hart and 
Nellie Hart him surviving. 

Hopkinson, William, Warren, was born February 22, 1817, in Kerby. Leistershire, 
England. He came with hi parents to the United State, and at the age of fifteen be- 
gan working for Judge Cleland, in whose employ he continued for six years, his father 
receiving his wages. At twenty-one he bought 107 acres in Warr»n, where he re- 
mained until 1860, when, his family becoming large, he sold out and moved on to a 
farm of 230 acres in Columbia, incurring a debt of $10,000, which he paid up in five 
year^. He married October 14, 1840, Catherine, daughter of George and Catherine 
(Hoyer) Tule. They have had eight children : Catharine, George, James, William, 
Mary, Rosa, Clinton and Charles. His wife died in 1887, when he married Mary, 
widow of Clark Sweet. Mr. Hopkinon has given to each of his living children $3,500 
and has plenty left to live upon. He is a connection of Samuel Hopkinson, a signer of 
the Declaration of Independence. 

Hemstreet, John, Russia, was born in Russia March 13, 1828. His father was Rich- 
ard I., son of John D. Hemstreet, a native of Montgomery county, who served in the 
war of 1812. John D. Hemstreet came early to Ohio, where he engaged in farming, 
and for many years held the office of justice of the peace. He had four sons and two 
daughters. Both, he and his wife were Methodists. Richard I. Hemstreet was born 
in Montgomery county in 1805. He was educated in the common schools of that 
county, then came to Ohio, where he taught school for several years. He married 
Sarah, daughter of James Caldwell, a native of Saratoga and an early settler of Ohio. 
To Mr. Hemstreet and wife were born three sons and three daughters, four of whom 
are living. In 1840 he graduated from the medical course of Fairfield Seminary, and 
for a short time practiced medicine in Ohio, then went to Cold Brook, where he re- 
sided five years. He next went to Poland and practiced his profession until his death 
in 1865. He was an active Republican, one of the original members of the County 
Medical Society, and also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. of Poland. Mrs. Richard I. 
Hemstreet died in 1876. Subject of sketch (John Hemstreet) was educated in the 
public schools and reared on the old homestead, near where he now resides. He as- 
sisted in his father's business until the death of the latter. He made a two years' trip 
to California during the gold excitement. Mr. Hemstreet is a real estate owner in 
Herkimer county, and during the last fifteen years has dealt largely in stocks. He is a 
Democrat, a member of Newport Lodge No. 455, F. & A. M., a stockholder and di- 
rector of the National Bank of Poland and one of its original members. He is liberal 
in his religious views. 



56 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

Horn, Adolph G., Dolgeville, was born in Leipsic, Germany, March 27, 1S62, He 
received a good education in the schools there, and came to tliis country early in the 
year 1880. He was engaged in following the printing business, which he learned prior 
to coming to America. He worked at his trade in this year, and eventually entered 
the employ of Alfred Dolge in 1880. Mr. Horn is now foreman of the shoe-cutting 
department, and is a skilled and valuable man in this department. He is one of the 
founders of the Turn Verein of Dolgeville, a member of the school society, an Odd 
Fellow and a member of the Mutual Aid Society. He married Miss Lizzie Heber. 
They have three children, a boy and two girls. Mr. Horn possesses some valuable real 
estate in Dolgeville. 

Hopson, Edwin R., Dolgeville. Alvarius Hopson came from Wallingford, Conn., to 
Salisbury in the spring of 1793. He purchased land, built a saw-mill and followed ag- 
ricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on his farm southeast of Salisbury 
Center in the year 1825. He was the father of six sons and five daughters, all nottd 
for their large symmetrical stature, physical strength, activity and determination. E. 
R. Hopson, a great-grandson of Alvarius Hopson, wss bom in Salisbury August 31, 
182o. His grandfather's name was David, and he was one of the six sons of Alvarius, 
who came with their father from Connecticut. His father, James Hopson second, was 
born in Salisbury January G, 1800. He was an influential farmer and filled many im- 
portant public positions, and died in 1860. E. R. Hopson was married October 24. 1844, 
to Deborah Thompson, of Saratoga county, who died January 11, 1856, leaving two 
.sons, viz. : Elton J., *^orn June 30, 1851, and George D., born December 30, 1855. On 
February 18, 1857, Mr. Hopson was married to Jane Lamberson, of Salisbury, by whom 
he has one daughter, Lizzie, who married Jesse F. Weatherwax, of Little Falls. E. R. 
Hopson is an extensive owner of dairy land, and is largely interested in the Cold Creek 
cheese factory, located near Dolgeville. His two sons are located on his faim.% and he 
has personally managed the factory for the last thirty years. He has filled the position 
of trustee of Dolgeville since the organization of the town, where he now resides, and 
is treasurer and manager of the Dolgeville Coal Company. 

Howell, W. B., Herkimer, was born in Herkimer. He received a good education in 
the schools of the village, and served an apprenticeship with his father in the furniture 
and undertaking business, finally succeeding him in 1866. and has since carried on an 
extensive concern with marked success. He has served the village as trustee, presi- 
dent, supervisor, etc., and is a member of the Electric Light and Water Commissions. 
Mr. Howell is also identified with the Masonic fraternity, having been master and past 
district deputy. He is also identified with local, social and benevolent institutions. He 
married Miss Mary S. Green, a daughter of Zenas Green and a descendant of General 
Herkimer. They have no family. 

Harter, Smith C, of Herkimer, is a native of that town, and with the exception of 
six years has lived there all his life. Those years were from eleven to seventeen years 
of age. He then took up contracting for the Remington Arms Company from 1863 to 
1874. In 1877 he entered into partnership with C. W. Palmer in their present enter- 
prise, which has continued ever since, and their premises are double the capacity with 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 57 

which they started. Mr. Barter is a superior and enterprising business man and is well 
known throughout the county. He is a Mason, a member of the Blue Lodge and of 
the Veiled Prophets. In politics he is Democratic and active, but will not take office 
owing to the demand of his business upon his time. His people have been in America 
for generations. He married Miss Cornelia Palmer, also of an eld American family. 

Hall, H. Clay, Little Falls, is a native of New Jersey, and after many years of sea 
service entered the law office of Cummings, Alexander & Green, of New York city, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1859. In 1860 Mr. Hall accepted an important office 
in the United States navy, which he filled until October, 1861, when he resigned to en- 
list in the 1st New York Mounted Rifles, as private, from which he was mustered out 
in 1865 as first sergeant. Mr. Hall has a record in the war department for distinguished 
success. He also served in the United States army during the Mexican war and has 
during his earlier years had considerable experience on the sea, having filled every 
position, from cabin boy to captain. He has penetrated through Behring Straits as far 
north as 73 deg. 35 m. Mr. Hall was elected in 1885 commander of the G. A. R. for New 
York State. He has practiced law in this county ever since the close of the war, and 
no lawyer at the bar stands higher than he in the estimateof the judges of the Supreme 
Court of this district. He married Sophia Brown, of Franklin, and they have three 
children living. 

Holden, J. P., Herkimer, was born in Herkimer and received his education in the 
schools of this village. He learned the trade of a machinist, at which he worked for 
about seven years, since which time up to the present he has been engaged in the hotel 
business. He has conducted hotels in Colorado, Pennsylvania, etc. During the Cen- 
tennial at Philadelphia (1876) he conducted two hostelries. Mr. Holden now owns an 
elegant confectionery and restaurant in Herkimer, which he inaugurated in 1885. He 
also does a wholesale commission business in fruits and produce. He married Harriet 
J. Cleiens, of Frankfort. Mr. Holden la identified with the local fire company, Red 
Men, Business Men's Association, an order of United Friends and is first sergeant of 
the 21st Separate Company Volunteers. He will also conduct a hotel at 130 West Van 
Buren street, Chicago, during the World's Fair. 

Herrick, William A., Little Falls, was born in Herkimer county, August 8, 1845. 
After receiving a common school education he learned the carpenter's trade, at which 
he worked for twenty- five years. About two years ago he purchased the dry-dock 
property here, and besides repairing canal boats, builds row boats, and in fact all 
desTiptions of boats. He gives employment to several skilled ship carpenters and 
supervises the work himself. He married Eliza Aldrich, and they have one adopted 
daughter. Mr. Herrick's yards are located at Lock 37 on the Erie Canal. He is a 
member of the A. O. U. W., etc. 

Huyck, J. Horatio, Herkimer, was born in Herkimer, and has been engaged in the 
coal business for over thirty years. His office and yards are eligibly located on the 
line of the Central railroad, where especial shipping facilities are enjoyed. Mr. Huyck 
has served as trustee of the village for three terms. He was president of the village in 
1882-84, and is now a member of the village hoard. He was supervisor of the town in 



68 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTlT. 

1885. Mr. Huyck is a Mason and identified with local social and benevolent associa- 
tions. He married Miss C. Pryne, of Herkimer, and has a family of three children. 

Haslehurst, Alexander W., Herkimer, is a native of Oneida county. He has lived in 
Herkimer county most of his life, and has been engaged in banking twenty-seven years, 
beginning as a clerk, and being promoted through all positions until, in 1884, he was 
appointed cashier of the First National bank of Herkimer, this bank being organized at 
that time. Prior to this he was teller in the National Mohawk Valley bank. Mr. 
Haslehurst is an experienced and successful financier and occupies a high position in 
all social and financial circles. 

Hemstreet, J. V., D D. S., Little Falls, is a native of New York Mills and began the 
study of dentistry in 1877. In 1880 he opened his office here and has built up a large 
and influential practice among the best classes of the community. He manufactures a 
celebrated preparation known as Hemstreet's Dental Cream. Dr. Hemstreet is a Ma- 
son, belonging to the commandery, and also to the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is 
a liberal Republican. 

Jackson, William W., Herkimer, and Ira E. Jackson bought out the interest of their 
father, Mr. Washington W. Jackson, in the old homestead and farm of 262 acres. They 
keep forty-two head of stock and cut about 200 tons of hay and are most succe-ssful 
farmers. W. W. Jackson is trustee of District No. 6, and pathmaster, also a member 
of the Grange. Both gentlemen are staunch Republicans. The family is one of the 
mo.st prominent in this section and are of Revolutionary antecedents. Their grand- 
father, Asa Jackson, served throughout that war. Their father, Mr. W. W. Jackson, 
makes their place his home. 

Jackson, W. E., Fairfield, is one of the best known of the younger farmers of prom- 
inence in Fairfield. He is a son of Varnura Jackson, still living, who was born in 182.3. 
They have 2.50 acres of dairy land, and sixty-seven cows. Both are Democrats, and 
Willard E. is a member of the Grange. His grandfather, Elipah J. Jackson, was one of 
the earliest settlers in this part of the county, and the family is an old one. 

Johnson, Joseph A., was born at Fort Herkimer, N. Y., September 27, 1836, and 
was connected with the firm of E. Remington &, Son's for thirty-four years, and with 
the exception of the first few years was a contractor. Since the collapse of that firm 
he has been engaged in the general insurance business and represents nineteen of the 
best companies in the world. Mr. Johnson is one of the most prominent Masons in 
the State, having held nearly all the offices in the various Masonic bodies, and is past 
grand commander of Knights Templar in the State of New York. He married, in 
1858, Catharine M. Wildey, and has one son, Bdmond A. Johnson, who is associated 
with him in business, and one daughter, who is the wife of M. Jesse Brayton, ex- 
county clerk of Oneida county. 

Ives, J. H., Little Falls, is a native of Salisbury and early in life embarked m active 
business operations among the capitalists of this part of New York State. He deals 
extensively in lumber and cheese, owning ten farms and having a large interest in 
many cheese factories in Herkimer and has in many ways prominently identified him- 
seld with the best interests of the county. Mr. Ives is a director of the Little Falls 
National bank and was high sheriflf of the county in 1876. 



t'AMILY SKETCHES. 59 

Ingham, C. S., German Flats, was born in Schuyler in 1848. He taught school three 
terms, and lived on a farm until twenty-four years of age, when he came to Ilion. He 
is a Republican, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. In 1878 he married Miss Arietta 
Davis. Mr. Ingham's father was Charles B. Ingham, and his grandfather, Joseph 
Ingham, one of the early settlers of Schuyler. He is one of the leading grocers of 
Ilion. 

Johnson, Samuel, Frankfort, one of the fourteen children of Richard and Sophia 
(Stannard) Johnson, was born October 22, 1828, in England. His parents emigrated 
to this country and settled in Utioa when he was two years of age. He then moved to 
Litchfield in 1850, and in 1875 came to Frankfort, where he has since lived. He was 
married January 15, 1854, to Lovi H. Matteson, of Litchfield, one of ten children of 
Laban and Susan Matteson. They had three children, Wallace Myron, Alba and Ida 
(twins), all of whom are dead. Mr. Johnson runs a dairy farm, having at this time 
eleven cows. Mr. Johnson died November 2.3, 1892, aged sixty-four years, one month 
and one day. 

Joslin, Merritt F., Frankfort, the only son of Sanford and Savally (West) Joslin, of 
Frankfort, was born in Litchfield, July 22, 1842. Sanford, the father, was the son of 
David Joslin (who was a soldier in the war of 1812) and Ruth (Mattison) Joslin. The 
great-grandfather, John Joslin, was born in Rhode Island, and came to Frankfort in 
early life (settled on the farm now owned by Merritt F.), where he lived and died at 
the age of over eighty years. His wife was Hannah Justin. Savally (West) Joslin, 
the mother, was a daughter of William and Olive (Cady) West, he having been a 
Revolutionary soldier. Her grandfather and grandmother were William and Nancy 
(Williams) West, the third generation from Roger Williams. Her great-grandfather 
was William West, at one time Governor of Rhode Island. Merritt F. was married 
September 12, 1866, to Hattie C. Norton, one of three children of Wilber L. and Hen- 
rietta (Wilcox) Norton. They have two children, Minnie A. and Earl S. Joslin. 

Jackson, Henry Eugene, Middleville, was born near Middleville village, upon his 
father's farm. He was educated in the district schools of this vicinity and at Fairfield 
Academy. At nineteen years of age he entered the employ of W. W. Mosher, as clerk, 
and in 1880 he bought an interest in Mr. Mosher's business, which he managed under 
the firm name of W. W. Mosher & Company until 1892, when he, in conjunction with 
his brother, Mr. Deville G. Jackson, bought out the interest of Mr. Mosher in his gen- 
eral mercantile firm, which Messrs. H. E. & D. G. Jackson have since conducted with 
marked success. Mr. H. E. Jackson married Miss Emma Mosher, a daughter of Mr. W. 
W. Mosher. He has two children, a boy and a girl. Mr. Jackson is a Mason, a mem- 
ber of the Royal Arcanum, and identified with local social and benevolent institutions. 
His brother, Mr. D. G. Jackson, is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and married 
Miss Hattie E. Mosher, also a daughter of W. W. Mosher, and has one child, a girl. 
The firm own their homestead farm of 250 acres in this vicinity. 

Johnson, Jesse W., Schuyler, was born in Windham county, Conn., April 25, 1806. 
He began to work in a factory at the age of six years, and his life has been an active 
one ever since. He came with his father's family to Schuyler in 1814. In 1841 



eo HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

he married Caroline M. Shepard, of Rome, N. Y. They had two daughters, Eliza- 
beth W., and Charlotte M. (who died in 1868). Elizabeth W. married Lemuel E. 
Gilbert, of Brooklyn, N. Y., May 20, 1874, but since the death of her husband, in 
1886, has, with her two children, Jesse Carolyn and Stanley, resided with her father. 
Mr. Johnson voted for the first Harrison, and has voted the Republican ticket ever 
since. 

Jarvis, David P., Russia, the younger son of Thomas and Mary Jarvis, was born in 
Canavashire, Wales, May 22, 1836 ; came to this country in 1841 ; 1843 came to 
George Pitman's, in Russia, where he lived until after Mr. Pitman's death, which oc- 
curred July 4, 1853. Commenced clerking in Prospect; February, 1854, came to 
Poland as clerk in union store, where he remained until November, 1861, when he en- 
listed in Company B, Ninth New York Cavalry. In 1862, while on the Peninsula in 
Virginia, was taken sick with typhoid fever and was removed to Patterson Park Hos- 
pital, Baltimore. As soon as he recovered sufficiently he took charge of a sick ward, 
where he served eight months. He was then given the position of mail agent for the 
hospital, and as such served until the expiration of his enlistment, November 22, 1864. 
July, 1865, he returned to his place in the Poland Union. In 1870 he became agent 
for the store, which position he still holds. Mr. Jarvis is a member of Newport Lodge, 
No. 455, F. & A. M., and of Poland Lodge, No. 185, A. 0. U. W. In politics is a 
Republican. October, 1866, he married Lucia M., daughter of John and Thankful 
Gorton, who were among the early settlers of Poland, having come here from Massa- 
chusetts in 1820. They had one son and five daughters. Mr. Gorton was a manufac- 
turer of axes and scythes; died May, 1863 ; and Mrs. Gorton in April, 1882. 

Higbie, William, Little Falls, was born in Oppenheira, March 24, 1822. His grand- 
father, George, lived with his parents on Long Island when the British Army occupied 
New York, and at the time of their evacuation in 1783, they took him prisoner to 
Nova Scotia. After peace was declared, George returned to Long Island, and finding 
his family scattered, came to Montgomery county, where he married Margaret McCredy, 
then removed to Oppenheim, then an unbroken wilderness, filled with bears and wolves. 
Robert, father of William Higbie, was the oldest son of George Higbie. Robert mar- 
ried Catharine Powell, at Oppenheim, in 1816. December 4, 1814, he went out with 
the militia from a place called East Creek, where the company rendezvoused, and went 
to Sackett's Harbor to defend this portion of the State from the British, through Can- 
ada. He stayed there until he received his honorable discharge, then returned to 
Oppenheim and settled down to keeping hotel and farming. William was the oldest 
son of four children. He worked upon the farm, and was educated at the common 
schools in Oppenheim and at Fairfield Academy. March 9, 1844, he entered the law 
office of Lake & Capron. October 19, 1847, after undergoing a severe examination, he 
was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of New York State. January 8, 1846, 
he married Harriet, only daughter of Dr. Peter Yost, of Oppenheim. In the fall of 1847 
he entered into partnership with Henry Link, which continued for a year, when he 
opened an office for himself, devoting his time to his profession and speculating in real 
estate in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan, and to some extent in Wisconsin. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 61 

Mr. and Mrs. Higbie have two daughter,';, only "one of whom survives, TTaltie H., wife of 
Dr. H. M. Eddy of Geneva, where Mr. Higbie removed in 186G for tlie purpose of edu- 
cating his daughter, Mrs. Eddy. In 188G he returned to Little Falls, where he is still 
practicing his profession and carrying on his real estate business. 

Ingham, William A , Little Falls, is a native of this place and is the only son of 
William Schuyler Ingham, the well known manufacturer and railroad contractor. He 
owns a large flour and grist-mill on Mill street having dimensions of 112 x 96 feet and 
does a large business. He has been connected with his father in business all his life 
and is essentially a business man, directing all his energies and devoting all his time to 
ihe affairs of his father and himself. He is posse.ssed of much ability and stands high 
in commercial circles. 

Kinne, Jeremiah, 2d, Litchfield, is a farmer and cheese manufacturer. He budt the 
first cheese factory here, in 1863, which burned down in 1887. and was rebuilt in 1888. 
He was born on the farm where he now lives December 6, 1821, a son of Jeremiah, a 
native of Connecticut, who settled here in 1803, and died February 27, 1861, aged 
ninety-one years. His wife was Chloe Wilco.x, born September 27. 1783, and died 
June 25, 18.57. Of their children four survive: Samuel H., Martha G. D., Mary J., 
and Jeremiah 2d. The latter married Mary G. Kenyon, and has four children living : 
Jennie M., Ella Lucinda, Eva Lavinda, and Mary I., all at the old homestead except 
Jennie M., who married Daniel J. Whelan, and resides at Ilion. Mrs. Mary G. Kinne 
died April 1, 1888, aged sixty-four years. She was a native of Rhode Island, and a 
daughter of S. W. Kenyon. 

Keller, Alexander, Manheim, was born in Manheim, March 9, 1820. He has followed 
farming all of his life, now owning sixty acres in Manheim near Manheim Centre. 
He married Miss Mary Marsh of this town, and has had seven children, all of whom 
are living. One of his sons, Geo. W. Keller, assists him at home. The other mem- 
bers of his family are Peter, Ann, Elisha, Libbie, Jacob and Ella. George W. is the 
youngest of the children. Mr. Keller formerly had a much larger farm, but disposed of 
a portion a short time ago. 

Kay, William E., Herkimer, farmer, is a native of Frankfort, but has been in Herki- 
mer for twenty-six years. He is well educated and has a fine literary mind, contribut- 
ing valuable articles to leading agricultural journals. He is a Mason, belonging to the 
chapter of Ilion, and the Commandery in Little Falls. He was regent of the Royal 
Arcanum for three years, and is a charter member of the Herkimer Grange, of which 
he has been master for three years, and is overseer of the Pomona Grange and a di- 
rector of the Patron's Fire Association of Herkimer, also a director and charter mem- 
ber of the Y. M. C. A. He is a Republican in politics and a man of prominence and 
influence in this part of the county. Has been secretary and treasurer of Herkim er 
County Agricultural Society and commissioner of highways of Herkimer. 

Kilts, Willard, Fairfield, son of Peter and Caroline Kilts, was born August 18, 1863,' 
on the homestead farm in the town of Fairfield. The Kilts family settled early in this 
town, William, great-grandfather of the subject of (his sketch, assistirgin clcsring up 



62 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

t'le farm now known as Kilts Hill, wliicli his father purchased in 1788 at ten shiUings 
per acre. WilHara served in the War of 1812. His son, Conradt, who inherited the 
property, assisted in the construction of the old stone bridge on Ann street at Little 
Falls, which is now being replaced by an iron one. Conradt and his son Peter, made 
additions to the property from time to time by the purcha.se of adjoining lands. Con- 
radt died about 1879 in his eighty-fourth year. Peter died August 16, 1885, aged 
sixty-three, leaving his wife, Caroline, whose father was the late Abram Keller, three 
sons and two daughters surviving. Of his son.s, Herman, the eldest, was accidentally 
drowned in the Erie Canal near Little Falls in 1891 ; Seymour is a farmer at Cortland. 
N. Y. ; Willard has always lived at home, with the exception of a few years while 
engaged in teaching school and keeping a grocery store in Utica. He married, Febru- 
ary 10, 1892, Cora Bellinger. His sisters are Marietta, wife of H. A. Crofoot of Nor- 
way, and Carrie, unmarried, living at home. 

Kingston, William, Little Falls, paper manufacturer of Little Falls, is a native of 
Tarrytown, N. Y., and subsequently went to Canada with his parents, but returned in 
later years to the United States and embarked in the manufacturing lire. He came to 
Little Falls in 1872 and began the manufacture of shoe lasts. In 1879 he began to 
manufacture paper for building purposes, in which he has met with fair success. His 
mill is thoroughly equipped with all the latest and most improved machinery. He 
manufactures his paper from rags, putting it through all the processes on his premises. 
He disposes of his products in New* York. Mr. Kingston in one of the pioneer manu- 
facturers of Little Falls, and his name is highly respected in this part of the State. 

Koetteritz, John B., Dolgeville, was born in Prussia, Germany, September 14, 1853. 
He was educated in the military schools of that country, and served as an ensign in 
Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. In 1872 he became second lieutenant and was 
stationed for seven years at Alsace-Lorraine, the provinces taken from France. In 
1879 he came to America and has since been engaged in State and private service as 
civil engineer and surveyor. Mr. Koetteritz married Carrie Brockett, and they have 
two children : Lena, aged ten years, and Burt aged six. Lieutenant Koetteritz is one 
of the best informed and scientific civil engineers m the State, and has made the .study 
of the Adriondack region a specialty. His large map of the Adirondacks is used by 
all the State departments as authority. 

Knapp, George, Schuyler, born January 15, 1848. He owns a thirty-two acre farm 
and rents other land. He does a general farming business, and raises considerable 
fruit. His father was Horace H. Knapp. Mr. Knapp has been commissioner of high- 
ways and town clerk. In 1870 he married Maria Bradbury, and they have seven 
children. 

Kellar, W., Fairfield, is a native of Fairfield, and has been a farmer all his life. His 
father, Abram Kellar, was also a resident of the town. Mr. Kellar owns 450 acres of 
land, and a herd of 105 milch cows. He married in 1876 a daughter of David E. Ran- 
som, and has five children. In politics he is a liberal Democrat, and is identified with 
the grange at Little Falls. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. fed 

Eerr, Neil, German Flats, was born in Oswego city August 19, 1847, and can e lo 
Ilion October 7, 18G8. He was a contractor in the armory for about a year, and Las 
been with the type-writer since its inception. In this establishment he does all the 
assembling and employs about sixty men. In 1875 Mr. Kerr married Maggie Creigh- 
ton Bain, and they have one daughter, Laura Creighton Kerr, aged twelve years. Mr. 
Kerr's father, Angus Ken-, was a Scotchman, and his wife's people also were Scotch. 

Kittams, James H., dentist, German Flats, is a native of Ilion and is a young man 
of high social standing. He studied for his profession at the University of Pennsylvania 
at Philadelphia, and graduated D. D. S. May G, 1892. He then opened his office here and 
enjoys a large practice. His father, G. H. Kittams, is an Englishman and came (o 
America in 1855. 

Kingsbury, Edwaid H., Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls. He received his edu- 
cation in the schools of this village, and at an early age entered a mercantile house 
here, with which he remained four years. After this he was in the employ of E. B. 
Waite & Company, paper manufacturers, five years as book keeper. He then entered 
the employ of P. W. Castler & Company as head book-keeper, with whom he has been 
four years. Mr. Kingsbury is a descendant on his mother's side from General Herki- 
mer. He married Frances Orendorf, and they have no children. He is at present one 
of the town assessors. He has also most acceptably filled the office of town clerk for 
two terms. He is a staunch Democrat of Jeffersonian principles. 

Klock, Peter, Schuyler, was born March 14, 1833, on the farm where he now lives. 
His father also was a native of this place, and his grandfather came from Germany 
in 177(1 His grandmother was one of the old Mohawk Dutch. January 19. 1860, 
Mr. Klock married Louesa M. Jackson, and they have one son, Edgar Jackson Klock, a 
distinguished student. He was educated at Fairfield and Middleville, and belongs to 
the Philorhetorean Literary Society of the Fairfield Academy. 

Kerivan, John T., Frankfort, was born in Ireland in 1844. He came to this country 
with his mother when five years of age. When eight years of age he went to work 
for the William Gates Match Works, but later went boating on the Erie Canal, return- 
ing in 1865 to the William Gates Match Works where he has since remained, rising to 
the position of superintendent of the Diamond Match Company, which position he now 
occupies (the Diamond Match Company being successors to William Gates' SonsJ. On 
February 2, 1865, he married Miss Mary A. GaSney of Frankfort; they have foul 
children living: John, Mary, James and Frederick. Mr. Kerivan was elected supervisoi 
of the town in February, 1892. 

Kyser, Jacob, Ingham's Mills, was born in Salisbury July 29, 1823. He is of Dutch 
descent, his great-grandfather having settled in this State early in the seventeenth 
century. His grandfather, after owning land in Salisbury and another township, 
finally settled in Manheim, and upon his death deeded his farm to his grandson, Jacob 
Kyser. Upon the death of Cornelius Kyser, father of Jacob, his estate of 200 acres 
was purchased by the subject of this sketch. This, together with other lands bought 
by him, makes a total of 540 acres of fine land in his possession. He married Eliza, 



64 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

daughter of Adam Bellinger, and lias had eight children, seven of whom are living, 
three sons, A. (J. Kyser, C. L. Kyser and S. B. Kyser, and four daughters. The latter 
are married and reside in this county. Mr. Kyser has always taken an active interest 
in local affairs and has held the office of assessor six years. 

Kay, Cyrus, M. D., Herkimer, was bom in the town of Frankfort January 10, 18.'i7. 
He received his education in the public schools of Frankfort and Herkimer, and grad- 
uated from the Medical department of Columbia College in 1880, immediately there- 
after commencing (he practice of his profession in Herkimer. Dr. Kay has been solic- 
ited many times to accept public office. He now holds the office of police and fire 
commissioner, and hag been the Republican candidate for president of the village and 
trustee of the village. He is trustee of the Odd Fellows, a member of the Herkimer 
County Medical Society, Royal Arcanum, Masonic Fraternity, Royal Arch Masons, 
charter member of Fort Dayton Hose Company, etc., and is identified with local social 
and political organizations. Dr. Kay married Miss Clara Hilts and has no family. 

Kingston, Edward S., Little Falls, shoe last manufacturer of Little Falls. The in- 
dustrial life of Little Falls contains no more important representative than the subject 
of this sketch, not only because of his success and inventive genius, but also because 
he may be fairly said to be one of the pioneer manufacturers of the place, nearly 
every other existing industry here having started since he began operations twenty 
years ago. Edward S. Kingston is a native of Vernon, Oneida county, N. T. His 
parents moved to Canada and he remained there eleven years. Since returning to this 
country he has been engaged variously. First he learned the printing trade, spending 
two years in this line. He then resided in Albany until 1S72, when he came to Little 
Falls, and he and his brother were engaged in business until 1883, v\-hen he went to 
Utica and formed a partnership with George A. Reynolds in the manufacture of his 
patent metallic lasts, and he sold the patent to Mr. Reynolds for $12,000, and retiring 
from the business resumed the_manufacture of wood lasts. In 1884 he started manu- 
facturing in Utica. In 188.5 he came back to Little Falls and started his present enter- 
prise, which has proved a most gratifying success. His factory is thoroughly equipped 
with the best modern machinery, and he disposes of his lasts direct to the consumers. 
In politics Mr. Kingston is a Republir id is an attendant of the Methodist church. 
In 1879 he married Miss Cora Penner, daughter of Alfred Penner, and their union has 
been blessed with one son, Alfred, who is now in his twelfth year. Socially he is held 
in higli esteem, and is an important factor in the industrial life of Little Falls. 

Larned, Frederick Gr.. Russia, was born in Poland November 25, 1860. His father 
was Henry B., son of William II., son of Benjamin, whose father was Benjamin, son 
of Samuel, son of William, son of Isaac, whose father was Isaac, a son of William 
Larned, who emigrated from England in 1G82 and settled in Massachusetts. Benjamin 
Larned, the great-grandfather, was born near Springfield, Mass., and there grew to 
manhood. He married Sarah, daughter of James Willoughby, and had six sons and 
two daughters. In 1820 he came to Poland, where he died March 19, 1839, and his 
wife February 28, 1848. William H. Larned was born near Springfield, Mass., April 
3, 1805, and died August 28 1882, and his wife November 22, 1884. Henry B. Larned 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 65 

was born in Poland April 17, 1829, and attended Fairfield Seminary, where he took a 
special course in surveying. January 29, 18oG, he he married Laura A. Sprague, a na- 
tive of Springfield, Mass., a daughter of Elijah Sprague and Charlotte Young, a lady 
of French descent. They had one son and five daughters. Mr. Sprague was an early 
settler of Batavia. His wife died in Steuben in 1872, and he now rf sides with his 
children. He died February 4, 1890, while with his daughter, Mrs. Larned, of Poland. 
Frederick G. Larned was educated in the common schools of Poland, a-d afterwards 
took a scientific and commercial course in Fairfield Seminary, graduating in 1879. He 
afterwards took a course in Eastman's Business College, from which he graduated 
March 14, 1881. Mr. Larned is a real estate owner in Herkimer county, Dakota, Ne- 
braska and Denver, Col. He is secretary of Poland Grange, No. 607. He is vice pres- 
ident and eastern manager of the Empire Loan Trust Company of Haigle, Neb. Feb. 
11, 1891, he married Mary E. Barwell, a native of Poland, born March 19, 1873, a 
daughter of Henry Barwell, of Poland, Mr. Larned and wife have one child, Law- 
rence F. Larned, born June 22, 1892. 

Little, Andrew, Little Falls, is a native of Scotland, and came to America in 1869, 
settling in Cooperstown. In 1876 he came to Little Falls and worked at his trade of 
carpentering for some time. In 1882 he began business in the planing-mill now occu- 
pied by him, which mill has the dimensions of 100.x 100 feet, and in which he does a 
large and successful business. He also deals in lumber. In 1886 Mr. Little married, 
and has two children. He is a Prohibitionist and a member of the Presbyterian 
church. He belongs to several societies. 

Liutner, W. H. H., Little Falls, was born at Minden March 28, 1840. He engaged 
in business for a few years in New Haven and Albany before the breaking out of the 
war, when he enlisted in the Albany Light Infantry. Durmg the war the regiment was 
known as the 177th N. Y. S. Vols. Mr. Lintner wasbrevetted major for gallant service 
at the siege and capture of Port Hudson. In 1864 he came to Little Falls and em- 
barked in the drug and grocery business, in which he made a great success, and through 
which he acquired considerable wealth. For several years he was assistant adjutant- 
general on the staft'of General Priest, and also filled other important offices. He died 
July 11, 1892. 

La Due, Daniel W., Little Falls, is a native of Fulton county, N. Y., in which vicin- 
ity his father settled when he was a child. The family is of New England descent. 
Mr. La Due started the manufacture of cheese boxes in 1852, gradually working up the 
business to proportions of considerable magnitude, and in 18G8 most materially added 
to its strength by purchasing the saw-mill, now a portion of his plant. Mr. La Due 
has served as trustee of the village and has furnished employment to a numerous force 
of hands. He is an Odd Fellow and identified with local, social and financial circles. 
His wife was Miss Mary E. Schuyler, ly whom he has three children, one son and 
two daughters. 

Longshore, R. Glide, Herkimer, was born in Canajohaiie, Montgomery county, and 
received a good education in the schools of this vicinity. He has been connected 
with several prominent grocery houses in positions of trust and responsibility, and 



66 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

from 1879 to 1883 was timekeeper for Monis Marks. After that, in 1883, lie engaged 
with Prowse & Thomson, witli whom he is at present engaged. Mr. Longshore was 
appointed some time ago to tlie position of town clerk, and at the following election 
received the Democratic nomination and election to this position, which he still holds. 
He is prominent in social and benevolent associations, being connected with the Red 
Men, K. P., 0. U. A. M., A. 0. U. W., 0. U. F., Order of Aegis, and others. 

Leigh, J. T., Little Falls, is a native of Toronto, Canada, but has lived nearly all his 
life in the United States. He began his business career as a book-keeper, spent some 
time in teaching, and was several years in the Little Falls National Bank. He entered 
upon his present business in 1887 and has managed it so successfully that he now runs 
the largest canal supply store between Syracuse and Albany, as well as being senior 
partner in the large grocery and meat firm of E. M. Walrath & Company on Ann 
street. Mr. Leigh has also been connected with other enterprises, and was some years 
secretary and treasurer of the Superior Furnace Company. He is a man of good busi- 
ness abilities and held a seat in the board of education of Little Falls for several 
years. He has also served as police and fire commissioner, notary public, etc. 

Lewis, John, Schuyler, is a son of Harris Lewis, one of the prominent iren of this 
State in the past generation. He was a member of A.ssembK in 1850-57, and was put 
forward by the Greenback party as their candidate for governor cf the State. John 
Lewis was bo'n in Schuyler, March 8, 1850, and has been re-cognized as one of the 
leading men of the town for many years. He owns a fine farm of 144 acres and has 
a dairy of forty-two cows. His buildings are commodious and modern, and his farm 
is one of the best kept in the county. In the year 1868 Mr. Lewis married Catharine 
WilcoX: and they Lave four children, two sons and two daughters, Harris, George, 
Libby and Emma. Mr. Lewis has never cared for public office, though he has 
served his party as assessor. He is a Republican and is a member of the Grange. 
His grandfather, Isaac^settled in Chenango county, where his father was born. 
Mr. Lewis is a man of strong genial personality, highly respected by al' having his 
acquaintance. 

Lints, Simon P., jr., Schuyler, was born April 4, 1857. He is one of the leading 
Democrats of Schuyler, and has been put in nomination by his parly for supervisor. 
In 1881 he mairied Lillie Cramer. They are adherents of the Methodist church, in 
which church Mr. Lints sings. His father is Peter Lints and his grandfather had the 
same name. Mr. Lints is a practical cheese-maker and is also interested with his 
father in farming. 

Loucks, William P., Dolgeville, was born in Manheim, July 23, 1823. His grand- 
father, Peter, was second lieutenant in the Revolutionary war, under Captain Fox, 
and participated at Oriskany, after which he settled in this town upon 200 acres of 
land. William P. Loucks' father (also named Peter) was a justice of the peace for 
forty years in Manheim, and town clerk for twenty-two years. Mr. Loucks himself 
has held the offices of assessor three years, commissioner of highwaj'sone term, inspec- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 67 

tor of elections, constable, etc. He married Ann Kelley, and they liave had three sons 
and two daughters. 

Lewis, Marshall, German Flats, was born in the town of Oswego, N. Y., November 
7, 1829. After teaching four terms in district schools and in Falley Seminary, he 
turned his attention to book-keeping and was engaged chiefly for seven years with a 
manufacturing firm in FuUon, N. Y., and for nearly twenty-five years in the office of 
the Armory and the Remington Agricultural Company in Ilion, N. Y. Mr. Lewis 
married first Miss C. M. Loorais, who left a daughter. CalistaM. Hispre.sent wife was 
Miss Mary Carter, whose three living children are Dana C, a physician ; Victor C, 
employed in the lumber business; and a daughter, .Tennie V. A third son, Almon M. 
died in 1877, aged fourteen years. 

Limpert, John, Frankfort, was born in Ilion, November 8, 1855, he being the only 
son living of John and Rosa (Vogel) Limpert, of Ilion, both of whom were born in 
Germany, emigrating to this country in early life. They met in Herkimer and were 
there married. John Limpert came to Frankfort in the spring of 1882 and eno-aged in 
the clothing and gents' furnishing business. He was married in 1879 to Sarah E. 
Feasel, of Frankfort, and they have five children, J. Valentine, Anna Louisa, Sarah 
Elizabeth, G. Arthur, and Fred L. 

Lehr, Gilbert N., M. D., Frankfort, was born in Oneida county, January 13, 1857. 
He was one of ten children of George and Catharine (Yordan) Lehr. George Lehr, 
the father, was born in Germany, and came to this country when twelve years of age. 
Catharine Yordan, the mother, was a, descendant of the Holland Dutch, who emigrated 
and settled in the Mohawk Valley at an early day. Her father was a soldier of the 
war of 1812, and her mother was for many years a pensioner. Gilbert N. was edu- 
cated at Union Free School, Boonville, at Whitestown Seminary, two courses medi- 
cal department University* of Michigan, and graduated at the University of New York 
city, with the cla.ss of 1880. He engaged in the practice of his profession for three 
years at Taberg. Oneida county, and in the spring of 1883 removed to Frankfort, where 
he has practiced since that time. He married September 16, 1880, Nellie G. Gue, of 
North Western, N. Y., one of four children of Jerome V. and Clara (Keech) Gue. 
They have one daughter, Sadie M. 

Loomis, Watts T., Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls. He studied at Brown 
University, the Albany Law School, and with his father, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1866. He practiced law and civil engineering several years, but abandoned en- 
gineering when other matters became too pressing. He is a man of culture and refine- 
ment and one of the leading men in the county. He has never been an aspirant for 
political honors and has held no political offices, other than president of the village He 
is and has always been a promoter of the enterprises connected with the improvement 
of the village in the construction of its mills, churches, bridges, water works, street 
lighting, 'he maintenance and care of its public parks and grounds and of all its impor- 
tant improvements. He is president of the Warrior Mower Company, the Superior 
Furnice CoTipiiny, and the Electric and Power Company, and the proprietor of several 
mills. He is a Democrat in politics. 



68 HISTORY OF HERKIMER CODNTY". 

Lints, Alonzo M., Frankfort, was born in Frankfort, April 22, 1856 ; lie was the 
only child of Jacob J. and Mary E. (Muckey) Lints, both natives of this town. His 
grandfather was Peter Lints ; his great-grandfather emigrated to this country from 
Germany. Alonzo M. was married in 1879 to May A. Crosby, one of three children 
of W W. and Marillda (Harris) Crosby, of Frankfort. He is one of the enterprising 
young men of the town ; he has served as town clerk and trustee of the village and 
was village president in 1884. He has also been occupied as general foreman and 
inspector for State work and canal repairs. 

Levee, Richard, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls, July 3, 1830, and like most 
young m^n in those days, worked summers and attended school winters, and on com- 
ing of age engaged in whatever occurred to make money at. In this way he gradually 
accumulated sufficient to start his trucking business, in which he has since been en- 
gaged. Mr. Levee has held the office of chief of the fire department for some years. 
He has also served the village as trustee two terms. He married a daughter of Peter 
Eysman, and they have two children, a son and a daughter. His son, who is in busi- 
ness with him, is also a popu'ar and much respected citizen of the town. 

Lanning, William B , Russia, was born in Russia, January 1, 1834, a son of John, 
whose father was Conrad, a native of New Jersey, who married Martha Van Horn, a 
native of Duanesburg, Schoharie county, N. Y., by whom he had ten children. In 1819 
he came to Russia and settled on a farm, where he died in 1849, and his wife in 1844. 
John Lanning was born October 28, 1801, in Duaresburg. He married Betsy, daugh- 
ter of John and Martha Forrest, natives of Ireland. Mr. Forrest was a glass-blower 
by trade and also a weaver. His children were: Mary, Betsy, William, John, Mark. 
James, Martha, Rosanah, Sallie and Rachel. The children of Mr. John Lanning and 
wife are: Martha, Rosanah, William and Mark. He died August 28, 1884, and his 
wife April 5, 1885. The subject of this sketch was educated at Cold Brook Select 
School, Prospect Academy and Fairfield Seminary. At the age of seventeen he began 
teaching school and continued for ten years. When he reached his majority he spent 
several months visiting in the west. He spent two years in Philadelphia in the cheese 
market for Edward Partridge. In 1859 he married Catherine, daughter of Hilliard 
Broadwell, a native of Vt, and after he married became a resident of Trenton Falls, 
N Y. He was a millwright and put up the first Hinkley Mills, which he ran for two 
years. Mr. Lanning and wife had two children : John and Sarah. His wife died 
March 10, 1863, and he married for his second wife Ann McArthur a native of Russia, 
N. Y., by whom he had two children : Arthur and George. Mrs. Lanning's parents, 
Donald and Margaret McArthur, were natives of Scotland, who came in 1831 to Rem- 
sen, Oneida county, later removing to Russia. After the death of Mrs. McArthur, 
Mr. McArthur married Ann Morrison, by whom he had three sons and three daughter.'. 
He died November 18, 1873, and his wife in 1890. The parents of Ann Morrison 
were James and Ann Morrison, of Scotland. Mr. Lanning's second wife died October 
17, 1869, and Novcnber IG, 1870, he married Mary McArthur, half sister to his second 
wife, by whom he had ten children : Mary A., William, Frank, Linus E , Helen, Ed- 
ward, Florence, Jessie E., Ray M., and Bertha, Mr. Lanning has been a cheese- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 69 

maker many years. He was in the factory at Prospect one year. In 1869 he came 
to the farm where he now resides and has since been engaged in farming and cheese- 
making. He is a Democrat in pohtics and he has many times been inspector of elec- 
tions, and has held other town offices. He is a member of Russia Grange, No. 630. 

Morgan, Taylor W., Winfield, was born in Winfield, on the farm first settled by his 
father and grandfather, the latter one of the first settlers. Taylor W. was born May 
26, 1816. He married Abagail, sister of Col. Alonzo Wood, and they have one son 
living, Kendrick E., vice-president and manager of the Morgan Storage and Warehouse 
Company, of Chicago. He was educated at the West Winfield Academy and at the 
Hungerford Collegiate Institute, at Adams, N. T., read law with Burrows & Palmer, 
Little Fall.s, N. T., and was admitted to the bar in 1876. Kendrick E. Morgan 
formed a partnership with Burrows & Palmer in 1876, and remained a member of that 
firm until July, 1888, when he went to St. Louis, and from there to Chicago, and is in 
business in both places. Alice L. Morgan was born June_16, 1844, and died April 18, 
1863. She was educated at the West Winfield Academy, at the Whitestown Seminary, 
and at the Ladies Seminary at Hamilton. Kendrick B. Morgan married Amanda M., 
daughter of Mrs. R. A. Alden, of Little Falls. 

Moon, William W., Newport, born April 20, 1843, in Cold Brook, N. T., is a son of 
Jefferson Moon, who was a native of Petersburg, Rensselaer county, born November 
26, 1801. His father died when he was ten years old, and he being the eldest, was 
obliged to support the family, and so his education was necessarily limited. August 
13, 1820, he married Martha Philips. In 1822 he moved to Trenton, Oceida county, 
and purchased a farm known as the Camp Ground Farm, where he resided until 1833. 
He then went to Cold Brook, where he spent the remainder of his life. For some time 
he kept a hotel, was then in the distillery business, afterwards in the lumbering trade, 
and finally in cheese-box making. In 18G3 he retired from business. He was a Whig 
and a Republican. He was justice of peace twenty-five years and justice of sessions 
many years. By his first wife, who died in 1853, he had eleven children. His second 
wife, Sophia Nelson, of Newport, died December 8, 1858. He died January 15, 1875. 
William W. was reared in Cold Brook and educated in the common schools and Fairfield 
Seminary. He taught school five years, was agent of Cold Brook Union store three 
years, and then engaged in the lumber trade with his brother Samuel three years. He 
and his brother then engaged in farming and dealing in cattle and horses. They are 
now extensive real estate owners in Herkimer county. On the 28th of January, 1866, 
he married Alice McVoy, of Grant, a daughter of Patrick and Deliah (Willoughby) 
McVoy, the former from Ireland, the latter of Newport, N. T., a daughter of James 
Willoughby. Mr. and Mrs. Moon have two children, James W., of the firm of Forest 
& Moon, and Flora A. Mr. Moon is a Republican, and was supervisor five years, 
chairman of the board in 1879, and has been town clerk. He was one of the building 
committee of the County-House and one of the directors of the Poland National 
Bank. 

Moors, Alfred A., M.D., Winfield, was born in Plainfield, Otsego county, August 6, 
1832, a son of Isaac L. and Mary S. Moors. He was educated at West Winfield 



70 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

Academy and at Pittsfield, Mass. He commenced reading medicine with Dr. J. M. 
Rose, of "West Winfield, then with J. H. Childs, M.D., of Pittsfield, Mass. He at- 
tended lectures and graduated at the Memphis (Tenn.) Medical College, and commenced 
practice at Salisbury, Herkimer county, remaining three years, then moved to Medina, 
Orleans county, for two years. He next went to Cedarville and was there eight years, 
and came to West Winfield in 1868, where he has been in practice twenty-four years. 
He married December 2, 1856, Mary Jane, daughter of Atwater Cook, of Salisbury, 
Herkimer county, and they have two children living, James A. and Maud M. They 
have lost one son, Harry, who died February 2G, 1865. Mary Jane (Cook) Moors died 
June 6, 1891. 

McKee, Samuel, Winfield, son of James and Currence (Jackson) McKee, was born 
in Arlington, Vt, December 14, 1804, and settled in Winfield in March, 1826. He 
married Betsey C, daughter of Moses and Alice Eldred, in March, 1829. Their 
children are : Cornelia J. Smith, Flora F. Crandall, S. James McKee, of Danville, 111., 
Myron A. McKee, cashier of Richfield Springs Bank, and Fannie A. Day. One daugh- 
ter, Alice M. Houghton, died February 14, 1875. Samuel McKee held several town 
offices — in.spector and commissioner of common schools, supervisor two terms, justice 
of the peace sixteen years, also vice-president and director of the West Winfield Bank 
several terms. He commenced in life a poor boy, has acquired a competence, and is 
now living a retired farmer in Winfield. 

Morgan, Franklin Dwight, Winfield, was born in Winfield March 20. 1842, third son 
of Newton Americas Morgan, who was the second son of Ebenezer, who settled first 
on the Hugh Davis place. Newton Americus Morgan, the second son, married Har- 
riet, oldest daughter of Dennis Philleo. They had seven children, Laura A., who died 
at eight years of age ; Eliza Jane, Theressa, Milton Taylor. The family moved to 
what is known a« the Deacon Eaton farm, where two sons were born, Henry Curtis 
and Franklin Dwight. He then bought of Squire Green what was called the old Joe 
Walker farm, and moved to that house, where another son, Newton Philleo, was born. 
Newton Americus Morgan died March 2, 1861, aged fifty-five years. Franklin Dwight 
Morgan married Rosa R. Harrison, of this town, daughter of Stephen Harrison, a na- 
tive of England, August 29, 1864. In September, 1867, they bought and settled on a 
farm in Pulaski, town of Richland, Oswego countv. They have had one son, Frankie 
A. S., born November 21, 1867, who died August 18, 1875, in Pulaski, where he was 
born. The parents since the spring of 1880 have rented their Pulaski farm, and have 
lived at and near Winfield. Mr. F. D. Morgan was superintendent of the Unadilla 
Valley Stock Farm from April, 1890, to March, 1892, when he gave up farming, and 
bought and settled in the Ira Walker house in West Winfield. He is now engaged in 
the livery business in West Winfield near the Cottage Hotel. 

Montgomery, William K., Winfield, was born in Fairfield, Vt., in 1832, and came to 
Winfield in 1862. He is by trade a carpenter and joiner, and has built many fine 
buildings. He is also a farmer in East Winfield. He was drafted in the late war and 
paid $300 for a substitute. He was a son of Cyril Montgomery, of Fairfield, Vt. and 
he is a son of William, a prominent man, a large land owner and capitalist. He was 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 71 

one of the stockholders and main movers in the "Old Cherry Valley Turnpike." Ee 
settled in this town about 1800. William K. Montgomery married in IBtf Juliatte, 
daughter of Hiram Burgess, of this town, who was also a thrifty faimer, quite an ex- 
tensive hop-grower and dairyman. They have six children : John C. F., Eosie M., 
Edvfin D., Lee L., Mary B. and Nettie M. They have lost one, Louisa A., who died 
March 18, 1880, aged sixteen years. 

Marshall, Dolphus S., Winfield, dealer in boots, shoes and rubbers, born in Litchfield 
July 4, 1836. He was a son of Charles Marshall, a native of Vermont, born August 
21, 1798, settled here when a boy, and lived there until his death, February 28, 1870. 
Dolphus Marshall married Caroline E., daughter of Harry Hadley, who was a son of 
William Hadley, one of the first settlers of Litchfield. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have one 
child living, Mary J. Dolphus S. Marshall enlisted in the late war August 1, 1862, in 
Company B, 121st N. Y. Vols., and was discharged June 20, 186.5, at the close of the 
war. 

MoG-owan, Captain James, Litchfield, who is serving his second term as assessor of 
the town of Litchfield, has also held the ofBces of collector and overseer of the poor. 
He enlisted in Company E., 152d N. Y. Vols., September 6, 1862, as a private, and was 
promoted from orderly sergeant to first lieutenant, and then to captain of the same 
company and regiment. He served as captain until his discharge at the end of his ser- 
vice, July 14, 1865. He was born August 4, 1841.) and settled in Litchfield in 1847, 
and on December 25, 1865, on the farm where he now lives. In 1881 he married Gor- 
dena Maxwell. They have three children, Mary Charlott, Florence Grace and William 
Delano. Mrs. McGowan was born in Scotland June 18, 1848, and came to this town 
in 1853, to the same house where she now lives. 

Milhngton, Dr. Stephen K., Russia, was born near Russia village, February 9, 1826, 
a son of Richard and Matilda (Robbins) Millington. Richard was the only son of Dea- 
con Nathan Millington, one of the first settlers, for many years a justice, supervisor of 
the town and prominent in all local afiairs. Richard was the second male child born 
in Russia. Matilda was the oldest daughter of Reuben Robbins, esq., of Cold Brook. 
Both died the same week, in January, 1881, at the home of their son, Stephen P., aged 
eighty-one and eighty years respectively. Another sou, Nathan R., died at Holland 
Patent iu 1872, aged fifty years, An adopted daughter, Sarah L., is the wife of Dr. J. 
L. Seavey, of Poland. Stephen R. attended district school and entered Fairfield Acad- 
emy ; during the winters of 1842-3-4 he was in school, then he taught district school 
several terms. In 1845 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Walter Booth, 
of Russia. He attended lectures at Albany and at the Geneva Medical College, grad- 
uating at Geneva in the winter of 1847 and 1848. In 1848 he married Ada R.Walker, 
daughter of E. N. Walker, who died in July, 1852. In 1853 he married Harty L. Lam- 
berson, of Salisbury, daughter of Charles and Sarah Lamberson, and they have one son, 
Charles S. He practiced medicine thirteen years in Norway, where he was elected 
town clerk, school commissioner, supervisor, and to the Assembly in 1859 and 1860. 
He moved to Poland in 1860, and continued the practice of medicine until 1872. In 
the fall of 1872 he, with others, established a bank in Poland, and gave the business 



72 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTTf. 

much of his personal attention. In 1880 he took an active part in the building of the 
Herkimer, Newport and Poland railroad, and continued as vice-president of the com- 
pany until the road wai sold and extended — now the Adirondack and St. Lawrence 
railroad. Charles S. married Allie, a daughter of J. R.Webster, in 1878, and they have 
three children: Maud, Harty and Ada. In 1872 he was made cashier of the first bank 
organized in Poland ; has taken the active management of the business, and is now the 
cashier of the National Bank of Poland. 

McChesney, H., is a native and life-long resident of Little Falls and has spent along 
and active life at the blacksinitli's forge. The result of fifty-seven years' industry is 
that he has secured to himself a comfortable competency and is able in his later years 
to live free from care and enjoy his well-earned repose. He is a man of fine intellect, 
considering his opportunities, and has always been highly thought of in Little Falls. 
He was a member of the Fire department for sixteen years and was a Democrat until 
185(), since which time he has been a Republican. He has two sons. Earl McChesney 
and Robert, the latter deceased. Earl is an engineer on the New York Central and 
Robert was a conductor for twelve years on the same line 

Morse, William H., Norway, was born in Lewis county, October 17, 1842. His 
father was Nathaniel Morse, a son of William Morse, a son of Tankard Morse. The 
latter was a native of Germany and when a child came to this country with his parents. 
Wnen seven years old the family was captured by the Indians. He and his sister were 
saved, but they witnessed the massacre of their parents. Some years afterwards 
Tankard was stolen from the Indians by a white man, who gave to him his own name. 
Tankard. Mr. Morse was married, had four sons and died in Norway in 1830. Mr. 
Morse was born in Chatham in 1786 and married Lydia Bunnell of Ohio, born 1788. 
They had five children. Mrs. Morse died and Mr. Morse married Ann Cook, and they 
had five children. Mrs. Morse died February 11, 1835, and Mr. Morse in 1869. Na- 
thaniel Morse was born in Ohi'i and came to Norway when a boy with his parents. He 
married Eliza Wilcox, of Westerly, R. I., born 1813, one of five children of Parker and 
Mary (Ciauson) Wilcox, who bore him one son and four daughters. Mr. Morse died 
September 19, 1883, and his wife, who is seventy-nine years of age, resides with sub- 
ject. W. H. Morse was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and in 
Fairfield Academy. October 31, 1867, he married Nancy B. Collins, of Russia, born 
May 18, 1843, a daughter of Benjamin and Almira Collins. Mr. Collins was a farmer. 
He was assessor and held minor offices. He died in 1873 and his wife in 1883. To 
subject and wife have been born one son, Allison D., who resides with his parents, and 
one daughter, Mary, who is now Mrs. Frank Nethaway, of Norway. She has two 
children, Nellie and Almira. Mr. Morse is a Republican and has been assessor seven 
years. His wife is a member of the M. E. church. 

McArthur, Daniel, Russia, was born in Russia, July 9, 1851, a son of Donald McAr- 
thur, a native of Nairnshire, Scotland, born in 1793, who married Ann Rollo, a native 
of Scotland. They had one son and two daughters. In 1830 Mr. McArthur and fam- 
ily came to America and settled at Remsen, Oneida county, and after cine years moved 
to the farm cow owned by Daniel. Here he spent the remainder of his life. Mrs. 



FAMILY SKETCiHES. 7i 

McArthr died in 1841 and he married second, Margaret Rollo, a twin sister of his first 
wife, and to them one daughter was born. She died in 1846, and he married third, Ann 
Morrison, a native of Aberdeenshire, Scotland by whom he had three sons and three 
daughters. Mr. McArthur was a mason and builder by trade, but followed farming. 
He was a Democrat and was assessor twelve years, and was also a Free Mason. He 
died November 17, 1875, and his wife December 6, 1890. The subject of this ske ch 
has always resided on the farm where he was born. He was educated in the common 
schools and tlie Union School at Holland Patent. In 1876 Daniel McArthur married 
Rachel, daughter of Henry and Christina Fisher, of Ohio, N. T., and they have had 
three children : Nellie B., William and Frank, all residing at home. Mr. McArthur 
keeps a large dairy and also owns a cheese factory, and makes about 67,000 pounds of 
cheese annually. He is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church of 
Ohio. 

McCammon George W., Manheim, was born October 25, 1808, in Albany, N. Y. He 
received a liberal education in the schools of that city, after which he clerked in the 
Troy Iron and Nail factory for six years. At twenty-one years of age he was engaged 
for five years in Orange county as book-keeper at Cornwall Cotton factory ; was ap- 
pointed second officer of the steamer ''North America," and two years afterwards was 
engaged in smelting ore in Canada, in connection with a Mr. Townsend, under the firm 
name of Townsend & McCammon. In 1839 he purchased his farm of 133 acres, near 
Little Falls, upon which he has since lived. Squire McCammon has held the office of 
justice of the peace and was appointed by the governor inspector of turnpikes in Her- 
kimer, which position he held for thirty years. Mr. McCammon married Miss Mariah 
Cook and has eight children living. 

McChesney, Robert D., Russia, was born February 27, 1836, in Little Falls, and is a 
son of Robert, whose grandfather was a native of Connecticut, of Scotch descent. He 
was killed in a powder-mill. He had eight children. Robert was born in Scotland. 
His wife was Betsy Swift, a native of Connecticut, by whom he had two sons. By a 
previous marriage Mr. McChesney had fifteen children. He lived at Fall Hill several 
years, and he died in Paine's Hollow in 1839, and his wife in 1870. Robert D. was 
reared on a farm until twenty-five years of age, when he learned the carpenter trade, 
which he has since followed. His brother William is a minister in the Methodist 
Protestant church in Minnesota, where he has resided twenty-seven years. In 1868 
Robert D. McChesney married Esther Mykel, a native of Grant, and they have had 
three children. Frank, aged twenty-two years, is a telegraph operator and resides in 
Pennsylvania; James C, aged nineteen years, works in Little Falls. In 1888 Mr. Mc- 
Chesney married second, Lucy, a daughter of Daniel Garlock, of Cold Brook. At the 
age of nine years he came with his mother to Grant, and has since resided here, being 
now the only resident of the village that was living in it when he came to it in 1845 to 
live with his mother. Subject is a Democrat in politics and a deacon in the Free Will 
Baptist church. 

Myers, F. H., Herkimer, is a native of Herkimer and has lived all his life on the old 
homestead, which he now owns. It consists of nearly 200 acres and a dairy of thirty- 



U HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

five cows, while he raises yearly about eighty tons of hay. His father wtf Gtoipe H 
Myers, who was also a native of this town. His great-grandfather took part in the 
Revolution as patriot. In January, 1892, Mr. Myers married Miss Maude Arnold, 
daughter of the lat"^ D. B. Arnold of Fairfield, N. Y. He is a Republican in politics 
and a member of the grange and the Odd Fellows. 

Mabbett, Smith E., Mohawk, has been identified with the business interests of Mo- 
hawk for many years, twenty-five of whicli he has been interested in the hotel here. 
He died in 1889. H's widow now conducts the hotel assisted by her son. Charles P. 
Mabbett is practically the manager of the house for her, and has good business ability. 
Mrs. M. L. Mabbett's other son, Frank W., is also a representative citizen Mrs Mab- 
bett is a thorough American woman, who deserves great credit for keeping her family 
together and continuing the business here. 

Mitchell, Edwin B., Herkimer, attorney at law, Herkimer, is a native of Oneida 
county, N. Y., and was educated at Fairfield Seminary and at Falley Seminary, Fulton, 
N. Y. He studied law with Adams & Swan in Utica, and was admitted to the bar in 
1876. In 1878 he came to Herkimer and formed a partnership with E. A. Brown, 
which existed until January 1, 1886. He was elected police justice in 1887 and was 
twice re-elected. He has been a member of the Board of Education six years and al- 
so justice of the peace. He is an Odd Fellow, a member of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. 
Mitchell married Henrietta N. TowDsend, daughter of H. Townsend of Utica, who is 
a scion of an old English family. 

Mather, J., Fairfield is one of the oldest a best known residents of tlie town of 
Fairfield. His early business years were spent in mercantile lines, and the last twenty- 
two in managing his own and other dairy farms, amounting to C.50 acres and 126 cows. 
He was postmaster at Fairfield for twelve years under Presidents Van Buren, Pierce 
and Buchanan. In 1844 he married Eliza Jones, and they have three children living, 
Albert B., Fred D., and Maria L. Mather. His father, Moses Mather, was instrumental 
in founding the Fairfield Academy, and Mr. Mather was its treasurer for twenty years, 
and an active trustee for about forty years. 

Alosher, W. W., F'airfield, is a native of Oppenheim, Fulton county, born January 19, 
1831. He came to Middleville at the age of seventeen and began life as a clerk. To-day 
he is a man of wealth and influence. In 1853 he embarked in the mercantile busine.^s, 
which he followed up to a year ago. For the past ten years he has been actively en- 
gaged in the quarry business which is veiy extensive. He is a thirty-two deg/ee Ma- 
son and an active Democrat. He was supervisor of Fairfield four consecutive terms, 
and president of the Board of Education, which position he filled for years. In 1854 
he married the daughter of Walter Griswold, and has two daughters, Mrs. H. E. 
Jackson and Mrs. D. G. Jackson of Middleville. 

Molineux, Frank M., Fairfield, is a native of Middleville, and at the age of sixteen 
went to London, England, to learn the trade of painter. He remained in England six 
years and then returned to Middleville and embarked in business for himself and does 
the painting for this part of the county including all of that for the railroad. He is a 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 75 

Republican and an adherent of the Episcopal church of which his wife is a member. In 
1882 Mr. Molineux marned Miss Emily Clarke of Sheffield, England, and they have a 
family of four children. His father is engineer in the Middleville tannery and is an 
Englishman by birth. 

May, Willian, Fairfield, is a native of England, and was born December 12, 1836. 
He came to America in 1851 and settled in Lockport. He first farmed for five years 
and then came to Fairfield. After which he returned to England, where he remained 
one year. He then came to Middleville and embarked in the meat business, which he 
has since successfully conducted. He is a Mason and is popular socially. Mr. May 
has been twice married, his first wife being Ellen (Robbins) May of Middleville. They 
had two daughters, both married and living in Ohio. His second wife was Mary Stew- 
art, born in Ireland; one son. 

Muckey, Warner, Frankfort, the only son of eight children born to Jasper and Eve 
(Lints) Muckey, was born in Frankfort October 22, 1841 March 4, 1862, he married 
Emma Slomaker of Frankfort, one of three children of Daniel E. and Elizabeth (Cum- 
mins) Slo-naker. They have two children living, Millie and Alonzo. Mr. Muckey 
has been in business in Frankfort during the past nine years, his present place of busi- 
ness being known as the Imperial Hotel, No. 71 Main street, a fine building which was 
erected in 1889 by Wallace Crosby. 

Morgan, A. D., German Flats, is a native of Ilion and was born December 6, 1859. 
He studied law with J. P. Rafter and was admitted to the bar in 1881. He opened an 
office in Ilion in 1883 but did not practice long as he was appointed postmaster by 
President Cleveland in 1885. On the expiration of his term in 1889, Mr. Morgan en- 
gaged in the coal, flour and feed business in Ilion, which he has since carried on. He 
is, also, president of the Broomhall Milling and Malting Company, of Mohawk. He 
married Miss Anna Chatlaway in 1885 and they have one son. Mr. Morgan's father 
was Amos A. Morgan, well-known in Ilion in his day. He was one of the oldest res- 
idents of this place, having been born here in 1823, at which time the place was called 
Morgan's Landing, after his father's family. He died January 31, 1891. 

McEvoy, Hon. P. H., Little Falls, was born in Ireland about thirtj'-seven years since 
and came to this country when quite young, and settled in the town of Salisbuiy. His 
early days were spent workmg for farmers in the town of Fairfield. His early educa- 
tion was obtained in the district schools of the county by doing chores for his board in 
the winters and attending school, and working out summers. Subsequently he at- 
tended school at Fairfield Seminary for six years and paid his tuition by working out 
for the farmers during vacation. He graduated in the five year course in 1868 and 
was valedictorian of the class. In the fall of 1868 he commenced the study of law in 
the office of Messrs. Hardin & Burrows (Mr. Hardin has been presiding judge of the 
General Term for many years). He taught school in the " Old Brick Schoolhouse " on 
the creek road, near Herkimer, that winter, and in October, 1869, was admitted to the 
bar. He soon after moved to St. Johnsville, Montgomery county, at the invitation of 
Hezakiah Biker, who was district attorney of Montgomery county, to help him as dig- 



76 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

trict attorney, and remained there about one year. He afterwards made a complete 
course of philosophy, moral and dogmatic theology at the University of Niagara. At 
an early age he espoused the principles of the Republican party and in every important 
election sia^e 1868 stumped the county for the party, and frequently spoke in other 
parts of the State for the state committee. He grew rapidly in public appreciation a.s 
a speaker and leader with the result that he was sent to the Legislature in 1887 by the 
unprecedented majority of 1,804, and in 1888 the Democrats nominated no one against 
him. While there he gained distinction for carrying through the celebrated elevator 
bill, that settled the important fact that the legislature has a right to say what charge 
corporations .shall make for their public services. It has been contested in every court 
and recently pronounced constitut'onal by the United States Supreme Court. It had 
been introduced in the Legislature every year for the past eighteen years but never 
passed before. He is actively engaged in the practice of law at Little Falls. 

Mitchell, Thomas H, German Flats, is a native of England and was a steel spindle 
maker there He spent two and one-half years in Rus.sia and subsequently came 
to America in 1879. He worked in a rolling mill in Michigan, and for eight and one 
half years in the Remington Gun Works. He has lived m Ilion twelve years. 
He is. proprietor of the Commercial Hotel. In 1870 Mr. Mitchell married Miss 
Mary J. Cheetham. Mr. Mitchell's father. John C. Mitchell, is eighty-six years of 
age and lives with him. 

Murray Brothers, Little Falls. The firm of ilurray Bros, consists of P. W. and 
James J. Murray, natives of Salisbury, Herkimer county. They established business 
in Little Falls in 1887, conducting a reputable liquor business. P. W. Murray was 
born December 18, 1861. He received a liberal education in Fairfield Seminary, to 
which village his father's family had removed from Salisbury in 1868, after which he 
taught school eight terms and clerked in a grocery store for five years. His brother, 
James J. Murray, was born July 8, 1855. He is equal owner in the establishment 
with P. W. They are both identified with local institutions, such as Erina Fire Com- 
pany, etc. 

Monroe, Thomas M., Herkimer, was was born in Utica, N. Y. His father came to 
this country from Scotland when the subject of this sketch was but a child and settled 
in Utica. Thomas M. Monroe was one of twelve children. After receiving an excel- 
lent education in the public schools of this vicinity, he engaged in the manufacture of 
cotton in Greene county until the outbreak of the war when he entered the naval ser- 
vice under Dupont at Hilton Ilead. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the Sixty-First Massa- 
chusetts, Company D, and participated in many battles and skirmishes. He was mus- 
tered out in June, 1865. Mr. Monroe is an active and prominent member of the G. A. 
R. and also of the Masonic fraternity. He is engaged in the wholesale bottling traffic, 
his goods being sold throughout the State. His wife was Miss Amanda J. Lewis of 
this State. He has two sons, both engaged with him in business. 

Marcy, Stoors, Russia, was born in Russia, July 28, 1828, a son of Alpheus Marcy, a 
native of Connecticut, who came to Trenton and in 1828 moved to Russia. In 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 77 

Trenton he married Harriet Barrows, a native of Connecticut, by whom he had 
four sons a"d three daughters. He died in 1882 at the age of ninety-three and his 
wife died in the same year aged eighty-four. The father of Alpheus JIarcy lived 
and died in Connecticut. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Marcy was Lemuel 
Barrow.', a native of Connecticut, and one of the pioneers of Trenton. In his day 
he was rfifered land for $1.2.5 where the city of Utica now stands. He died in 
Trenton, on the farm he settled, at the age of ninety. His wife was Miss Stoors, 
a native of Connecticut. Mr. Marcy married Betsey, a daughter of Charles Prin- 
dle, a son of Joseph Prindle, a native of Massachusetts and one of the first set- 
tlers of Russia. Charles Prindle was born in Russia. His wife was Clara Smith, 
by whom he had one daughter, the wife of subject. Mr. Marcy and wife have 
three children : Phares, a farmer in Russia ; Sherman, a minister in the Baptist 
Church, who resides near New York City and is a graduate of Hamilton College; and 
Jennie, who lives at home. Mr. Marcy owns 345 acres of land, is a breeder of South- 
down sheep and is the most extensive sheep dealer in Russia. He is a Democrat and 
member of M. E. church. 

Moore, Milo, Russia, was born in Russia August 7, 1839, son of Orson and Thirza 
(Salisbury) Moore, whose children were Sarah A. (deceased), wife of Hon. Daniel 
Northrop : Jane E. (deceased), Lyman (deceased), John (deceased), Thirza (deceased), 
Loretta (deceased). Miles and Eliza, wife of Edwin Knight, and Milo. Milo attended 
district school until seventeen years of age, when he entered Fairfield Seminary. At 
niueteen he commenced teaching, which he followed for six winters. When twenty- 
six years of age he traveled through the West. From 1866 to 1867 he followed cheese- 
making. January 6, 1870, he married Mary C, daughter of William and Susan (Mill- 
ington) Buck, and has four children, William B., Jennie G., George 0. and Charles M. 
He is a Republican, and has been overseer of the poor, town clerk and justice of the 
peace for the past sixteen years, and supervisor in 1881-82 and 1892. Orson was born 
in Brookfield, Mass., in August, 1801. He was justice of the peace sixteen terms, 
supervisor three years and a member of the Legislature in 1862. He died November 
27, 1881, and his wife, Thirza, died in 1842. In 1843 he married Matilda Salisbury, a 
sister of his former wife. He was the father of eight children. His grandfather, 
Thomas Moore, was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War. 

McKennan, John, Herkimer, son of Alexander McKennan. is a native of the village 
of Herkimer, and was born November 10, 1821. . He received his education in the 
schools of that time in the village and in Fairfield Seminary. He has been a farmer 
all his life. He has 193 acres of land used for dairy purposes and has a herd of 
twenty-three cows and raises about 100 tons of hay yearly. Mr. McMcKennan mar- 
ried Elizabeth Burlingham, and they have a family of seven children, Charles, Irving, 
Harry, Lizzie, Dora, John A. and Morell. He is of Scotch descent. 

Nichols, C, W., M.D.. Fairfield, is a native of Fairfield and studied medicine at Al- 
baoy. He graduated in 1889 and began practice in Fairfield village. The Nichols 
family came to this countrv from Rhode Island. The grandfather of Dr. Nichols was 
Horace Nichols. His father was Caleb Nichols. All the family were farmers down to 



78 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Dr. Nichols. Horace Nicliols's grandfather settled in Providence, R. I., before the 
Revolutionary War. In 1875 Dr. Nichols married Miss Elizabeth Stevens, and they 
have four children, three sons and one daughter. Dr. Nichols is a Republican and a 
member of the State Medical Society. 

Nichols, H. C, Norway, was born in Norway September 6, 1845. His father was 
Joseph Nichols, son of Horace Nichols, of Rhode Mand, born in 1794. His wife was 
Phoebe Bly, born in Rhode Island in 1799. They had six children. Horace died Jan- 
uary 31, 1875, and his wife died in 1834. Joseph Nichols was born in Norway in 1819, 
and married Louisa Handy, who bore him five children. Louisa Handy Nichols was a 
native of Salisbury. She died in 1859, and Mr. Nichols married Anna Hughes, who 
had three children. Mr. Nichols's third wife was Silva Bell, and by her he had two 
children. H. C. Nichols was reared on a farm and educated in common schools and in 
Fairfield Seminary. In 1869 he married Libbie Johnston, daughter of Charles and 
Rachel (Emery) Johnston of Oppenheim, who bore him three children, namely : Ahce 
I., Edith L. and Homer J. Mr. Nichols followed farming a short time, but for many 
years has manufactured cheese. For the last fifteen years he has been in the Norway 
cheese factory. He is a Republican, and has been excise commissioner a number of 
terms and is now justice of the peace. He is a Baptist. 

Newberry, Samuel H., Little Falls, school commissioner. Important as are the in- 
dustrial, mercantile and professional avocations that constitute the commercial life and 
wealth of the nation, they are less paramount than the educational interests of the 
people, for upon these a foimdation of our moral and social systems are built. The 
schools of Herkimer county are admittedly equal to the best anywhere in the Union 
similarly located, and much of this excellence is due to the thorough and intelligent 
oversight which supervises, directs and governs them. Mr. Samuel H. Newberry, the 
school commissioner of the first district, is especially worthy of mention for the great 
zeal and enthusiasm, as well as high intelligence, with which he performs the duties of 
his responsible ofiice, and in commenting upon the school system and .schools of Herki- 
mer county more than passing mention is due and is accorded to him. Samuel H. 
Newberry is a native of the town of Newport, Herkimer county, and after receiving a 
thorough education entered the teaching profession, and during four years of active life 
as a teacher he attained a high standard and an enviable reputation in his profession. 
In 1887 he was elected school commissioner for three years, and was re-elected in 1890, 
a proof of his popularity and fitness for the office, to which he devotes all the energies 
of a superior and earnest mind. 

Newell, J. R., Little Fal's, one of the leading dealers in grocers' supplies, wall papers, 
stationery, etc., in Little Falls, is a native of Oneida county, N. Y. After receiving a 
thorough public school education he began his business career as a book-keeper. Pre- 
vious to embarking in his present enterprise he was a clerk in the National Herkimer 
County Bank. He began his present business January 1, 1891, and on July 1 of the 
same year formed a partnership with J. C. Bellinger, which still exists. Mr. Newell has 
been village treasurer of Little Falls, and is highly regarded by all the business men of 
the couaty. Socially he is also well known, and belongs to the Royal Arcanum, in 
which he is a past regent, and has had all the honors of the society. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 79 

Newth, N. J., German Flats, was born in Litchfield May 10, 1840. He enlisted in 
the Eighth New York Cavalry August 11, 18G2, and served three years. After the 
war he went into the hat-bleaching business in Troy, N. Y. In 1874 he came to Ilion, 
embarked in the hardware business, which is still continued by him. He is a member of 
the First Presbyterian church and trustee, for seven years superintendent of its Sun- 
day-school and a member of the Gr. A. R. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. In 1878 
Mr. Newth married Miss Opheha E. Smith, of Troy, and they have three children, one 
son and two daughters. 

Newman, Milton J., Fairfield, is a native of Boonville and was born December 9, 
1845. He has been a farmer nearly all his life. He now works 300 acres, stocked with 
a herd of fifty cows, and has been on the place nine years. He is one of the leading 
tenant farmers of Herkimer county. In 1870 Mr. Newman married Savilla E. Du 
Bois. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Knights of Honor. His 
grandfather was a native of Manheim, and his grandfather, Peter Newman, took part 
in the war of 1812. 

Newell, Selim, Little Fall.i, was born in New England, from where his father re- 
moved to New York State when Selira was but a child. His earlier years were spent 
upon a farm, and about 1852 he established himself in the general mercantile line of 
dry goods, groceries, grist and saw-mills, etc., with which Mr. Newell has since been 
identified. He located in Little Falls in 1868, and conducts both a wholesale and retail 
business. He is ably assisted by his sods, who are prominent in the best social and 
political circles of the village. Mr. Newell married Miss Fanny B. Barnum, by whom 
he has four children, all sons. He is a prominent member of the Methodist church 
and is much respected and esteemed throughout this vicinity. 

Nelson, Edwin J., Newport, was born in Little Falls February 11, 1855, a son of 
Henry C. and Gertrude A. (Wemple) Nelson, the former a resident and native of Little 
Falls and the latter of Manheim. In 1849 Henry and his brother, William Nelson, 
started in the mercantile business in Little Falls under the firm name of H. C. & W. 
Nelson Later Edwin J. was admitted as a partner, continuing until the death of 
William Nelson, February 19, 1881, when for two years he conducted the business, 
when he sold a part interest to W. A. Pepper, the firm being E. J. Nelson & Company. 
In 1885 Edwin J. sold his interest, and in 1886 he, in company with William F. 
Lansing, bought the property and started the knitting-mill under the firm name of Nel- 
son & Lansing. This continued until 1890, when Edwin's mother and two brothers, 
Arnold and Seymour, moved to Middleville, where Mrs. Nelson died April 11, 1892. 
Her children were Edwin J., Carrie, wife of William Feter (she afterward married 
Frank Thomas) ; Emma, wife of S. W. Dillenbeck ; Seymour and Arnold. Henry C, 
their father, died November 25, 1876. 

Newman, Horace S., Russia, was born in Russia March 16, 1848, a son of Sylvester 
B., who was a son of Ebenezer Newman. The latter was born in Salem, Westchester 
county, in 1780. February 7, 1805, he married Lydia Taylor, a native of Reading, 
Conn., born December 4, 1785, by whom he had seven sons and five daughters. Mr. 
Newman was a farmer. About 1807 he came to Russia, settled on the royal grant and 



80 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

there lived and died January 9, 1865. He was drafted in the war of 1812. He and 
his wife were Baptists. She died February 11, 1865. Sylvester Newman was born 
December 22, 1817, in Russia. He married October 7, 1838, Sallie A. Pettingil), a na- 
tive of Brookfield, Oneida county, by whom he had two sons and one daughter, Emma 
J., Morris and Horace. Mrs. Newman died April 6, 1864, and Mr. Newman married 
second Sarah C. Crittenden, a native af Massachusetts. She died November 12, 1872. 
Mr. Newman is a farmer and a Republican. He is a member of Northern Light Lodge, 
No. 464, of Poland. Horace S. was educated in the common schools. March 13, 
1873, he married Emma J., a daughter of Henry L. and Sarah C. Crittenden, of Con- 
way, Mass., who came to Herkimer county about 1854. Mr. Crittenden enlisted in the 
121st New York Infantry and was killed at Chancellorsville in 1863. They had three 
daughters and one son. The subject and wife have three children, Edgar H., Fred S. 
and Lulu S. He has been a farmer and a butcher, but at present is engaged in farm- 
ing exclusively. He is a member of the A. 0. U. W. of Poland, No. 183, and is a 
Republican. Morris Newman enlisted in the First Berdan's Sharp Shooters, Company 
B. He died December 25, 1863. 

Carpenter, James 0., Russia, was born in Copenhagen, Lewis county, June 24, 1836. 
His father was John, a son of John, who was a native of Massachusetts, born May 9, 
1773, and who married Thankful Fish, a native of Massachusetts, born in 1772. They 
had five children. Mr. Carpenter came to Russia, where he died, in 1809, and his wife 
in 1845. John Carpenter, jr., was born June 17, 1804. During the last twenty-one 
years of his life he was a Baptist minister, and with the exception of one year, preached 
in Russia. December 31, 1829, he married Helen H. Overton, a native of Long Island, 
born in 1808, and a daughter of Joel and Navina (Wells) Overton. Mr. Carpenter and 
wife had three sons and four daughters. He died April 16, 1847, and Mrs. Carpenter 
for the last twenty years has resided with her son, James 0. The latter was educated 
in the common schools and in the select schools under Prof. Smart of Russia Corners. 
At the age of fifteen he began as a drover for Frank and Henry Stanton, and clerked 
for them, was with them sixteen years ; he then conducted a meat market at Holland 
Patent for four years; then he took charge of the Union store at Russia for four years. 
One summer was spent at Cold Brook closing oiit stock of goods and the following 
winter he was in Carthage. In 1883 Mr. Carpenter went to Grant, N. Y., and en- 
gaged in the general mercantile business, in which he has been successful. February 
17, 1892, he married Margaret B., daughter of Peter Smith, of Russia. Mr. Carpenter 
is a Democrat and was supervisor in 1884-87-91. He was postmaster of Grant during 
Cleveland's administration and is now notary public. He is one of the oldest Masons 
in Russia, is a member of Remsen lodge No. 677, F. and A. M., also a member of the 
Equitable Aid Union of Grant. 

Onyaus, William, German Flats, was born in England, November 20, 1832, and 
learned there the trade of gun barrel roller. He came to Springfield, Mass., in 1858, 
and during the war had charge of the rolling department of the government gun shops 
there. He came to the Remington gun works after, where he has been ever since. He 
is one of the most noted men in his line in the world. He was once sent to Liege, in 



FAMILY SKETCHES. Si 

Belgium, to superintend gun-making. Mr. Onyaus has been a Mason over thirty years 
and a Republican all his life. He married Harriet Langton and has a son, William 
Langton. Mr. Onyaus married second Adeline M., daughter of Charles Graham, of 
Whitesboro. 

O'Brien, M. G., Ilion, was born in Troy, N. T., September 1, 1846, and after gradu- 
ating at St. John's College, Fordham, N. T., he entered the wholesale grocery house of 
Knapp & Walradt in Troy. He afterwards was three years surveying for the Iron 
Moantam Railroad company in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. In 1874 he located at 
Ilion, and was connected with the Remington armory for twelve years. In 1879 he 
established the insurance and real estate business, which he still successfully conducts. 
Was elected justice of the peace in 1880 for four years, and elected police justice in 
1892. Mr. O'Brien is an earnest Republican in politics. He is executor for several es- 
tates and has a high reputation. In 188G Mr. O'Brien married Miss Nellie H. Ryan, of 
Ilion. They have two sons and one daughter. 

Osgood, Josi ah S., German Flats, was born in Mohawk, March 29, 1828, and was 
clerking in a grocery business when ten years old. He then went to New York and 
was in the hotel business for eight years. He returned to Mohawk and was in business 
for several years. In 1852 he took an interest in the Osgood House in Ilion, but in 
1870 he gave up the business, since which time he has lived retired. He married Fannie 
Jones. His business operations were very successful, and he retired in 1870. 

Osterhout, S., German Flats, was born in German Flats, October 1, 1845. He has 
been connected with farming nearly all his life and is now one of the prominent small 
fruit growers of the State. His father was Daniel Osterhout, and his grandfather, John, 
came from Germany. His grandfather, on his mother's side, was a Revolutionary sol- 
dier. In 1869 Mr. Osterhout married Abbie Sillinian, and they have two daughters, 
Mary and Kate. He grows about 50,000 quarts of strawberries annually. 

Onuf, Dr. B., Dolgeville, was born in Jennisseisk, Siberia, July 4, 1863. He was 
educated in the schools of Zurich, Switzerland, and graduated in medicine in 1884, after 
which he studied eye diseases eight months at the Eye Clinic, Zurich. The doctor was 
engaged in the practice of his profession for six years prior to coming to this country, 
being for two and a half years upon the staff of physicians attached to an insane asylum. 
After this he became physician on the Rotterdam- Lloyd line of steamers in the East 
Indies, also on the Tran.s-Atlantic lines. In September of 1890 he settled in Dolge- 
ville, where he is building up an extensive practice. The doctor's sister is a German 
teacher in the Dolgeville school and academy. 

Owens, Hugh R., Winfield, mason, contractor and builder, has erected some of the 
finest buildings in this vicinity, including the Baptist church of this place, the First Na- 
tional Bank at Richfield Springs, also a number of fine residences, among which is 
Cashier ilcKee's house, at the same place, and a number of residences of this and sur- 
rounding towns. He was born in Wales in 1851. In 1862 he commenced his appren- 
ticeship, finished in 1866, and worked there then as superintendent on contracts for his 
father (Robert R. Owens), also a contractor and builder. April 6, 1869, Hugh R. came 



?2 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

to America and settled in Fair Haven, Vt., where he engaged in the same business with 
his brother. In 1871 he came to Utica. In 1873 he went to Plainfield, and engaged in 
the same business there. In 1878 he settled in West Winfield, and has been in busi- 
ness here since that time. He married Katie Hughes, September 9, 1875, and they 
have two children : Fred T. and Herbert E. Mrs. Katie Owens is a daughter of 
Thomas Hughes, of Plainfield, Otsego county. 

Popple, Roswell H., Russia, was born in Russia, October 29, 1845, a son of James, 
who was a son of William, a native of Rhode Island, born May 18, 1768. The latter 
married first, Rachael Frink, also a native of Rhode Lsland, by whom he had eight 
children : Zaohariah, Daniel, Roswell, William, John, Amy, Lydia and Esther. Mr. 
Popple came to Ru-ssia about 1800 and settled one mile west of Grant, near the twin 
rock bridge. He was at one time assessor, and died in Russia, April 13, 185G. He was 
oflered land where Uticanow stands (then a vast swamp, with one log cabin on Corn 
Hil',) at $2.50 per acre. His second marriage was with Catherine Tompkins, of Nor- 
way, by whom he had one child, James. His second wife died June 8, 1852. James 
Popple was born August 20, 1817, and his life was spent on the farm settled by his 
father. He married Ann Eliza Garlock, born in Montgomery county, March 9, 1816, a 
daughter of Philip Garlock. Their children were Ann Elizabeth, Emily, Matilda, Ros- 
well II., Lydia, Louisa, William and Alma Eliza, all now living. Mr. Popple follovced 
surveying for many years. In politics he was a Democrat, and for many years was as- 
sessor and constable. He died March 13, 1868, and his wife March 24, 1880. Ros- 
well II. is a farmer, a Democrat, and one of the leaders of his party, always taking an 
active part in elections, and has been in.spector, census enumerator, school trustee, and 
is now secretary of the Grange at Grant, No. 692. For the past five years he has been 
agent for Listers, of Newark, N. J., the largest manufacturers of fertilizers in the coun- 
try. February 2, 1882, he married Diana (Rathbun) Gray, daughter of William Gray, 
an early settler of Remsen, Oneida county. Mr. Popple and wife had four children ; 
Annie, Lydia, Willie and Charles. Annie, the only one living, was born June 17, 1883. 
July 2, 1889, Mrs Popple died, and July 30, 1890, he married second, Jennie, daughter 
of Caleb Nichols, a son of Morey Nichols, an early settler of Remsen. Caleb married 
Ellen Hughe.s, and had a son and a daughter. They live in Remsen. Mr. Popple is a 
Democrat and has been inspector of elections. He was drafted in the late war, but did 
not serve on account of disability. He is a member of Grange No. 692 of Grant. The 
father of the subject, James, was the mest reliable surveyor of these parts, and his lines 
and maps are now eagerly sought for. 

Pryne, P., M. D., Herkimer. The Pryne family settled in Albany as early as 1661, 
and their descendants participated in the Revolution. Dr. P. Pryne's ancestors were 
Frans Jansen Pryne, who settled in Albany in 1661. Frans Pryne, jr., born in Albany 
September 23, 1683; David, Frans, jr's. son ; Peter Pryne, David's son ; then Frans P. 
Pryne, who was the father of the subject of this sketch. Dr. P. Pryne was born June 
20, 1820, and educated at the schools of Rome and Frankfort. He commenced the 
study of his profession with Dr. Arba Blair, and continued with Dr. DooHttle. He 
graduated at Geneva Medical College in 1844, and commenced practice in Herkimer in 



FAMILY SKETCHES 83 

1845. Id 1860 he was appointed physician to Sing Sing prison and continued there 
until 1872, when he returned to Herkimer and practically retired from his profession. 
He has the finest private geological specimers in the country. He is quoted in Eng- 
lish journals as an authority. He married for his first wife Miss Jane Byers, by whom 
he had two children. His second wife was Miss Mary C. Weber. They have no 
children. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. 

Prowse, Wm. H., Herkimer, senior member of the firm of Prowse & Thomson, deal- 
erg in drugs, hardware, etc., is a.native of Troy, N. Y., but has lived all his life in Her- 
kimer. He established the present business twenty-seven years ago in the present 
stand and the present partnership was formed in 1884. Mr. Prowse's father was an 
Englishman, and his mother was a native of Herkimer. He married Miss Emma 
Greene of Rome, N. Y., in 1867. Mr. Prowse is one of the enterprising and successful 
business men, and is a Mason, a member of the United Friends, and other societies. 
He has been actively engaged in the same business continuously longer than any other 
man in Herkimer. 

Pross, Geo. Adam, Little Falls, was born in Germany October 7, 1835. He came to 
this country in 1854, and followed farming for twenty-two years. He had charge of 
the Fairfield road for seven years, then moved to Little Falls and has done jobbing and 
contracting since that time. He married Miss Caroline F. Shakinger, and has five 
children, four of whom are boys. Two of the boys are Pross Bros., grocers, Little Falls. 
Mr. Pross was overseer of the poor in Manheim for two years. He is a member of the 
Royal Templars of Temperance, Chosen 'Friends, E. P. M. A., Key Stone of Rochester, 
Reform Club, etc., and a substantial and esteemed citizen. 

Parkinson, John, of Fairfield, is a native of England, but has been in America since 
1850. He was first employed as a farm hand but soon struck out for himself and with 
great succes . To-day he owns a fine farm of 175 acres and thirty milch cows. He 
rents the farm out and lives in a snug house of his own in Fairfield village. Mr. Park- 
inson married Charlotte Herringshaw in 1843 and they have two children, George and 
Mrs. Alfred Childs. 

Peck, William, Manheim, was born in Manheim February 13, 1811. His ancestors 
are of New England descent, emigrating there from England, and of Revolutionary 
fame. Mr. Peck married Polly Silliman, and they have nine children, four sons and 
five daughters. Mrs. Peck died in 1890. Mr. Peck owns 1,500 acres of dairy land in 
Herkimer county, which is worked by tenants, besides owning other property. He 
has been a great traveler, having crossed the Atlantic forty-two times, and visited the 
principal cities and points of interest in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, 
England, Ireland, Wales, Egypt and the Holy Land, and is thoroughly informed upon 
ancient history. He is a most entertaining conversationalist. 

Petrie, S. A., Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls, but has been on his present farm 
for about a year, having purchased it in 1891. He owns lU acres, which he utilizes 
for dairy purposes, grass and grain. He keeps twenty-nine milch cows and sells con- 
siderable milk in the village, outside of his farming operations. Mr. Petrie is descended 



84 HISTORY OF HERKIMP:R COUNTY. 

from an old and historical family. His great-grandfather, Henry Keyser, was in the 
Revolutionary War and was taken prisoner with others by the Indians. Mr. Petrie 
married in 1862, Helen Getman, and has a family of five daughters and one son. In 
politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. 

Post, Dan, Newport, was born in 1771 and came to Newport with his brother Na- 
thaniel when a young man. Dan worked at farming. He married Mercy , 

and their children were: John, Dan, jr., Spencer. "Watson, Willoughby, Nathaniel, 
Roxy A. Benchley, and Julia A. Hale. Dan Post, jr., married Ann Stephens in 1824. 
She is a daughter of Benjamin Stephens of Fairfield. They had two children, Henrv 
and Dan 3d. He married second, Delcena Kniffin, a native of Newport, and a daugh- 
ter of Obediah Kniffin. They also had two children, Charles R. and Obediah K. After 
his second marriage Mr. Post moved to Ohio, where he remained until his death. 
Henry Post's father died when he was thirteen years of age, and he lived with his uncle, 
John Post, in the town of Russia until 1844. He then taught school in Illinois for four 
years, when he returned to Middleville, and has since followed farming and carpentering. 
While building a barn on his farm he discovered some quarts crystals, which he mines. 
He has one child living, Annie, wife of George W. Nellis, jr., editor of the Wide Awake 
Herkimer Count Record of Herkimer. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the 
TJniversalist church and superintendent of the Sunday-school. 

Phillips, William, East Schuyler, was born in Steuben, Oneida county, in 1832, and his 
father, Champion Phillips, was also a native of that county. His grandfather came from 
Connecticut. Mr. Phillips engages in general farming, but has also a large business in 
buying and shipping hay. He has been twice married ; first in 1857 to Mrs. Mary 
Jane Carder of East Schuyler, Herkimer county, and in 1883 to Miss Permelia Quance 
of Camden, Oneida county. He was commissioner of highways six years, trustee sev- 
eral terms and deputy sheriff six years. 

Pearce, Frank E., Fairfield, siiperintendent of the poor for Plerkimer count}' (elected 
in the fall of 1891), is a native of Newport, and was born July 12, 1859. He is a son 
of James P. Pearce, one of the best known men of the county. Frank E. left the farm 
at the age of eighteen to embark in the sewing-maohine business. He wassulxsequent- 
ly five years in the mercantile business in Newport. Then for six years he again fol- 
lowed farming. He was collector of Newport and supervisor for two terms, 1888-89, 
and although a Democrat, he was elected in a Republican town. In 1884 he married 
Jane L. Harris, and they have three children, two sons and one daughter. 

Phillips, S. A., Russia, was born April 24, 1834, in Hammond, N. Y., a son of Sam- 
uel, who was a son of Samuel Phillips, a native of England, who settled in Rensselaer 
county, near Hoosac Falls. He was in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Philips was twice 
married and had five children by his first wife. His first wife was Betsey Allen, 
youngest sister of Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame. He married second Mrs. 
Baker, by whom he had four children. Samuel Phillip.^, jr., was born in Rensselaer 
county, 1797. He married Emily Wightman, a native of Trenton and a daughter of 
Eleazar Wightman, and to them were born five children. Mrs. Phillips died in 1841 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 85 

and he married Paulina MoMaster, of Russia, by whom lie had one child. He was in 
the war of 1812. His son, Leander, in 1S61 enlisted in the Second New York Light 
Artillery, but was transferred to the One Hundred and Seventeenth New York Infan- 
try and served until the close of the war. Mr. Phillips died in 1877, and his wife died 
in 1885. Subject was reared on the old homestead in Russia. In 1855 he married 
Martha Emory, a native of Oswego county, whose parents were early settlers. To 
Mr. Phillips and wife have been born four children : Clara V. and Clinton, deceased 
Allen J. and Frank J., the former residing on his father's farm and working in the tub 
factory with his father. His wife is Cora Baker, of Oswego county, and they have 
five children: George A., Clara, Clinton, Samuel and May, all of whom are living. 
Frank J. is a graduate of Fairfield and Holland Patent schools and holds a New York 
State diploma. He is at present a teacher in the commercial department of the Uni- 
versity at Fort Worth, Texas. His wife is Blanche Ward, a native of North Carolina. 
S. A. Phillips is a farmer and also has a tub factory with first-class machinery and car- 
ries on a successful business. He is a Republican. He and family attend and support 
the M. E. and Unitarian churches at Trenton. 

Parker, Theodore Patten, Litchfield, is a son of Archibald Parker and Cassandre 
Hoxie. Seven children were born to Archibald Parker and wife, of whom but two are 
living. Archibald Parker was supervisor of this town, and was born, lived and died 
on the farm now occupied by his youngest son. Theodore P. Parker was a son of 
the Rev. Archibald Parker, a native of Rhode Island, who settled at Parker's Corners, 
after which this place was named. There were five hundred acres in the tract bought 
by Rev. Archibald Parker and one Samuel Remington, and the tract was divided be- 
tween them. Theodore P. Parker married Edwina A., daughter of Taylor Hasselkuse 
of Litchfield. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have one son, A. Earl. Rev. Archibald Parker 
was born April 12, 1769, and died January 3, 1831. He married Sarah Ross, born 
May 24, 1773, died October 15, 1852. Archibald Parker was born April 7, 1808, and 
died August 13, 1885. Cassandre Parker, his wife, was born July 26, 1809, and died 
October 23, 1862. The tract spoken of above was divided by the Rev. Archibald 
Parker, who took one-fourth, Samuel Remington one-fourth, and one-fourth was sold 
by them to Isaac Parke", a brother of the Rev. P., and the other one-fourth to another 
brother, Jacob Parker. 

Paddock, Robert Brayton, Litchfield, was born in the town of Frankfort, June 7, 
1824. He married Mariam F. Tanner, of the town of New Hartford, and they have 
two children, Arthur Clifford Paddock and Fannie Esther Paddock. Arthur C. Pad- 
dock married Emma Almira Burpee, of Litchfield, and they have two children, Effie 
Almira Paddock and Arthur Samuel Paddock. Fannie E. Paddock married John C. 
McCartin, of Watertown, June 30, 1891, and he died January 2, 1892. Robert B. 
Paddock is a son of Samuel, who was born on the Paddock homestead, and died July 
19, 1882, aged eighty-six years. Hia father. Captain John Paddock, was a sea captain 
and a native of Connecticut, who was one of the first settlers of Frankfort. He died 
April 4, 1817, aged sixty-five year.s. 



86 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Rhodes, Thomas T., Russia, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., March 14, 1833, a son 
of Jacob, who was a son of Joseph, who was a native of Marblehead, Mass. Joseph 
.Rhodes in an early day came to Chesterfield, Mass., where he lived and died. He had 
nine sons and three daughters. He was a mason by trade and also followed farming. 
He died in Chesterfield, Mass. Jacob Rhodes was born in Marblehead, Mass., March 
8, 1783. In early lite he taught school and afterwards learned the shoemaker's 
trade which be followed until his death. He married Sally Wood, a native of New 
Bedford, Mass., by whom he had four sons and one daughter. About 1857 he went to 
Williamsburg, Mass., where he died. Thomas T. Rhodes was educated in the common 
schools of Chesterfield, Mass., and at the age of seventeen worked for his brother, who 
was engaged in the manufacture of saw handles. He bought out the business and 
followed it until 1865, and after spending one year in Connecticut he came to Cold 
Brook and here engaged in the manufacture of saw handles, which business he has 
since followed. On November '27, 1857, he married Elvisa, a daughter of Levi and 
Emily Olds, of Middlefield, Mass. Mrs. Rhodes died in December, 1863, and in 1864 
he married second Ella A., a daughter of Sylvester and Belinda French, he a native 
of Sutton, N. H., and liis wife of Ashfield, Mass. Mr. French and wife had one son 
and two daughters : Edward N., who was a corporal in the Forty-ninth Massachusetts 
Infantry; Georgiana, wife of J. M. Allen, of Cold Brook, and Mrs. Rhodes. Mr. 
French is a Whig and a Republican, and he and wife were members of the Congre- 
gational church. He died in 1883 and his wife now resides at Cold Brook. The 
children of Mr. Rhodes and wife are: Arthur E., born July 31, 1866, who was 
educated in the common schools and at Clinton, where he graduated in 1883. He was 
bookkeeper in the Poland Bank for three years and has since assisted his father at 
Cold Brook, In 1887 he married Belle, daughter of Jefferson Moon, of Cold Brook. 
He is a member of Newport Lodge, No. 455, F. and A. M. ; also Iroquois Chapter, 
No. 236, R. A. M., Ilion, N. Y. Nellie E., wife of James W. Moon, of Cold Brook, 
and two who live at home, Mabel A. and Maud B. . Thomas T. Rhodes is a Republi- 
can and has been assessor in Russia for two terms. 

Read, George C, Russia, was born in Russia, June 18, 1852, a son of Erastus and 
Caroline (Russel) Read, elsewhere mentioned. Mr. Read was reared on a farm and 
educated in the Tenbroeck and Lowville Academies. In 1874 he married Estella, 
daughter of Frederick and Maria Carpenter, of Russia. To Mr. Read and wife one 
child, Fred, was born February 14, 1875. In 1876 Mrs. Read died, and April 18, 
1883, Luanna, daughter of William Henry, of Ohio township, became the wife of Mr. 
Read. In 1874 Mr. Read, with his brother, E. Bobbins Read, engaged in the mercan- 
tile business in Poland, and they have since carried on a very successful trade. From 
1878 to 1889 they also conducted mercantile business in Gray, during which time Mr. 
Read resided there. Since 1889 he has resided in Poland. He is a Republican. 

Richardson, D. M., Herkimer was born n Schuyler, N. Y. He received his educa- 
tion in the schools of Utica and Fairfield Seminary, and immediately thereafter learned 
the business of cheese-making, in which he has since that time, a period of twenty 
years, been enofaged. His family originally came to New York from Massachusetts, 



Family sketches. s? 

but has lived in the old homestead at Schuyler for over one hundred years, and his 
father still lives there. Mr. Richardson served as supervisor for over six year.s, from 
1886 to 1891, and was appointed deputy county clerk January 1, 1892. He is a Royal 
Arch Mason, a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, Oneida Chapter 57, Utica Com- 
mandery, No. 3, and Ziyara Temple Mystic Shrine. His wife was Miss Jane Ladd, of 
Schuyler. They have no children. 

— Rasback, William C, Herkimer, was born in Herkimer, September 27, 1822. He 
has been a farmer all of his life. His father lived here and his grandfather took part 
in the Revolutionary War as a boy, while his great-grandfather took a soldier's part. 
Mr. Rasback owns ninety-four acres of land and keeps twenty head of cattle. He has 
been twice married, first when twenty-two years of age and again at forty-five. His 
present wife is Mary, daughter of Sanford Eysaman. In politics Mr. Rasback is a 
liberal Democrat. He has no children. His first wife was M. E. Harter, all of which 
family are now dead. 

Robinson, T. F., Little Falls, manufacturer of brush blocks, inner soles, heel stock, 
etc., at Little Falls, is a native of England, who came to America twenty years ago. 
He is an experienced worker in various novelties in leather. He is enterprising, indus- 
trious and intelligent, and notwithstanding that, he was once burned out without any 
insurance, is picking up again in a quiet unassuming way, and has in contemplation the 
enlargement of his concern. He is both a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and is past dis- 
trict deputy grand master in the latter order. Mr. Robinson married June 28, 1885, 
and has four children. 

Read, E. Robins, Russia, was born in Russia, April 2, 1846, son of Erastus and Caro- 
line (Russel) Read. Erastus settled in Russia in 1846. His wife was a daughter of 
Jonathan Russel and they had four children: E. Robins, Gile D., George C, and John 
B. They are natives and residents of the town of Russia. E. Robins married, August, 
1867, Hattie E., daughter of Erastus and Phoebe Judson Terry. She died May 26, 
1886. His second wife was Ella, daughter of Helos Judson, and has one child, Erastus 
Earl. Mr. Read is a Republican and has been clerk three years, justice of the peace 
four years, deputy sheriff under J. H. Ives three years, and was supervisor in 1885-86- 
88-89, and was chairman of the board in 1889. He is an active worker in the A. O. 
U. W., and charter member in Poland Lodge, of which he has also been master. His 
early education was in the district school. At thirteen years he entered the Utica 
Free School, which he attended winters until he was eighteen years of age. when he 
entered Poland Union Store as a clerk for three years. He was also agent for Russia 
Union Store for three years. In 1872 he started a general merchandise store at Poland. 
In 1875 he took his brother, George C, in as a partner. They are also interested in 
Holstein cattle and farming. 

Read, John B., Russia, was born October 10, 1856. He is a son of Erastus and Car- 
oline Read, whom we have mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared on a 
farm and received a common school education, supplemented by several terms in 
the Rural High School at Clinton. In 1880 he married Francis Willoughby, a native 



88 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

of Russia and a daughter of Vincent Willou<!;hby, by whom he had three children : 
Herbert, Ralph and Verna, all of whom are living. Mrs. Read died May 17, 1887. 
Mr. Read married Emma Wheeler of Ohio township, Herkimer county. She was 
formerly Miss Lawton. She has one daughter, Hattie A. Wheeler. Mr. Read is a 
manufacturer of cheese, which business he has followed for twenty years. In 1889 
he purchased the cheese factory of Poland, and lias since had a very successful busi- 
ness. He also has a printing office, the only one in Russia township. He is a 
member of the I. 0. U. W. of Poland, No. 183. 

Robinson, Douglas, Warren, was born in Lancashire, Scotland, March 24, 1824, a 
son of William Rose and Mary (Douglas) Robinson. The subject of our sketch was 
educated in Edinboro University, and in 1841 he came to this country and engaged in 
business in Kew York City. He married on November 14, 1850, Fanny Monroe, 
who was born in New York City, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Mary (Doug- 
las) Monroe. Her grandfather, Andrew Monroe, was a brother of President Monroe, 
and served in the Revolutionary war. He was captured by the enemy, but managed 
to escape, and finally died on his estate in Westmoreland, Va. His ancestor was An- 
drew Monroe, a cavalier, who came from Scotland in 1642 and .settled on a grant of 
land from Charles 11. Andrew ilonroe married Fanny Garnett, and they bad two 
children, James and Augustin. James Monroe was born in Virginia, September 7, 
1779, and graduated from West Point in 1816. He served in various wars, and was a 
member of Congress two terms and of the New York Assembly. He married in 1822 
a daughter of George and Margaret Douglas, born in New York City in 1779, and set- 
tled in New York City. Of his six children three survived, William, Elizabeth M. and 
Fanny. The Henderson House. — The patentee was James Henderson of Scotland, 
who married Letitia Benson, and had six daughters, one of whom, Letitia, married 
Captain Corne, and her daughter, Margaret married George Douglas of Scotland, and 
had six children : Elizabeth, Margaret, Harriet, George, William and Mary. Harriet 
inherited from her mother the Henderson property, and married Henry Cruger, a law- 
yer, and died childle.«s, and her niece, Mrs. Douglas Robinson, inherited the property. 
She was a daughter of James Monroe, of Virginia, who was a nephew of President 
Monroe. 

Reynolds, Gideon, Newport, and his wife, Annie Crandall, settled in the township 
of Norway, coming from Rhode Island, and had two children, William and Robert. 
He died September 9, 1868. William commenced life as a clerk at ten years of age, 
and at the age of twelve taught school, which he followed for several years, then pur- 
chased a farm, where he lived until his death. He was also a produce dealer. William 
Reynolds, jr., was born May 25, 1830. When seventeen years old he took charge of 
his father's farm, and at the age of thirty he purchased his father's intere.st in the farm 
which he followed for two years. He then sold the farm, moved to Newport and fol- 
lowed the produce business seven years, In 1870 he purchased a farm near Newport, 
which he sold, then purchased the farm of eighty acres where he now resides. He also 
owns two hundred acres of land in the town of Schuyler. He is a member of the 
Newport Improvement Society, and is president of the canning factory, which em- 



» 



FAMILY SKETCHES. g& 

ploys fifty hands and has a capacity of 20,000 cases of corn. He was justice of the 
peace of Norway and Newport and was a Republican until 1872, when he became a 
Prohibitionist. He was trustee and treasurer of the Newport Union Free School eleven 
years, secretary and treasurer of Newport Union Store, and secretary of the Agricul- 
tural Society three years. He has also been secretary, treasurer and trustee of the Uni- 
versalist church. His mother, Bet.sey (Giles) Reynolds, was a daughter of James Giles 
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 

Rider, Holmes, Frankfort, was born in Litchfield, October 7, 1830. He was one of 
twelve children of Anson and Eliza (Holmes) Rider ; Anson, the father, being a native 
of Litchfield, his wife having been born in Winfield. Lewis Rider, the grandfather, 
was born in Connecticut and came to Litchfield, where he settled when a young man. 
Holmes Rider married first in 1852, Octavia Hungerford, daughterof Diodate Hunger- 
ford, who came from Connecticut and was one of the first settlers in that vicinity. She 
died in 1875, leaving one son, Martin H. Rider. Mr. Rider subsequently married Giffie 
H., daughter of J. Hartley Ball, of North Litchfield. Mr. Rider lives upon his farm in 
Frankfort making a specialty of raising horses, hay and sheep. Martin H., the son, is a 
merchant, doing business at Albion, N. T. He mar. ied Nellie Willis of Waterville. 
They have one son, Kenneth Rider. 

Rasbach, James Irving, M. D., son of John A. Rasbach, was born m llion, October 
20, 1852. He was educated in llion Academy, Hungerford Collegiate Institute, and 
Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating from the latter institution in March, 
1876. He immediately commenced the practice of medicine in his native village where 
he has since continued. He is an enthusiastic member of various medical societies and 
secret fraternal organizations. In 1879 he married Miss Margaret E. Bellinger, daugh- 
ter of James H. Bellinger of Herkimer. He has one child, James B. Rasbach. The 
Rasbach family came from Schwarzwald, Germany, with the early Palatines, locating 
in what is now Herkimer. It actively participated in all the valley warfare for liberty. 
Marx Rasbach, grandfather of John A. Rasbach, was an officer under General Herki- 
mer at the battle of Oriskany. John A. Rasbach. father of Dr. Rasbach, was born in 
Herkimer, May 9, 1805, and died in llion, January 21, 1892. 

Read, G. D., Russia, was born in Russia, on the old Read Homestead, March 19, 
1850. He is a son of Erastus and Caroline Read, mentioned elsewhere in this work. 
He was reared on a farm and received a common school education. December 13, 
1887, he married Carrie A. Barker, a native of Ru.'isia, born in 1865. Her father, 
Gorham Barker, was a native of Russia, and her grandfather, James Barker, was a na- 
tive of Massachusetts, who came to Russia when a young man. He married Belinda 
Hubbart by whom he had eleven children. He died in Russia at the age of ninety- 
two years and his wife died at the age of eighty-six. Gorham Barker was born in 
1817. September 28, 1852, he married Achsah Walker, daughter of Ebenezer Walker, 
of Russia, who was a son of Truman Walker of Massachusetts, and one of the early 
settlers of Russia. He was in the war of 1812. Ebenezer Walker and wife had five 
children. Mr. Walker died aged seventy-six, and his wife died in 1836. Mr. Barker 
and wife have had two sons and a daughter. He died October 28, 1877, his wife being 



S6 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTlT. 

still living. Mr. Read owns one of the Bnest farms in Russia, on which he keeps a 
large dairy. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of Poland Grange, No. 607. 
His wife is a member of the Baptist church of Russia. 

Ransom, N. B., Little Falls, was born at Ingharas, Herkimer county, and educated 
in the Little Falls Academy, and commenced January 21, 1873, to brake on a passenger 
train on the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. R. After two years and eight months service he was 
promoted to the baggage car. In two years and eight months more exactly he was 
promoted to the position of freight conductor. After serving three years and eight 
months in this capacity he was appointed passenger conductor, which position he ac- 
ceptably filled for seven years. He llien resigned and entered into business at Little 
Falls. In 1891 (Novem'-er 1) he was elected county clerk, which position he still holds. 
Mr. Ransom is commander of the Little Falls Commandery of Knights Templer and also 
an exempt fireman. He married Miss Carrie I. Wilcox of Little Falls, in 1876, and has 
no children. Mr. Ransom's descent is Mohawk Dutch on the mother's side and English 
on the father's. His great-grandfather removed from Massachusetts into New York 
State in 1793, and settled near Little Falls. 

Root, H. G., German Flats, was born February 8, 1809, and is the oldest man in Mo- 
hawk and the one who gave the village its name. His father, John Root, was an edge 
tool maker. In 1831 he came to Mohawk and went into the forwarding business which 
he followed for many years. In 1839 he married Miss Olive B. Mix who died in May, 
1892. Mr. Root has been justice of the peace twelve years, superintendent of the canal 
two years, clerk at Washington for fifteen years, and was a member of the Assembly 
in the year 1850. He now lives retired. 

• Rasbach, G. 0., German Flat.s, was born December 23, 1846, and studied law with 
Thomas Richardson after a preliminary education at Cazenovia Seminary. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1876 and is one of the leading lawyers of this part of the county. 
He was president of Ilion in 1890 and 1891 and is a prominent Democrat. He is also 
a member of the Masonic fraternity and other local organizations. In 1870 he married 
Caroline M. Roney, by whom he has had three sons, Charles I., George 0., jr., and 
Earle J. 

Russell, Pardon S., Frankfort, one of eight children of Jonathan and Mary (Stewart) 
Russell, was born in Frankfort February 13, 1830. His grandfather, Jonathan Russell, 
was a native of New England, who emigrated to New York State in early life. His 
father was born in Scotland and was kidnapped when young and brought to tliis coun- 
try. Pardon S. Russell was married November 29, 1854, to Cylhera Inman of Frank- 
fort, one of eight children of Asel and Cyntha (Baldwin) Inman. They have six 
daughters: Emma (Mrs. W. D. Lewis), Nellie (Mrs. Jas. McGuckin), Jennie (Mrs. Jas. 
Hagnes), Minnie, Flora and Ethel. Mr. Russell worked the homestead farm during the 
lifetime of his father, who died in his ninetieth year, since that time working his own 
farm. He was appointed road commissioner in 1892. 

Richardson, Thomas, German Flats, was born in England'Octoberl9, 1830, and came 
to America in 1854. He began life as a teacher in Montgomery county and taught in 



I 



i 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 91 

dififerent places from 1855 to 1861. He studied law while teaching and was admitted 
to the bar in 1861. He began practice in Frankfort but moved to Ilion in 1864 and has 
been very .successful here, having both a large clientage and being attorney for 
E. Remington & Sons from 1867 to 1886. He is also counsel for the Ilion National 
Bank, was also counsel for the Driven Wells Company. In 1859 he married a daugh- 
ter of Hon. John B. Dygert and has one son and three daughters, A. D., Caroline L., 
Jennie M. and Lillian L. 

Rich, Charles M., Frankfort, was born in the town of Marion, Wayne county, April 
20, 1858, he being one of four children of John S. and Amanda (Caldwell) Rich. John 
S., the father, who has been influential in the politics in Wayne county, was born in 
Connecticut. Charles M., after graduating from the Rochester Business University in 
1878, learned the watchmaking and jeweler trade at South Manchester, Conn. He was 
for about two years located with a jeweler at Fort Plain, coming to Frankfort and estab- 
lishing himself in business about ten years ago, being one of the first merchants to locate 
here after the West Shore railroad shops were established. He was married January 
22, 1885, to BIaT)che J. Webster, one of five children of Charles W. and Julia P. Web- 
ster of Fort Plain. 

Richards, Seymour S., M. D., Frankfort, was born in Newport, Herkimer county. 
December 23, 1860 ; he being one of two children of L. F. and Sarah (Haskell) Rich- 
ards, the other being Frank J. Richards. John Richards, the grandfather, was born m 
Wales. He emigrated to New England in early life and later located in Herkimer county. 
Seymour S. was married April 25, 1883, toMarianettaSkifF, daughter of Dr. Perrin A. and 
Marianetta (Valentine) Skiff of Frankfort, they both being natives of Schuyler. Dr. 
Richards was educated at Richfield Springs and Fort Edward, at University of Michi- 
gan at Ann Arbor one year and graduated at University Medical College at New York 
in March, 1883, and began the practice of his profession in Frankfort where he has 
since remained. 

Reed, Elijah, Little Falls, is a native of Herkimer county, and was born in 1822. 
He lived on his father's farm until 1846, when he came to Little Falls and entered the 
mercantile business. In 1861 he embarfced in the cheese business, and in 1868 retired 
from this to go into the starch manufacturing business with J. J. Gilbert. He con- 
tmued in this industry for eighteen years. In 1882 he became connected with the 
Little Falls Knitting Company by purchasing stock, and in 1886 he took the position 
of secretary and treasurer, which he has since held. The company is very prosperous, 
and employs 260 hands in the manufacture of underwear. Mr. Reed takes a deep in- 
terest in the prosperity of the town. He possesses fine business abilities, and his life 
has been successful. 

Russell, George R., Frankfort, was born in Virginia January 25, 1861. He was one 
of four children of A. N. and Mary (Hatch) Russell, the others being S. T., Hattie E. 
and Ella M. Russell. A. N., the father, was a native of Oneida county and a son of 
Samuel Russell. George R. was married June 12, 1889, to Clara M. Angell, of Ilion, 
one of two children of L A. and Susan (Mott) Angell, the other being Helen E. 



92 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Angell. They have one son, Harold R Russell. Mr. Rvissell has always lived in Ilion 
and Frankfort, he having been engaged in business in Frankfort the past nine years, 
and is one of the trustees of the village. The firm of A. N. Russell & Sons, of which 
he is a member, are located at Ilion and Frankfort, their manufactory being at Ilion, 
where they manufacture sash, doors and blinds and all styles of finishing lumber, em- 
ploying fifty men, George R. being manager of the Frsnktort branch. 

Rudd, 0. B., German Flats, jeweler, is a native of Wyoming county, N. Y. ; was 
born September 3, 1840. He came to Ilion in December, 1862, and was for some time 
in partnership, but has been sole proprietor of the leading jeweler store of Ilion since 
1870. He is a member of the Methodist church, is a Mason and a member of the Little 
Falls Commandary, al.'o of the A. 0. U. W. In 18C7 he married Miss Clara Baker, 
who died two years after. They had one son, J. Holland, who is in business with his 
father. In 1872 Mr. Rudd was married to Amanda E. Reynolds. Their only son, C. 
Reynolds Rudd, died when he was seventeen years of age. Mr. J. Holland Rudd is 
actively associated with the Ilion Library, now in course of erection, and was one of 
its promoters. Mr. 0. B. Rudd has been a member of the School Board, treasurer of 
the Herkimer County Bible Society for many years, and was superintendent of the 
Methodist Sunday-school for a long period. 

Ross, A. M., German Flats, is a native of Norway, Herkimer county, and was born 
January 23, 1835. He was first a carpenter and pattern-maker, and entered the Rem- 
ington works in 1862 and remained there untU 1886. He then purchased the tools, 
etc., and continued the branch of business he conducted there. In 1888 he organized 
the present company for the manufacture of agricultural implements. Mr. Ross was 
supervisor of German Flats for seven years and trustee of the village five years. He 
was also in the Assembly one year. In 1862 he married Miss Mary A. Buell, and they 
have two children, Bert B. and Imogene. 

Ross, D, G., German Flats, was born in Littlefield January 28, 1847, and remained 
on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age. He then clerked for .some time, 
and afterwards went into partnership with J. A. Chappell, the firm being known as 
Chappell & Ross, but at the end of seven years the partnenehip was dissolved, Mr. 
Ross starting for him.self, which he still continues. He is a member of the ofiicial 
board of the Methodist church, a Mason passed up to the commandery, and a member 
of the A. 0. U. W. He ran for supervisor of the town in 1888, but was defeated. In 
1870 D. G. Ross married Miss Susan J. Paddock. 

Robbins, Sanford, Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, born December 23, 1832. His 
father was Giles Robbins, and his grandfather was Reuben Robbins, one of the early 
settlers of the town. In 1856 Mr. Robbins married Elizabeth Finster, who died October 
3, 1889. They had three sons and five daughters, two of the latter being married. 

Rasbach, John A., German Flats, was born in Herkimer October 3, 1839, and was 
engagea in the flour and feed business for many years and also in speculating. About 
a year ago he opened a first-class laundry in Ilion. He is well and favorably known 
in Ilion, and is treasurer of the Water Commission and an active Democrat. He is a 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 93 

Mason and a member of the Little Falls Commandery, also of the Royal Arcanum. In 
1862 he married Miss Sarah E. Owen, and they have two sons, Frank B. and San- 
ford A. 

Redway, Charles B., German Flats, was born in Jefferson county July 21, 1865, but 
has resided in Ilion about all hi.s life. His father established a dry goods business in 
IHon thirty-one years ago, and in 1882 the business went into the hands of Charles B., 
who has conducted it ever since. His father was Albert P. Redway, and big grand- 
father was Albert G., a native of Vermont. In 1889 Mr. Redway married Miss Lucy 
Hakes, and they have one child, a daughter. Mr. Redway is an Odd Fellow and a 
Mason. 

Rankins, Richard M., Little Falls, is one of the most substantial farmers in Little 
Falls, and was born on one of the farms he now owns. He is a son of the late Josiah 
Rankins, and has always followed agriculture, owning 205 acres of land and fifty cows. 
His ancestors were here long before the Revolution, in which war his great-great-grand- 
father, Hugh, a native of Scotland, was a soldier. His great-grandfather, a son of 
Hugh, was a fiferin the Revolution, and both were in the battle of Lake Champlain. 
His grandfather, Melchert Rankins, son of Thomas Rankins, was a soldier in the war 
of 1812, and was stationed at Ogdensburgh and Sackett's Harbor. Mr. Rankins is a 
Republican, and a leading man in town affairs, is present master of the Grange at Little 
Falls, and is a Knight Templar in the Masonic fraternity. In 1861 he married Eliza- 
beth Lotridge, daughter of George H. Lotridge, and they have two sons, George H., a 
fireman on the N. Y. C. R. R., and Josiah, a book-keeper in the Saxony Mills. 

Richardson, Rev. Charles S., Little Falls, pastor of the Little Falls Presbyterian 
church, was born in Pitsford, N. Y., February 7, 1845, and after a preliminary educa- 
tion graduated at Hobart College in the class of '65. He then taught school three 
years, and entered upon a course at Auburn, N. Y., Theological Seminary, graduating 
in 1871. He then went abroad for foreign travel, and for three years taught in the 
American College on the Bosphorus, near Constantinople. In the winter of 1874 he 
journeyed through the Holy Land and Egypt. On his return from the East he was 
called to the pastorate of the Malone (N. Y.) Presbyterian church, where he remained 
thirteen years. He was called to Little Falls, N. Y., as pastor of the First Presbyterian 
church in 1888. In his college course Mr. Richardson was a high honor man, and his 
career since has been very successful. 

Root, A. P., Norway, was born in Russia, November 5, 1839. His father was Pal- 
mer Root, born 1802 in Russia. His mother was Sallie Truman, born October 26, 1826. 
Mr. Root was a colonel in the State militia, and was a Whig and afterwards a Republi- 
can. He held the oflices of supervisor and assessor. His life was spent in Russia, ex- 
cept the last year, when he resided in Norway, where he died in 1863, and his wife in 
188.5. The subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and in 
Fairfield Seminary. In 1862 he married Mary Walralh, of Fort Plain, and their chil- 
dren are Nellie E., Minnie, Charles M. and Edith, In 1885 Mrs. Root died, and in 1888 
Mr. Root married Mrs. Sarah Hall Slocura, Mr. Root was a resident of Russia until 



94 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

1863, when he went to Norwaj' and purchased the farm on which he now resides. He 
is a Prohibitionist and he and wife are Baptists. Mr. Root is a member of Norway 
Grange, No. 586, and is at present its secretary. 

Rider, Brainard M., Litchfield, was born on the farm of 100 acres, where he now 
lives, January 7, 1848. He married in 1874 Jennie L. Ball, and they have five children : 
Ruth, Martha, Wakeman, Arthur and H. Daisy. Brainard M. is a son of Wakeman 
Rider, who was born in this town, and owned a tract of 470 acres. He sent three sub- 
stitutes to the army in the place of three of his sons. Wakeman Rider was born Octo- 
ber 2, 1810, and died March 15, 1891. His wife, Hannah E., was born December 21, 
1811, and died August 4,, 1890. He was a son of Samuel Rider, who was born in 
Dutchess county in 1777. In 1795 he came to Litchfield, where but few persons had 
preceded him. By patient industry he secured a good home and died April 8, 1864, 
aged eighty-six years. Hi^ wife, Lucinda (Crosby) Rider, has since died. 

Rider, Byron Adelbert, Litchfield, was born March 8, 1849, on his present grain and 
dairy farm of 153 acres. He married S. Frances Smith, and they have two children : 
Olive J. and Lester A. Byron A. Rider is a son of Anson, who.«e father was Lewis B., 
son of Christopher Rider, who, in 1787, came from Connecticut. Mrs. Rider was a 
daughter of Roderick H. and Mary L. (Paddock) Smith. The mother of Byron Adel- 
bert Rider was Eliza Holmes, and there are now living of the children : Boughton L., 
Holmes, Ruth Hooker, Mary J., Anson, jr., Alvah I., Orange C. and Byron A. Rider. 
Those deceased are: Elam, Romelia, Byron, Roswell, Rosa Curtis, Eveline Tanner and 
John B. Rider. Anson Rider died April 15, 1886, aged eighty years. 

Simms, Edward, Little Falls, farmer, was born in the town of Danube in 1833 and 
has been thirteen years in this town, at which date he purchased his fine farm. He 
owns 125 acres of land, which he utilizes for dairy purpose.^. He has a herd of forty 
cows. Mr. Simms is one of the best known agriculturists in the county and has held 
some important offices. He was clerk of the county from 1874 to 1880, and has twice 
been under sheriff of the county. He was also a justice of the peace for many years. 
In his earlier years he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1855, at which date 
he cast his first vote. He is a Republican. In 1858 he married Emeline Churchill, and 
has a family of two sons and one daughter. 

Stacey, Irving E., Little Falls, cheese broker, is a native of Little Falls and began 
business as a clerk in 1881 in the oflfice of Landt & Mesick. After two years he was 
given a percentage in the business and at the end of four years became a partner. In 
1889 the firm discontinued and Mr. Stacey embarked in business for himself and has 
been unusually successful. He has become known as the largest home trade buyer in 
New York State outside of New York city. He buys for the wholesale trade and .ships 
to all points and into nearly every State in the Union. He is a young man about 
twenty-eight years of age and possessed of unusual business enterprise and energy. 

Shant, W. H., Little Falls, Herkimer County, was a native of the town of Danube. 
His father, Winslow Shant, was a farmer, ani he remained on the farm for sixteen 
yjKJ. TiirtesQ years ago he embarked in business with his brother, B.J. Shant j 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 95 

they were together four years and six months and then B. J. sold out to C. W. 
Vosburgh ; but five years ago the partnership was dissolved and each has since con- 
tinued business alone, in the grocery, meat and fish line. In 1878 he married farchE. 
Bailey and they attend the Universalist Church. Between the time of leaving the 
farm and going into business he learned telegraphy and cheese making and was occu- 
pied two years in the former and five years in the latter line. 

Small, Fred I., Little Falls, is a native of Herkimer. He graduated at Tale, in 1867, 
and in 1869 took his degree in Columbia College Law School. He was admitted to 
the bar at the General Term in February, 1869, and commenced practice in New York 
city. In the summer of 1871 he came to Little Falls, where he is now practicing his 
profession. 

Seavey, Jerome L., Russia, was born in Russia, February 5, 1840, and is a son of 
Elijah and Ann (Sperry) Seavey. She was a daughter of Stephen and Fannie Sperry, 
residents of this town. Elijah and his mother settled in Russia, 1818. He is a car- 
penter and bridge builder by occupation. His children are : George K., a dentist, of 
Boonville, Oneida County, N. Y., and Jerome L., a dentist, of Poland. Jerome L., at 
twenty years of age, entered Smart Academy at Russia, and then studied with his 
brother at Boonville. In 1877 he commenced practice at Poland. He married Sarah 
L., a daughter of Richard and Matilda Millington. He has three children, Charles J., 
May, wife of Edgar Cruikshank, and Edwin M. He is a Republican, as is also his 
father, Elijah, who has been very active in politics, having been the first postmaster at 
Gravesville, also at Russia for thirteen years, town clerk for two years, justice of the 
peace eight years, highway commissioner seventeen years, twelve of which were con- 
secutive, also excise commissioner twelve years. 

Moore, John D., Herkimer, was born in Herkimer county, December 26, 1855. 
After receiving a common school education he learned the carpenter trade, then was 
clerk for six years, after which he formed a co-partnership with Oliver H. Perry, 
which still exists. Mr. Moore was elected president of the village in 1885, trustee in 
1889, and re-elected in 1890. He married Miss Libbie Davis, a daughter of H. R. 
Davis. They have three children, two boys and a girl. Oliver H. Perry was born in 
Herkimer, July 3, 1848, and has always lived here. He married Miss Nancy J. 
Moore, a sister of John D. Moore. They have no children. This firm has a Carriage 
and Harness Repository. They are large real estate owners, and have built up a 
section of this village. They also own a large dairy farm just outside of the village. 
They are both energetic, enterprising, and rehable business men and citizens. Mr. 
Moore is also foreman of the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company, of Herkimer. In 
the year 1880 was formed the co-partnership which now exists, of Perry & Moore. 
They were at that time and for some years after engaged in the manufacture of car- 
riages, sleighs, etc., until factory work compelled them to go out of manufacturing and 
start a repository for the sale of new work, and finally to the exclusion of manufac- 
turing, as all small concerns must do. At this time they were engaged in the milk 
business, but their supply not being large enough to meet the demand of their cus- 
tomers, they bought more land in the corporate limits of the village, in all about 



&6 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

twenty-three acres, after which, in extending streets and laying out some new ones, 
there was added to the village seventy-seven village lots. This property made the 
firm largely interested in what was at this time the southern suburbs of the corpora- 
tion. The school district comprises the whole corporation of the village. About 1878 
there was a new school building erected, and a few years ago it was found in- 
adequate for its purpose. The subject of enlarging its capacity was agitated and 
brought before a school meeting called for the purpose, when the subject was voted 
down. This firm having a large interest on the opposite side of the railroad (where 
about one-half of the children lived, who had to cross the railroad tracks), after three 
or four school meetings, was successful in getting a new school building placed below 
the railroad at a cost of about $20,000. The pleasant village of Herkimer has now a 
school-house second to no other in this section, and it may be said that it is largely 
owing to the influence of this firm. The firm besides selling lots have erected twenty- 
five new buildings on their own account, some of which they have sold to honest 
toilers, and some of which they rent. 

Steele, J. A., Herkimer, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, May 20, 1840. He 
received, his education in the schools of Rochelle, Illinois, and on May 6, 1861, was 
mustered in the United States service, becoming a member of the Sturges Rifles, a 
company of sharpshooters from Chicago. This company was sent to West Virginia, 
and Mr. Steele participated in the battle of Rich Mountain, Laurel Hill, etc., after 
which he was sent to Washington, and after the first battle of Bull Run, went with 
McClellan through the peninsula. campaign, participating in all the battles and skir- 
mishes. After the battle of Fredericksburg he was mustered out, and came to Her- 
kimer, where he decided to study law. He entered the law office of Thomas Richard- 
son, esq., of Frankfort, N. Y., and was admitted to the bar in 1864. He has prac- 
ticed in partnership with Judge G. W. Smith and A. B. Steele, his sou, Robert E. 
Steele, being now associated with him. He married Miss Mary E. Howell. They 
have four children, two boys and two girls. J. A. Steele is a Mason, a member of 
Aaron Helmer 6. A. R. Post, of Herkimer, N. Y., which he organized and was com- 
mander of for six years. His wife's father was Lieutenant Howell of the Second New 
York Heavy Artillery. 

Sherman, John, Newport, was born in Newport, N. Y., August 1, 1855, a son of 
Waldo, who was a son of Berzillai Sherman, a native of Massachusetts, born January 
20, 1788. The latter came to Newport when a young man, and settled on the farm 
now owned by Earnest Sherman. His wife was Sophia lanes, born in 1785, and they 
had eleven children. Mr. Sherman's second wife was Mary Fenner. He served as 
teamster in the war of 1812, was a Whig in politics, and died January 3, 1862. His 
first wife died August 15, 1841. His son, Waldo, was born in Newport in 1824, and 
married Julia Fuller, a native of Newport, and a daughter of Ezra and Lucy Fuller. 
To Mr. Sherman and wife were born three sons : Charles (deceased), John and Earn- 
est. He was a Democrat and held the offices of commissioner of highways six years 
and supervisor one year. He was a member of Newport Lodge, No. 455, F. and A. 
M., and he and wife attended the Universalist church. He died in 1890. His son 



{"AMILY SKETCHES. 97 

John wag reared on the old homestead and educated in the common schools. In 1879 
he married Minnie Higgins, daughter of Gilbert and Emily Higgins. Mr. Sherman 
and wife have three children: Charles Earl, Jennie B., and Ida E. Mr. Sherman is a 
Democrat. 

Snyder, C. E., Herkimer, attorney at law, Herkimer, N. Y., is a native of Cherry 
Valley, born November 23, 1863. After graduating at Cornell University he studied 
law in the ofSce of the late Samuel Earl, with whom he was subsequently a partner. 
Since the death of Mr. Earl, Mr. Snyder has been engaged in the practice of law by 
himself. He was admittt d to the bar in November, 1887, and began his professional 
career at once. 

Snell, C. R., lumber dealer of Herkimer, is a native of Herkimer, and spent his 
first business years in the grocery trade. After ten years in this line he embarked in 
the lumber business, in which he has now been engaged nineteen years. Mr. Snell 
has a family of two sons and a daughter, G. C. and C. H. Snell, and Mrs. George 
Sims. 

Stinson, B. I., Little Falls, one of the leading druggists and grocers of Little Falls, is 
a native of St. Catherines, Ontario, but has been in the United States almost his entire 
life. He came to Little Falls in 1885 and started in the drug and grocery business in 
a partnership, but in 1889 he bought out his partner and has since conducted the 
business alone. His business is large and prosperous, and the stand which he occupies 
is one of the finest in the grocery hue in this town. Upon leaving Canada his father 
moved to Saginaw, Mich., and after a sound preparatory education our subject took a 
course in the pharmaceutical department of Ann Arbor; he then embarked in mercan- 
tile affairs. Mr. Stinson is quite a young man, and is son-in-law to Hon. Titus 
Sheard, having married his youngest daughter. In politics he is a Republican and is 
a member of the Presbyterian church. 

Smith, E. La Grange, Frankfort, one of fourteen children of Henry I. and Catherine 
(La Grange) Smith, was born in Schenectady county, where he Kved until about 
sixteen years of age. He was educated in the common schools at Fairfield and at 
Hungerford Collegiate Institute. For two years he was connected with the Pittshurgh 
Daily Post, taught school at Frankfort one year, and read law with Lewis H. Babcock 
for two years, and with Denison and Everett for the same length of time. In 1875 
he began the practice of his profession in Frankfort, where he has since remained. He 
was married in 1879 to Etta M., a daughter of Col. William Bridenbecker, of Frank- 
fort, she being one of seven children. They have one son, Claude Vernett Smith. 

Smith, Edwin P., Danube, was born on the old farm February 15, 1854 ; his grand- 
father, John Smith, settled here early in the seventeenth century and during the war 
of the Revolution was captured by the Indians and taken to Canada, where he was 
sold for five dollars, and after two years of servitude was allowed to escape, when he 
returned. Edwin's father, John Smith, hved and died on the farm which is rich in 
historic incidents. A branch of the Mohawk tribe had their headquarters there and 
several battles between the British and patriots were fought upon it; skulls, arrow 



9S HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

heads, cannon balls, etc., are frequently plowed up. Mr. Smith owns three hundred 
acres which extend into both counties. He is a member of the Grange, etc. 

Smith, A. G , Fairfield, one of the oldest residents of Fairfield, was born here June 
11, 1822, and has resided on his present farm since 1844. His father came to the ad- 
joining farm in 1S31. In 184C Mr. Smith married Adaline M. Todd, who died July 
24, 1887. His grandfather died while his father, Nicholas, was quite young. He 
taught school four winters, and for forty years there was no death in his family. 

Smith, Edward A., Ohio, was born in Russ'a, October 9, 1859, and is a son of Orrin 
Smith, of Ohio. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and 
has always been a farmer, residing most of his hfe in Ohio. He is a Republican. In 
1884 he married Ella M. Popple, of Ohio, born in 18C5. They have two children, Eda 
M. and Maggie A. The father of Mrs. Smith was George Popple, who was a son of 
Zachariah. John Popple was born in Russia in 1806. He married Philette Tayntor, 
by whom he had one child, George. Mr. Popple died in 1889 and his wife in 1891. 
George Popple was born in Russia in 1836. In 1861 he married Margaret Davenport, 
of Russia, and they had three daughters : Mrs. Smith, wife of the subject, is the only 
one living. Mr. Popple and family were supporters of the M. E. church. He died in 
1872 and his wife in 1890. 

Smith, Melchert, Herkimer, is a native of Herkimer and has been a farmer in the 
same locality all his life. Mr. Smith is seventy-four years of age, having been born 
June 30, 1818. He owns one hundred acres of land and has twenty-four cows in his 
fields. His father, Adam Smith, also resided here, and went to Canada in the war of 
1812. About 1840 Mr. Smith married Mary E. Harter, and they have seven children. 
Mr. Smith has voted for fifty-two years and never missed a town meeting or an elec- 
tion. His only son, Morgan, is married to Jliss Ida Churchill. Mr. Smith is a Demo- 
crat and has always voted that ticket. 

Stillman, Ezra, Newport, was born in Rhode Island about 1790 and died, aged 
seventy-three years. He was a son of Benjamin Stillman and married Polly New- 
berry. He settled in the town of Newport in 1811 and was the father of eight 
children, Nathaniel P., Samuel N., Mary Anu, Erastus B., George, Jane, Nancy and 
Jackson. At the age of twenty-three Nathaniel P. started at farming, where he now 
lives. He married Lydia Wilson in 1830. She was a native of Newport and a daugh- 
ter of John and Sallie Wilson. She died in 1887, aged sixty- nine years. They have 
seven children, as follows : Emily, Adaline, Louise, Minerva, Lydia, Flora and Ezra. 
Emily married Gilbert Higgins in 1857, and lives on a small farm near Newport. 
They have one daughter, Minnie, who married John Sherman, a farmer, who also lives 
near Newport. Louisa married William Harris in 1860. The latter enlisted as a pri- 
vate in Company D, First Berdan's Sharpshooters, in 1801, and died August 11, 1863, 
at Sulphur (Springs, in Virginia. They had two children, one of whom now survives, 
Mr.s. Carrie .Spellman, of Cold Brook. Louisa Harris died August 4, 1875, aged thirty- 
two years. Minerva married George Wilcox July 4, 1864, and died in 1867, aged 
twenty-two years. Lydia was born in 1850 and died in 1870, aged twenty years. 



FAMILY SKETCHES 99 

Flora married John Payne in 1877 and resides in Utica. They have one daughter, 
Bertha A. Ezra Stillman, jr., married Allie Truman, and follows faiming, raiding fancy 
cattle, etc. They have had three children, Bessie, Ward and Lydia, of whom only one, 
Ward, survives. 

Staring, Philip, Little Falls, one of the leading farmers of Little Falls, was born in 
Herkimer, but has lived in this town nearly all his life. He owns ninety-eight acres of 
land, utilized entirely for grass and dairying purposes. He keeps fifteen cowo, is a 
young, unmarried man and is full of enterprise. He is a Democrat in politics. 

Staring, Peter A., Little Falls, is a native of this place and was born February 5 
1824. His first business experience was in the retail grocery trade, in which he was 
engaged from 1845 to 1879. In 1860 he connected a livery business and 
when he dropped the grocery business in 1879, he still continued to manage his 
livery establishment. Mr. Staring during his long life in Little Falls has gained 
the highest esteem and confidence of the entire community. He was supervisor 
of the town for three years, 1869-70-71, and has been trustee of the village 
for several years. He comes of an old and honorable family. He is the son of Peter 
Staring, who was in the war of 1812, and a grandson of Adam Staring, one of the 
early settlers .in this locality. His mother's father was the celebrated Colonel Feeter. 
The old Staring farm is situated about one mile from the village, and thirty acres of the 
property was purchased by the water commissioners for a storage reservoir and a nark. 
Mr. Staring is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Odd Fellows and Royal Arcanum. 
He has one son and three daughters. 

Skiff, Perrin A., M. D., Frankfort, was born in West Schuyler January 4, 1826, he 
being one of three children of Hiram and Elizabeth J. (Akins) Skiff'. He was married 
in January, 1852, to Marietta Valentine of East Schuyler, daughter of Sidney S. and 
Anna E Valentine. They have three children, Anna M. (Mrs. J. F. Rogers), May E. 
(Mrs. Alfred Bayless), and Etta C. (Mrs. S. S. Richards). Dr. Skiff was educated at 
Clinton Freewill Institute and at Whitestown ; he studied medicine with Drs. Budlong 
& Parhhurst two years, and one year with Dr. Henderson of Whitestown, took three 
courses at Albany Medical College, graduating in 1851. He then settled in Frankfort, 
where he has since been engaged in the active practice of his profession. Dr. Skiff has 
always been interested in the welfare of the town, having acted as supervisor three 
terms, president of Herkimer Medical Society one term and for the past seven years 
has been surgeon of the West Shore Railroad. 

Sellman Bros., Little Falls. This firm, which is located on Main street. Little Falls, 
consists of John Sellman and Emil P. P. Sellman, general grocers. Both gentlemen 
were born in Little Falls and educated in the Union School there. John Sellman was, 
prior to the establishment of the present firm in 1890, an employee of the Vailroad mail 
service for five years. Emil clerked for Herlehy Bros, for eight years and was with 
Dennis Collins two years. Both are members of Eriiia Chemical Engine No. 5 ; of 
Westcott Council Royal Arcanum 1476, and Chosen Friends, and are staunch Democrats. 
John was corporation collector for two years. This firm is both popular and reliable, 
and its members are among Little Falls' most enterprising citizens. 



100 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Seaman, George I., Frankfort, was born in tlie town of Parish, Oswego county, Jan- 
uary 24, 1S50 ; he was one of eleven children of George and Mary A. (Crosby) Seaman. 
George, the father, was born in Vermont, ifary A. (Crosby), the mother, was born in 
Herkimer county, her ancestry being of Connecticut. George I. Seaman was married 
June 15, 1882, to Ella V. Waterbury, one of three children of W. S. and Abigail M. 
(Hager) Waterbury of Frankfort. They have two children, Frank and Hazel Seaman. 
Mr. Seaman came to Frankfort in 1869 and worked for C. B. Crosby, afterwards forW. 
S. Waterbury four years, when he bought the grocery and meat market from him ; he 
also deals in cattle, hay and beef and continues the other business to this day. Mr. 
Seaman has served the town as supervisor four terms from 1882-85 and in 1891; he 
has been collector of taxes and also on the board of trustees. 

Scriber, G. H., German Flats, was born in Oswego county August 8, 1837, and has 
been in the clothing business all his life. His father was George Scriber, and his grand- 
father was one of the old Mohawk Dutch. His mother was also of the same origin. 
Mr. Scriber is a Mason, a member of the Royal Arcanum, the A. 0. U. W. and the 
Baptist church. He has been treasurer of the village and school trustee. In 1888 he 
married Miss Margaret Hotaling of this place. 

Seeber, Peter B., Little Falls, is not only one of the leading farmers of Little Falls, 
but comes from one of the most historic families in this part of the State. He was 
born in Herkimer in 1825, and has been a farmer all of his life. He married Emily 
Ackerman, and they have six children living. His son Henry is living with him and 
now owns the dairy farm of 103 acres. He is a promising young agriculturist. Both 
are Democrat.s. They have lived on their present farm for five years. They formerly 
lived in Danube, where Peter B. was overseer of the poor for some time, and Henry 
Seeber was town clerk for three. years. The family have been in this part of the 
county for over one hundred years. Some of the ancestors of the family were prom- 
inent in the Revolutionary war. 

Seamens, A. C, German Flats, was born in WinBeld, Februarys, 1822. After leav- 
ing the farm he was four years in a foundry and then came to Ilion. He was engaged 
in the canal warehouse and mercantile business for many years and subsequently was 
in the office of E. Remington & Sons. In 1852 he married Caroline M. Williams and 
has four children, Clarence W., Mary C, Frances M. and I. C. The sons are promi- 
nent associates with the typewriter company. 

Stahl, John L., Salisbury, was born in Fulton county, N. Y., September 25, 1846. 
His grandfather purchased land and settled in Fulton county early in the seventh cen- 
tury, participating in the war of the Revolution. John Stahl, father of John L., was 
also born here. He was a contracting carpenter. Mr. John L. Stahl was connected 
with his brother, Levi, in lumbering for about ten years, after which he was engaged 
in mercantile business in Fulton county for about nine years. In 1S83 Mr. Stahl dis- 
posed of his interests in Fulton county, and purchased the mercantile establishment at 
Salisbury Corners, which he has since conducted, doing a large trade. His wife was 
Sarah M. Avery, of Gloversville, N. Y. They have had two children, a son and a 
daughter, Frederick and Minnie Stahl. Frederick Stahl married a daughter of Super- 
visor Warren H. Eaton. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 101 

Sadler, John B., Ingham's Mills, was born January 15, 1847. He received a liberal 
education and has been identified with the business interests of Ingham's Mills since 
his youth. He has conducted the grist-mill, hotel, cheese box manufactory for many 
years. He is justice of the peace and has been overseer of the poor, and has held the 
office of postmaster under several administrations. He is also identified with Little 
Falls Masonic Lodge, No. 181, Little Falls Chapter, No. 161, and Little Falls Com- 
manldery, No. 26, also menjber Independent Order of Eed Men, Ziyara Temple Noble 
Mystic Shrine, Odd Fellows, etc. His first wife was a Miss Horton, by whom he had 
two children, one now living. He married second Frankie C. Staring. Mr. Sadler is 
a descendant of an old Revolutionary family. 

Shepard, F. C, German Flats, is a native of Otsego county, and was born September 
21, 1824. After clerking and being engaged in mercantile business for some years he 
came to Ilion as teller of the old Hion Bank and was subsequently made cashier in 1859, 
which position he held until 1866. He was county treasurer one term, from 1863 to 
1866. He was with the Remingtons as a financial manager for twenty years and for 
the past four years has been living retired. Mr. Shepard married in 1847 and has seven 
children living. 

Saxby, William, German Flats, was born in Cheshire, England, December 27, 1843, 
and oarae to America in 1870. After working some time with Smith & Wesson, he 
came to Ilion in 1S74 and entered the armory, where he remained till 1886, when he 
went into the liquor business in 1888, which he now devotes his entire attention to. 
In 1862 Mr. Saxby married Elizabeth Turner, and they have had two children. One 
son, Henry T. Saxby, has charge of the repairing department of the typewriter in Lon- 
don, England, for WycofF, Seamans & Benedict. He married Anna E. Brooker, of 
Worthing, England. From 1886 to 1888 William was in Schenectady; had charge of 
electric light plant for lighting city ten months. Afterwards worked for the Edison 
company. Returned to Ilion in fall of 1888 and bought a saloon. 

Spellman, E. J,, Fairfield, is a native of Newport. James, his father, came to that 
town from Ireland in 1854. They own a dairy farm of 323 acres in Newport, and E. 
J. Spellman is proprietor of the Spellman House in Middleville. He was educated at 
Whitestown Seminary and came to Middleville in May, 1889. His father resides with 
him, his mother having died in April, 1889. Mr. Spellman is an active Democrat, and 
always a delegate. He holds the office of trustee of the village. 

Strobel, Charles G., Dolgeville, was born in the town of Ohio. He was educated in 
the Fairfield and Cazenovia Seminaries; studied medicine in the University of Ver- 
mont and the Long Island College Hospital, of Brooklyn, N. T., graduating from the 
latter institution in 1888. After practicing for a few months in Pennsylvania he set- 
tled in Dolgeville, where he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice. He married 
Nora L. Brown of this county. 

Stone, B. A., German Flats, is a native of Wilmington, Tt., and was educated at the 
Wesleyan Academy, Wilbrahara, Mass., and Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, 
N. Y. He then went into the pocketbook business at South Deerfield, Mass., after 



102 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

which he engaged in the same business at Philadelphia, Pa., where he still remains. He 
is now largely interested in the Mohawk Knitting company, of which he is president, 
and is vice-president of the Moliawk Valley Knitting Mills, and a director in the Mo- 
hawk A' alley National Bank. In 1872 he married Ella E. Grim, daughter of J. S. F. 
Grim, of Mohawk, N. Y., and they have three children living : Louis T., Marjorie D. 
and Bertha D. Mr. Stone's father was Ashley and his grandfather was Ebenezer, both 
natives of Hinsdale, N. H. 

Stoddard, Wilbur, 0., Newport, was born in Newport, Herkimer county, in 1857, 
a .son of Orville J., whose father was Harvey, a native of Connecticut, born in 1796. 
In 1820 the latter came to Newport, N. Y., and settled on the farm now owned by his 
son, Orville J. He married Mary Daniels, a daughter of Eleazer Daniels (one of the 
earliest settlers of Newport, and in the war of 1812), by whom he had two sons 
and two daughters. By trade he was a carpenter and assisted in building the Norway 
Church, the church at Rus.?ia Corners and Middleville Church. In politics he was a 
Republican. He died March 10, 1869, and his wife died in 1878. Orville J. Stoddard 
was born in Newport on April 8, 18.'7, and has always been a resident of the town. 
August 19, 185.5, be married Adelaide J. Minott, a native of Schuyler, born March 3, 
1841. She was one of the four daughters of Colonel and Betsey (Farrinton) Minott, 
early settlers of Schuyler, N. Y. The children were Wilbur 0., Mary A., wife of 
George M. Jones, of Newport, and Frank H. Wilbur O. was reared on the old home- 
stead. He and his brother Frank are the leading honey producers of the county, and 
they also do an extensive business in pop-corn raising. He owns two blocks and a 
fine dwelling in Middleville, is a Republican and has been assessor one term. He has 
been bookkeeper and treasurer of the Hasenclever cheese factory seven years and 
has taught school several terms. 

Staring, Charles E., Frankfort, was born in Frankfort, October 22, 1834, he being 
one of eight children of Nicholas and Mary Ann (Sterling) Staring. Nicholas Staring, 
the father, was born in Old Stone Church, Fort Hunter, and his wife, Mary Ann, was 
born in the town of Schuyler. The grandfather, Adam Staring, lived in the town of 
Manheim. Charles E. Staring married, in October, 1861, Mary C, daughter of 
Abram and Catharine (Phillips) Grant, of Frankfort, and they have had three children : 
De Witt C, who died in September, 1892; Carmaleita and Mame. Mr. Staring has 
always lived in Frankfort. He learned the trade of carpenter and builder in early 
life, which he has always followed'. 

Somers, William C, Ohio, was born in Germany, June 13, 1855. His grandfather 
was a blacksmith in Germany, where he lived and died. His father is George F., a 
native of Germany. He is also a blacksmith and a farmer. His wife was Rosanna 
Timber, by whom he had twelve children, eight of whom are living. In 1856 Mr. 
Somers came to Ohio, where he has since lived, except two years in Poland. Mrs. 
Somers died May 23, 1888. William C. Somers was reared on a farm and educated in 
the common schools. At^the age of^twenty-onejhe engaged in lumbering and jobbing. 
In 1885 he leased the William Ash saw-mill and in 1890 purchased the same, and farm 
in connection. He manutactnres about 500,000 feet o£ jlumber yearly. He has been 



1 

I 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 103 

town clerk two terms and commissioner of highways one teim, elected by the Re- 
publicans. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. 

Silliman, George, Norway, was born February 8, 1826. His father was Daniel 
Silliman, a son of Ju.stice Silliman, who lived and died in Connecticut. The wife of 
Justice Silliman was Ruth Jennings, who bore him ten children. Daniel Silliman was 
born in Connecticut, in 1795. His wife was Catherine Sherwood of Connecticut, born 
1798. They had eight children. In 1822 Mr. Silliman came to Salisbury. He died 
in 1844 and his wife in 1891. George Silliman was educated in the common schools 
and in Fairfield Semicary. In 1852 he married Sarah E. Wood, of Stratford, born 
July 18, 1832, a daughter of Daniel and Huldah (Jennings) Wood, early settlers of 
Stratford. They had six children. Mr. Wood died in 1881 and his wife in 1865. The 
children of subject and wife are: Charles D., Alice A., Edward G, Mary C., Dwight 
A., and Hiram D. When a young man, Mr. Silliman resided three years in Wisconsin. 
He afterwards resided thirteen years in Stratford. In 1864 he went to Norway and 
has lived there since, on a farm of 227 acres. Mr. Silliman is a prohibitionist and he 
and his wife are Baptists. 

Spohn, Frank, Herkimer, was born in the town of Columbia, and educated in the 
schools of this vicinity, after which for some time he clerked in Ilion. In 1888 he 
established his present grocery store in Herkimer, which has proved a decided success. 
He gives employment to three men and delivers goods to all parts of this town. He 
married Miss Cora Johnson of Columbia, and has one child, a boy, Raymond Spohn. 
Mr. Spohn's ancestors three generations back settled in Herkimer town, in which 
vicinity the family has since lived, being identified with local issues and institutions in 
a marked degree. 

Starkweather, Rufus G., Warren, a substantial farmer and stock breeder, was born 
August 15, 1846, and is a son of Rufus G. and Lucinda (Loomis) Starkweather. The 
subject traces his parental ancestry back to A. M. Starkweather, who immigrated from 
England in 1690 and settled in New England. The subject's father was born on the 
old homestead in Warren, September 23, 1815. He died October 15, 1848. He fol- 
lowed merchandising all his life and held several town ofiices. Rufus G , the subject 
of this sketch, was educated at Clinton Academy and Warren's Military school in 
Poughkeepsie. In 1873 he went to Beloit, Wis., and carried on a private bank three 
years. Returning he located at Litt'e Falls and ran a bank until in 1878 he settled on 
his grandfather's homestead and engaged in breeding fine stock. He has been super- 
visor and is active in politics. He married Jennie Rankins, daughter of John and Ma- 
tilda Loomis. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Starkweather, but his wife 
has a daughter by her first husband. Mr. Starkweather is a Mason. 

Snyder, Albert E., Norway, was born in Norway, June 8, 1858. He is a son of 
George Snyder, whose father was an early settler of Boonville, where he .spent his life 
as a farmer. George Snyder was one of a family of three sons and two daughters. 
He was born in Boonville in 1824, and followed the occupation of farming. His wife 
was Lydia Case, of Norway, who bore liim five sons and two daughters. Mrs. Snyder 



104 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

was a daughter of Stephea Case, a native of Massachusetts, and an early settler of Nor- 
way, where he died. He was in ths war of 1812. Mr. Snyder came to Norway at 
the age of seven years and there spent the remainder of his life. He was an active 
Republican and held the oflBces of deputy sheriff, collector, and constable. He and 
wife were Methodists. He died March 24, 1888, and his wife died April 13, 1877. 
Albert E. Snyder was educated in common and select schools, and reared on a farm. 
April 29, 1883, he married Clarissa White, of Norway, born 18G5, who bore him one 
child, Grace A. Mr. Snyder was formerly a farmer, but for the last five years has 
manufactured ohee?e. He is a Republican and attends and supports the M. E. church. 
He and wife are members of the Y. P. S. C. E. Mrs. Snyder's father was George 
White, a native of Germany, who at the age of six years came with his parents to 
America and settled in Deerfield. The wife of George White was Harriet Benjamin, 
of Norway. Mrs. White died in 1876, and Mr. White now resides in Deerfield. 

Snell, Nathan A., Dolgeville, was born at Ingham's Mills, February 3, 1854. He 
early in life went to live with James P. Brockett, of Brockett's Bridge, in fact was 
brought up by Mr. Brockett until his eighteenth year, when he started in the cheese 
business, in which he continued eight years. At the expiration of this period he entered 
the employ of Alfred Dolge, with whom he yet continues. Mr. Snell first worked at 
the bench, making sounding boards for six years. Then he entered the felt depart- 
ments. His worth was appreciated by Mr. Dolge, who appointed him superintendent 
of the hammer shop (piano hammers). Mr. Snell has been noble grand master of Odd 
Fellows here for past two terms, director and secretary of the Dolgeville Electric Light 
and Power Company, a member of the Building and Loan Association, etc. His wife 
was Miss Jessie Tanner, of CenterviUe, N. Y. They have one child, a boy. Mr. Snell's 
father died when he was but two years of age. His mother, who is living, was a 
daughter of Judge Nathan Brown, of Oppenheim, Fulton county, N. Y. 

Sharer, John P., Little Falls, physician and surgeon, a graduate of the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons, New York city. 

Snyder, H. P., Little Falls, superintendent of the Saxony Knitting Mills, is a native 
of Amsterdam, but has been in Little Falls for the past seven years. He has been in 
the knitting business ever since he was nine years old, except a year and a half at school 
at CatskiU. He has been superintendent of the Saxony Mills for five years and is a 
thorough expert in his business. His family is an old and honest one in New York 
State and he a worthy representative of the name. He is a prominent member of the 
Elks, Redmen, and Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a Republican ; is a member of 
the A. 0. U. W. ; also a member of the firm of Snyder & Fisher, manufacturers and 
patentees of quarter savers and stop motions for circular rib machines, also builders and 
patentees of circular rib machinery of the latest improved kind, with office and manu- 
facturing works at Little Falls. 

Smith, R. H., Schuyler, supervisor of Schuyler, is a native of this town, born April 
6, 1850. In 1874 he married Lida Faulkner. He was elected supervisor of the town 
in February, 1892. He had always been an active Republican and a delegate to con- 
ventions, and has been assessor of the town. His father, Patrick M. Smith, was also a 
native of Schuyler. The great-grandfather came from Chatham in 1765. 



t-AMILY SKETCHES. 106 

Smith, Hon. George W., Herkimer, is a native of Salisbury, and was educated at 
Fairfield Seminary, N. Y. Tic studied law witli Capron & Lake and tlie late Judge 
Graves of Herkimer; he was editor of the Herkimer Journal in 1845, and was admitted 
to the bar in 1848. In that year he became editor and publisher of the Northern State 
Jbwna/ of Watertown, N. Y. In 1851 he removed to Boonville, Oneida county. In 
1859 he was elected county judge of Oneida county and re-elected in 1863. From 1886 
he was for several years leading editor Of the Utica Daily Observer &nd also contributed 
largely to the columns of the Democratic press of Central New York. On January ], 
1870, he came to Herkimer and entered into a law copartnership with the late Samuel 
Earl under the firm name of Earl & Smith, succeeding Hon. Robert Earl, then taking 
his seat in the Court of Appeals. In 1876 he was e'ected supervisor of the town of 
Herkimer and the same year was put in nomination for Congress for the Jefferson, 
Lewis and Herkimer districts, but was defeated. In 1882 he was elected to the Assem- 
bly and was chairman of the canal committee. In 1886 he was again a candidate for con- 
gressman m the 24th district and was again defeated. He was delegate in 1880 to the 
Cincinnati Convention and gave the first vote in the New York delegation for General 
Hancock's nomination. Judge Smith married Miss Sarah B. Hadley, a daughter of the 
late Dr. Hiram Hadley of Salisbury, and they have thiee children surviving. He is now 
engaged in the practice of the law at Herkimer. 

Smith, Charles A., Little Falls, was born in Schohaiie January 14, 1857. After re- 
ceiving a good education he worked on a farm for eleven years, then entered the grocery 
business at Fort Plain. After five years there he moved to Little Falls and went into 
the bakery and confectionery line. After four years he disposed of tliis buisness to 
engage in the bottling, and later in the Carpet Beating Works at Lockport, N Y. 
After two years he again bought out the bakery business and has since successfully 
conducted it. Mr. Smith married Edith A. Devendorf of Fort Plain. 

Smith, George A., Frankfort, one of five children of Alonzo and Samantha (Cutler) 
Smith, was born in Otsego county September 29, 1842. Alonzo, the father, was a son 
of Daniel Smith of Connecticut, who was a soldier of the War of 1812. Samantha 
Cutler, the mother, was a daughter of David Cutler, who was a noted Baptist minister 
of Vermont, who in 1827 emigrated to New Berlin, Chenango county. He afterwards 
settled in Plainfield, Otsego county, where he died at the age of eighty-seven. George 
A. Smith was married January 2, 1868, to Luoinda Holmes of Unadilla Forks, one of 
nine children of Asa and Eliza (Rood) Holmes. They have two children, Fred and 
Jesse Smith. In 1862 Mr. Smith began cheese-making with his uncle, C. W. Smith of 
Exeten They founded one of the first cheese factories in Otsego county. They came 
to Frankfort in 1867 and bought -the old cheese factory and built a large cheese business. 
In 1872 he sold out his interest to his uncle, James Smith, and bought a factory in 
North WinBeld which he sold in 1875, and bought another in CassviUe, Oneida county, 
and ran it until 1888, at which time (1888) he was owner and lessee of four factories. In 
that year he again took up his residence in Frankfort, and was appointed on the New 
York State Dairy Commission, he being chief dairy expert for the commission ; having 
charge of the instruction work in butter and cheese-making. One important object of 



106 HTSTORT OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the commission being to elevate the standard of butter and cheese-making in the State. 
Mr. Smith attends tlie Farmers' Institute throughout the State, giving practical instruc- 
tion to many hundred men interested in this important industry. 

Smith, Wm., Herkimer, was born in Herkimer on the 9th day of September, 1814. 
He was educated in the schools of Utica and Fairfield and Union College, Schenectady, 
studied law with Gen. Gray of Herkimer, and was admitted to the bar in 1840. Mr. 
Smith soon gave up the active practice of his profession, his large mercantile and real 
estate interests requiring his undivided attention. In 18G8 he was the prime factor in 
the establishment of the Herkimer Bank, of which he is president. This bank, one of 
the leading fiduciary institutions of New York State, owes much of its success to his 
financiering. Mr. Smith is of Mohawk Dutch descent. He has in his possession the last 
will and testament of his ancestor, John Geo. Smith, which was drawn in 1730 in Al- 
bany, Four generations have since passed away, viz,, Martin Smith, a son of John 
George Smith, John M,, a son of Martin, and John Smith, the son of John M. Smith, 
and father of William Smith. Wm, Smith has held such local oflices as trustee, school 
commissioner, supervisor, president of the village, etc., and has spent nearly all of his 
life upon the old homestead which descended to him from his ancestors. 

Smith, Frederick, Norway, was born in Norway January 9, 1826, He was reared 
on a farm and educated in the common and select schools. He clerked in Norway 
about six years and then followed farming. In 1871 he went to Herkimer and was 
deputy county clerk for five years. November 20, 1851, he married Maria E, Service 
of Norway, born September 5, 1830, who bore him five children : Ida E,, Zenas B,, 
Arthur I., Ruth and Phebe D,, all of whom are living. In politics Mr, Smith was an 
Abolitionist, a Republican, and is now a Prohibitionist, He has been overseer of the 
poor, justice of the peace, town clerk, and supervisor of Norway. He was census 
enumerator of Norway in 1865 and Salisbury and Norway in 1870, He published the 
Norway Tidings for four years, beginning January 1, 1887. He has been correspondent 
of the county press and Utica papers for over thirty years. He and his wife are Meth- 
odists. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Jacob and Eliza Service. The parents of Jacob 
Service were Wm, W and Asenath Winegar, who settled in Norway in 1880, The 
father of Fred Smith was Johnson Smith, a son of Jared Smith, jr., whose father was 
Jared Smith, Jared Smith, sen,, was born in Huntington, Conn,, July 25, 1741, Au- 
gust 20, 1761, he married Dorcas Beecher, She was born in Huntington June 15, 
1744. She was a great-aunt of Henry Ward Beecher. The children of Mr, Smith and 
wife were four sons and one daughter, Dorcas Smith died August 20, 1779, and May 
5, 1783, Mr. Smith married Mary Johnson of South Britain, Uonn. Mr. Smith died 
March 13, 1813, in Sahsbury, Conn. His second wife died July 17, 1815. Jared Smith, 
jr., was born at Southbury April 11, 1766, January 14, 1787, he married Dorcas John- 
son of the same town. In 1797 Mr, Smith and family came to Norway. The family 
of Mr. Smith and wife consisted of one son and five daughters. In politics he was a 
Whig. In 181C he was appointed justice of the peace and held the office eight years. 
He was lieutenant and afterwards captain of a military company. He died in Norway 
March 26, 1845. His wife died May 16, 1851. Johnson Smith was born in Norway 



1 
I 



I 



FAMILY SKETCHES 107 

October 30, 1798. January 13, 1825 he married Sarah Salisbury, born in Fairfield 
September 6, 1798. They had six children. In politics he was a Whig, Know Nothing, 
and afterwards a Republican. He held minor town offices. He was a member of the 
M. E. Church. His wife died in 1844 and Mr. Smith in 1847 married Harriet Hine of 
Norway, a daughter of Russell and AUie Hine. His second wife died in 1892. Mr. 
Smith died in Norway March 30, 18G9. He was a kind parent and good citizen. 

Huntley, Eugene P., Litchfield, was torn in Winfield March 1, 1838, .and settled in 
Litchfield in 1867, on the farm where he now lives. He ma ried Annette Faulkner, a 
native of Columbia, by whom he had three children: James L., Ada M., and Elbert B. 
Eugene P. Himtley, i.s a son of Lester, a native of West Exeter, Otsego county, who 
was a son of James Huntley. Four of his children are living: Lyman, Elisha, Loren 
and Mrs. Myron Eldred. Lester Huntley, had seven children : Jackson M., Sarah 
A., Eugene P., Alice E. Hay, Byron L., Josephine Stuart and J. Frank Huntley. 
One of the above children is dead. 

Sweet, Burton J., Norway, was born in Norway July 20, 1836. He is a son of 
Jesse Sweet, a son of Wanton Sweet, a native of Rhode Island, born October 6, 1776. 
When a young man Wanton Sweet came to Salisbury and there in 1800 married Olive 
Carr of Salisbury, born 1783. They reared twelve children. Mr. Sweet died February 
2, 1850, and his wife died October 1, 185C. Jesse Sweet was born in Salisbury in 1802. 
March 10, 1831, he married Elizabeth Potter and had four children. While on ajourney 
to the west looking for land he died in Ohio in 1837. Burton J. Sweet was educated 
in the common and select schools. He now owns the farm on which he was born. 
In 1871 he married Emily M. Grain of Evans Mills, Jefferson county, born 1843. Their 
children are Ward' B., Arthur H., Bertha B., Jessie V. and Annie M. Mr. Sweet is a 
Prohibitionist. He has been highway commissioner three years and a member of Nor- 
way Grange 568. Mrs. Sweet is a Baptist. The parents of Mrs. Sweet were Isaac and 
Mertilla (Root) Crain. Mr. Crain died March 11, 1888, and Mrs. Crain died February, 
1883. 

Squire, A. M., Russia, born January 3, 1819 in Russia, a sou of John D., who was a / 
son of Stoddard D. Squire, native of Woodbury, Conn., born November 8, 1758, whose 
grandfather was Rev. Anthony Stoddard of New England. About 1792 Stoddard 
Squire settled in Russia, and married October 24, 1781, Theodosia French, by whom 
he had three sons and one daughter. He moved to Manchester, Vt., with his father 
and in 1792 came to Russia with his father and died in 1833. For many years he 
kept an inn. He died at the age of seventy and his wife at the age of eighty-five. 
John G. Squire was born in Manchester, Vt., 1785, and came with his parents to Rus- 
sia. His wife was Robby Smith of Fairfield, and they had four sons and three daugh- 
ters. Mr. Squire was drafted in the war of 1312. He was a Whig. He was assessor 
and school commissioner several years. He and wife were Episcopalians. He died in 
1873 and his wife in 1851. A. M. Squire was reared on a farm and learned the car- 
penter trade. For many years he was a mover of buildings. He has also manufactured 
sleighs and kept a repair shop. For forty years he has been engaged in the manu- 
facture of cider. January, 1853, he married Sarah M. Shaw, a native of Cold Brook, 



108 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

born September 9, 1828. Her parents were John and Perces (Hulett) Shaw, early set- 
tlers of the town, who had five sods and seven daughters. Mr. Shaw died in 1830 and 
wife died in 1829. Mr. Squire and wife have had three sons and one daughter. Mr. 
Squire is a Republican. 

Smith, Bartlett J., Winfield, one of the representative farmers of Winfield, where he 
was born April 1, 1827, and settled on the farm where he now lives April 1, 1851. He 
is a son of Samuel, who was born April 19, 1800, in this town and died October, 1880. 
He was a son of Deacon Larkin Smith, who came from Barre, Mass., and settled in 
Winfield in 1794. Subject's mother was Mary Ann, daughter of Jonathan Bartlett. 
She was born March 18, 1805, and is now living in West Winfield. J. Bartlett 
Smith married Cornelia, daughter of Samuel McKee, of Winfield, September 18, 
1850, and they have three children : Samuel McKee, Ada C, and Flora A. Crossette. 

Smith, Larkin D., Winfield, was born January 3, 1825, in Winfield, on the old home- 
stead, and is a son of Samuel Smith, who was born on the same farm February 17, 
1800, and died October 14, 1881. He was a son of Larkin Smith, who came to Win- 
field in 1794, and settled on the old homestead, now owned by one of his grandsons. 
He was born in Barre, Mass., October 13, 1770, and died April 19, 1842. Larkin D. 
Smith, enlisted in the War of the Rebellion September 5, 1862, in Company E, One 
Hundred Fifty-Second New York Yolunteer Infantry, and served until his discharge 
for disability, September 12, 18G4. He married Mrs. Ma^ia R. Burdick, June 13, 1879. 
She was a daughter of Warren Williams, of Augusta, Oneida county. Mr. Smith 
bouglit the mills at Chepachet in 1865, rebuilt them and run them about eighteen years. 
He then removed to the farm where he now lives, known as the Kellogg farm. 

Silliman, Gould, resides in Russia. He is a farmer but for many years was 
a contractor and builder of Ilion, and erected buildings in difl^erent parts of the county. 
He was born in Frankfort, April 26, 1834. He went to Winfield about 1850, where 
he learned the trade. In about 1864 he moved to Ilion, where he followed the same 
business, and from there wont to Russia in 1881, where he now lives. He married 
Milla A. Hall, by whom he has four ch'ldren : Frona, Horace G., Edith M., Daniel 
B. Gould Silliman is a son of Daniel Gould Silliman, born in Danbury, Conn., who 
settled in Frankfort about 1830, where he died August 9, 1849, aged fifty-nine 
years. Mrs. Milla A. Silliman was born in Watertown, Jefferson county, October 
22, 1838. a daughter of Shubal Hull, who died aged thirty-four years. Daniel Gould 
Silliman, was born in Danbury, Conn., and came here with his father, Benjamin 
Silliman. The latter married Anna Gould, of Connecticut and moved to Delaware 
county, N. Y. Daniel Gould Silliman married Mrs. Polly Brockway, daughter of 
Luther Cloyce, a native of Connecticut, who early settled in Frankfort. 

Sholes, Nelson W., Winfield, was born in Jefferson county. May 22, 1822, a son of 
Roderick Sholes, who was born in Connecticut, where he lived until about four j'cars 
of age, when he came, about 1802, with his mother and one brother and one sister, to 
Plainfield, Otsego county, and settled there. He married, about 1820, Zama Cole, a 
native of Otsego county, by whom he had four sons and two <iaughters, of whom four 
survive: Nelson W., Newton, Elijah C, and Julia. Two died, Mary and Roderick. 



i 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 109 

Nelson W. SLoles came to Winfield, December 1, 1858, and married, February 2, 1860, 
Mrs. Almira M. Bardin, daughter of Ebenezer Morgan. She has one son, Parke M. 
Bardin. Nelson W. Sholes is a farmer and has been justice here about sixteen years. 
He was treasurer of the Odd Fellows' lodge at the time it was discontinued in West 
Winfield. He was elected one of the board of trustees of the West Winfield Academy 
March, 1874, and held that position until the school was graded. He was treasurer of 
the academy for a number of years, and also of the graded school. He was a member 
of the Board of Edu'^ation for two terms, and now is one of the trustees of the West 
Winfield Cemetery Association, also its treasurer. Parke M. Bardin was the first sta- 
tion agent of the D. L. & W. E. E. at West Winfield. 

Taylor, J. E., Little Falls, the leading hardware merchant of Little Falls, is a native 
of Albany. He has spent most of his life in New York city, Michigan and Little 
Falls. He was engaged in the insurance business in Chicago for a few years. In 1886 
he embarked in the hardware business in Little Falls, the firm being Taylor, Cooke & 
Co. In 1890 the name was changed to Taylor & M»rkham and in 1892 he assumed 
control of the whole business. He is essentially one of the leading men in Little Falls, 
judged by his ability and success. He is secretary and treasurer of the Little Falls 
Excelsior and Lumber Company, and has been of the Board of Health. He is a mem- 
ber of the Odd Fellows' Society and the Lodge of Elks and was captain of a military 
company at Port Huron, Mich., in 1874. He comes of an illustrious family which has 
resided in America for seven generations. His grandfather was John Taylor, Mayor 
of the city of Albany, 1824. He is connected with the Taylors of Albany, and the 
Eichmonds of Eichmond Manor and the Wotherspoons of New York. 

Timmerman, L. & Son, Little Falls, coal dealers of Little Falls, are numbered among 
the representative men of Herkimer county. The father, L. Timmerman, is a native 
of Manheim Center and followed the occupation of farmer up to eighteen years ago, 
when he came to Little Falls and embarked in the coal business. He has taken a 
prominent part in local afl^airs in Little Falls, having been trustee of the village four 
terras or eight years, and has been president of the Y. M. C. A. for the past ten years. 
The coal firm was first Gillman, Brown, Loucks & Timmerman, then Gillman & Tim- 
merman, until May 1, 1882, when Mr. Timmerman conducted it alone until February 
1, 1887, when 0. W. Timmerman was admitted to the firm, and it has since been 
conducted under the present name. O. W. Timmerman belongs to what may be called 
the younger circle of leading business men of Little Falls. He holds a high degree 
in the Masonic order, is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and 
Shrine ; of the Elks, the Eoyal Arcanum and other important organizations. His wife 
was Marguerite Eugenie Christman, of Herkimer, N. Y. 

Turner, Louis Herkimer, was born in Germany, 1852. He came to this country 
July 5, 1869. He started at farming in Lewis county. Then he came to Utica, Oneida 
county, 1871, and started in the butcher business. He remained there for five years 
and married Miss Mary Everheart in 1883, from there he went to Mohawk in 1875 to 
1877, and then to Herkimer, and in 1881 established a business for himself. In 1883 
he was elected in the ranks of K. of P. In 1884 he became a member of I. O. O. F. 



no niSTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

His business has been successful and he has two sons. In 1890 he was elected as trustee 
of the village of Herkimer. 

Trenbeth, Frank, Herkimer, was born in Rochester, N. Y. His father, Henry 
Trenbeth, moved from Rochester to Herkimer when the subject' of this brief sketch 
was but a child. He therefore received his education in the local schools, and after- 
wards was for four years connected with the Herkimer Bank. In June, 1888, he, in 
connection with his father, established their present grocery house. Frank Trenbeth 
married Miss Carrie M. French of Rochester, N. Y., and has two children, both girls. 
Frank Trenbeth is a Mason. Henry Trenbeth was born in England. At eight years of 
age he was brought to Canada, and at the close of the war he moved to Rochester, N. 
Y. In 1868 he again moved for the last time to Herkimer, N. Y.. where he has since 
resided. His wife was Miss Mary Riddell of Ontario. Frank Trenbeth is his only 
surviving child. Henry Trenbeth is a Royal Arch Mason, a charter member of the A. 
0. U. W., and both members of the firm are associated with leading social, and 
benevolent institutions. 

Tine, G.Frank, Frankfort, one of seven children of George and Catherine (Allman) 
Tine, was born in Herkimer, March 4, 1859. George, the father, was born in Bavaria, 
and his wife, Catharine, was born in Germany. G. F. was married December 29, 1S81, 
to Cora Belle, one of six children of Daniel and Maria (Putman) Bridenbecker of East 
Schuyler. He worked for twelve years in the Remington works at Ilion, the last six 
years as tool maker. About six years ago he entered the employ of the West Shore 
railroad at their shops in Frankfort, where he remains, he being foreman of the tool 
department at the works. Since 1889 he has been engaged with his brother in running 
a news room, book and general notion store, under the name of Tine Brothers. 

Thomas, J. F., German Flats, was born in Herkimer, June 20, 1836. He was at 
first a farmer and then in the canal business. He then began contract work in the 
gun factory and remained there thirty-three years as master mechanic and contractor. 
He was also contractor for the State of New York for seven years and superin- 
tendent of section four of the canal. In 1883 he bought the Ilion Opera Honse, now 
the Thomas Opera House and has since devoted his attention to it and his real estate 
interests. He has been president of the village, trustee and water commissioner. In 
1856 he married Miss Libby A. McChesney. 

Thomson, E. 0. W., Herkimer, of the firm of Prowse & Thomson, is a native of 
Holland Patent, near Utica, and came to Herkimer in 1884, to enter the present part- 
nership. He was educated at Holland Patent Academy, the Holbrook Military 
Academy, and at Fort Plain. He married Miss Addie E. Hubbard and they have one 
child. Mr. Thomson is quite a young man, having taken a half interest in this large 
business when just twenty-one years of age. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and the 
A. 0. U. W., and is a Republican in politics. 

Taber, Peleg, Newport, came from the tov^n of Danby, Rutland county, Vt., and set- 
tled on the Turnpike, between Herkimer and Little Falls. He ne.xt moved on the first 
farm north of the County house, and then he and his son, Albert, purchased the first 



FAMILY SKETCHES. Ill 

farm west of the County house, which they sold to Walter Taher, and bought llie ad- 
joining farm west. Peleg Taber married a Miss Cole, and their children were as fol- 
lows: Hannah Cummings, William C, Albert, Walter and John, all residents of 
the county through life except Hannah. Albert married Nancy, daughter of Henry 
J. and Nancy Myers, and their children were Wilham Henry (deceased) ; Helen L., 
John A. and Ira (deceased). John followed farming and married January 11, 1860, 
Annette, daughter of Robert and Nancy Stewart. Her father came here when she 
was young. Their children were Minnie, Stewart J., Etta and Bertie. John Taber 
started for himself as a farmer at the age of twenty. For six years he worked by the 
month, then on his marriage he rented a farm in Montgomery county, where he re- 
mained three years. Returning to Herkimer county he worked at the carpenter's 
trade, and then moved to Orange county, where he remained three years, working for 
his uncle, Samuel J. Stewart. He then moved to Fairfield, remaining thirteen years, 
for two years being in the hotel business. He was also an officer and made a specialty 
of collections. In 1881 he purchased his president residence. He has held the offices 
of constable for twenty-four years, deputy sheriff nine years, collector and chief of 
police of Middleville. Ira, son of Albert, was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in 
Company I, 121st N. T. Volunteers. He was disabled and brought home from 
Frederick City. 

Tanner, Merritt W., Schuyler, was born in Schuyler, November 23, 1839. He en- 
gaged in farming and the butter trade. He was in business in Iowa for about five 
years. His father was Hiram B. Tanner, and bis grandfather was Wiiliam Tanner, who 
came here from Rhode Island. In 1861 Mr. Tanner married Libbie A. Frank, daughter 
of John C. Frank, of Fort Herkimer, and has only one son living, Almon M., who is also 
married and has two children : Blanche L. and Almon M. jr. 

Trenham, William T., Winfield, is one of the assessors of the town of Winfield, and 
the leading contractor and builder. His building operations extend over six different 
counties. He has followed this for forty years. William T. Trenham was born in 
Oneida county, September 14, 1833, and married Susanah Eames of that county, by 
whom he has two children : Mary E. and Gertrude B. 

Thomas, Charles D., Winfield, attorney, was born August 15, 1861, in Winfield, a son 
of John M. and Dorcas G-. Thomas. He was educated at West Winfield Academy and 
read law witii George M. Aylesworth, of West Winfield, Sutton & Morehouse and 
Spriggs, Mathews & Spriggs, of Utica ; was admitted to practice October 10, 1884. He 
immediately went to Watertown and formed a co-partnership with E. P. Webb, under 
the firm name of Webb & Thomas. This co-partnership wasUissolved January 3, 1885, 
and shortly after he moved to West Winfield. On February 4 he opened an office in 
the Huntley block. He remained there until April 1, 1887, when he moved into the 
Mairs block, where he is now located. On August 5, 1883, he was married to Jennie 
M. Louden, of Rome. 

Taylor, Noadiah D., Winfield, farmer and dealer in cattle, wool, etc., is a son of Tim- 
othy C, whose father was Samuel Taylor, a native of Meriden, Conn., and one of the 
first settlers of Plainfield, Otsego county. Subject's mother was Clarissa, daughter of 



112 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

Timotliy Walker, wlio settled in West Winfield and built the first grist-mill in 1808. He 
cleared a large tract of land where West Winfield is now situated. Noadiah D. was 
born at West Exeter, Otspgo county, July 5, 1827, settled in West Winfield in 1856 
and built his present house that year. He married \n 1854 Lodema S. Brown, who died 
December 11, 1881, aged fifty-one years. She was a daughter of Hiram and Susan 
(Gorton) Brown. 

Seckner, Francis A., Winfield, has a hop, dairy, fruit and grain farm of about 240 
acres ; also a store in Chepachet, where he has been postmaster for about ten years. 
He was born in Columbia, March 4, 1848, a son of Jacob Seckner, jr., a native of Her- 
kimer county, and he is a son of Jacob Seckner, born in Jacksonburg, September 13, 
1789, died February 2, 1878, who was one of the earliest settlers of the town of Colum- 
bia. His wife was Elizabeth Crouch, born in Herkimer, July 7, 1792, died January IG, 
1869. The father of Jacob, sr., was Conrad Seckner, of Germany. The great aunt of 
Jacob Seckner, jr., who.^e name was Harter. was scalped by the Indians during the 
Revolutionary War and left for dead, but she recovered and lived many years after to 
relate her terrible experience. Chauncey, brother of Jacob, jr., has in his possession a 
spade used in Revolutionary days in building the fort at Herkimer. Jacob, jr., was 
born March 29, 1814, and died December 21, 1876. He married March 29, 1837, Man- 
dana, daughter of Phineas Whitney, of German Flats, who died September 2, 1847, and 
his wife, Deborah Palmer, died March 24, 1858. Jacob Seckner, jr., had seven children : 
Irvin W., died June 8. 1859; Phineas G., died March 21, 1876; Euphema, who married 
George H. Edick ; Fanny, who married Newbern R. Myers ; Alraina, who married 
James S. Ginby ; Alfred E., who married Laura Shaul, and Francis Seckner, who mar- 
ried Helen F. Tyson, November 7, 1870, and they have four children : Fanny L., Leon 
E., Helen F. and Bessie M., all living at home with their parents. Francis Seckner set- 
tled on the farm where he bow lives in 1871. It is partly in Winfield and partly in 
Richfield, Otsego county. 

Graves, Solomon, Russia, was born February 24, 1819, in Russia, N. T., a son of 
John, who was a son of Russell. John Graves was born December 22, 1778, and came 
from Stephentown, Rensselaer county, to Newport, this county, at the age of sixteen, 
with his only property, an ax, on his shoulder, jobbing it in clearing land till he bought 
land of his own, which he cleared up and paid for by his own personal exertions. He 
first purchased 106 acres of land, on which subject now resides, afterwards adding 144 
acres, making 250 in all. September 30, 1800, he married Abigail Munn, born Decem- 
ber 27, 1780, by whom he had three sons, Crosby, Ezra and John R. She died De- 
cember 27, 1816, and in 1818 he married Esther Smith, a native of Rhode Island, born 
December 19, 1784, by whom he had two sons and one daughter. Mr. Graves was a 
Jacksonian Democrat and afterwards a Republican. He was sheriff of Herkimer county 
one term, justice of the peace, school commissioner, supervisor many times and was 
twice elected member of the Assembly. He died in 1855 and his wife died in 1860. 
Solomon Graves was educated in the common schools of Russia, in Clinton Liberal In- 
stitute and Union College, graduating from the latter in 1842. April 27, 1842, he mar- 
ried Margaret Smith, a native of Williamsville, Erie county, born February 27, 1821, a 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 113 

daughter of Oziel Smith, of Clarendon, Rutland comty, Vt., born April 17, 1784 in 
Clarendon, Rutland county, Vt., and Phoebe Norton, Korn October 22, 1789. in Rich- 
mond, Berkshire county, Mass. Mr. Smith and wife had four daughters and one son. 
He died January 3, 1836, and his wife March 13, 1890, at the age of 100 years. To Mr. 
Graves and wife were born five children : Edward 0., Crosby J., Charles A., WiUiam 
H. and Jessie, the latter two deceased. Mr. Graves taught school a short time and then 
engaged in farming on the old homestead until 1850. He next purchased property in 
Geneva, N. Y., and resided there a short time, but soon returned to the old homestead, 
where he remained until 1873, when he sold out, and, in 1876, went to Washington, D. 
C, and engaged in the manufacture of ornamental and architectural terra cotta work 
and sewer pipe for four years. In 1889 he bought back the old homestead, where he 
has since resided. He was an early and earnest Republican, and has been school com- 
missioner a number of years and supervisor five years.. In 1859 he represented the first 
district of Herkimer county in the Assembly. He is a member of Newport lodge, No. 
45o, F. and A. M. 

Bailey, Thomas, Little Falls, was born and received his education in Little Falls. In 
1872 he entered the manufacturing establishment, of which his father is president, in a 
clerical capacity. He now, in the absence of the president, fills his position, attending 
to the buying, selling and general outside business. Mr. Bailey has been for a number 
of years prominent in political and social circles ; he served as alderman for four years 
consecutively, and m the fall of 1890 was elected to the responsible position of county 
treasurer upon the Republican ticket. His father and brother have also held public 
office. Mr. Bailey is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Odd Fellows, Elks, and the 
popular leader of the well known Little Falls band, he being a very accomplished cor- 
net player. 

Hanchett, N. A., German Flats, was born in Oneida county March 31, 1845. He 
early showed a preference for the grocery business, in which he is now engaged. He 
came to Ilion over twenty years ago, and was for some time employed in the Armory 
He has been in his present business for several years. Mr. Hanchett is a Mason, an 
Odd Fellow, a member of the A. O. U. W. and the order of the Eastern Star. He 
has been trustee of the village two years. His father was Nelson D. Hanchett, also a 
native of Oneida county. 

Van Buren, Jacob, Dolgeville, was born in Oppenheim Center January 25, 1827. 
His father and grandfather were born in Coxsackie, on the Hudson. His grandfather 
was a brother to Martin's father. Jacob received a good common school education, and 
moved with his father to Brockett's Bridge in 1834. His father then engaged in the 
manufacture of lead pipe, furniture, undertaking and millwright business, etc. In 1851 
he engaged with Seth Thomas for one year as machinist in his clock shops at Plymouth 
Hollow, Conn. In the fall of 1852 he engaged with James & Ferris in Utica, manu- 
facturers of telescopes for their target rifles. In 1854 he went West. In 1864 he en- 
gaged with Judge J. D. Caton in his Illinois and Mississippi telegraph shops in Ottawa. 
111. Some two years after the judge sold out to the Western Union. Van Buren 
stopped with the Western Union, took charge of the engine and machinery, made tools, 



114 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

dies, etc., until the Western Union reraored their works in 1874 to Chicago. In 1875 
he removed to Joliet as engineer in the Joliet Steel Mill Water Works. During his life 
in the West he filled many important public offices, such as city marshal, collector, etc. 
In 1877 he returned to Brockett's Bridge and entered the employ of Alfred Dolge as 
machinist. In 1878 he drafted and invented the most part of the first hammer felt 
machine ; made the machine in Mr. Dolge's factory, the only one said to be in ex- 
istence at that time, which was greatly in advance of the old tread-mill style. In 1879 
he invented and drafted a glue table with a series of slots running lengthwise for glue- 
ing piano sounding boards, which was a succe-^is. In 1880 Mr. Van Buren invented a 
knife forty-eight inches long for cutting heavy hammer felt. In 1882 the second ham- 
mer felt machine was made by him on a much larger scale, which did excellent work. 
About his last work there was getting up a new style of post adjustable box for Mr. 
Dolge's heavy shafting and overseeing the setting of his large engine. In 1883, his 
health having failed him, he resigned and retired from mechanical work. 

Vosburgh, Charles W., was born in Little Falls and received his education at the 
academy here. After being engaged in clerking, book-keeping, etc., for several years, 
he formed a partnership with Leigh & Company in the grocery line, and later a co- 
partnership with a Mr. Shaut in the same business, the firm being known as Shaut & 
Vosburgh. After this for a time he conducted the City Market, which he disposed of 
in 1890 and entered the Little Falls post-office as assistant postmaster. This position he 
still retains. Mr. Vosburgh is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Elks, Red Men 
and of the Fire Department, Little Falls Commandery, Ziyara Temple of Utica, etc. 
He married Katie M. Sharp, of Little Falls. 

Van Dieman, Paul, German Flats, was born in Hamburg, Germany, January 14, 
1863, and came to America in 1874. He learned the trade of die- cutter and engraver 
in Chicago and New York, and came to Ilion in September, 1890. He cuts the 
original dies for making type for the Remmgton Standard Typewriter. Mr. Van Die- 
men married Pauline Wilhelm December 31, 1886. His father, C. P. H. Van Diemen, 
once conducted the largest express business in Hamburg, Germany. 

Pierce, John, Little Falls, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., September 7, 1863. He 
learned the trade of baker and confectioner in Wheeling, W. Va. He came to Little 
Falls in 1884, remaining there until 1886, when he went into the employ of the New 
Yord Central Railroad, thence to Gloversville, N. Y., and back to Little Falls in 1887. 
In 1889 he went to Utica and returned to Little Falls in 1890, starting the Manheim 
bakery April 28 of that year. Mr. Pierce does a thriving business, having built up his 
trade through superior products, He married Nora Williams, and they have one son. 

Van Gumster, sr., John, Ilion, was born in Holland in 1839. He came to America 
in 1848 with his parents, who first located in Troy, N. Y. They subsequently took 
up residence in Syracuse, N. Y., where the subject of this sketch learned the trade of 
gunsmith. His father was also an expert gunmaker. In 1861 he came to Ilion and 
became a contractor with B. Remington's Sons, with whom he remained until 1885. 
Since that time he has been one year with Edison and two years with the Winchester 



\ 



FAMILY SKETCHES, ' 115 

Repeating Arms Company of New Haven, Conn. He is a Republican in politics, has 
been a delegate to important conventions, and liolds the position of trustee of this vil- 
lage at the present time. 

Van Valkenburg, C. A., Manheim, was born in Manheim July 8, 1836. He was mar- 
ried to Alida M. Schuyler June 17, 1868. His father, Vrial, was born in August, 1795. 
His mother was Catherine Driesbach, a sister of the celebrated lion tamer. Mr. Van 
Valkenburg has lived on the farm he now owns forty-nine years. His father settled 
here in the spring of 1837. Mr. Van Valkenburg moved from the farm October 20, 
1886, to where he now lives. No. 540 East Monroe street. Mr. Van Valkenburg re- 
ceived most of his education in the district schools, except one year in the Little Falls 
Academy and one term at Fort Plain Seminary. Mr. Van Valkenburg took the man- 
agement of his farm at the age of twenty, making butter and cheese. Two years later 
he started a market garden on a very small scale in connection with cheese-making, 
and gradually increased the garden business for twenty-five years, then growing fifteen 
acres of vegetables, which he has run since, making thirty-four years in all. In 1886 
he started a milk route, which he has run since in connection with gardening. 

Van Vechten, Charles F., Norway, was born August 9, 1836. His father was Har- 
mon Van Vechten, a son of Peter Van Vechten, who lived and died in Rensselaer 
county. The wife of Peter was Jane Waldron, who bore him four sons and four 
daughters. Harmon Van Vechten was born in May 23, 1813. He married Rony H. 
Austin, and they had eight sons and five daughters. In 1851 Mr. Van Vechten came 
to Norway and there resided until his death in 1883. His widow is a member of the 
M. E. church and now resides with Charles F. Van Vechten. Mrs. Van Vechten was 
born in Salisbury in 1823, and was a daughter of William S. and Lucy (Barne,') Austin, 
who were the parents of nine children. Ch»rles F. Van Vechten is a farmer and dairy- 
man. He owns 276 acres of the old homestead where lie was born and reared. He 
was educated in the common schools. 

Whiteman, Henry, Little Falls, was born in the town of Thompson, Windham county, 
Conn., 1819. His father died when he was nine years old, leaving a wife and three 
small children. He and his sister were put to work in a factory immediately .after his 
father's death. In the year 1830 his mother with her children moved to Utica, N. Y., 
caring for them by taking boarders. He was engaged in various pursuits until 1846, 
when he engaged in mercantile business, continued two years at De Ruyter, Madison 
county, N. Y. He was married in De Ruyter, in 1846, to Mary Jane Colkins, daughter 
of Washington Colkins, of Earlville, ]N. T. He followed other occupations until 1854, 
when he removed to Little Falls, N. Y., where he has since remained. In 1869 he 
received the appointment of collector of canal tolls from 'a. Democratic canal board, 
which position he held for four successive years. In 1873 he engaged as general agent 
for the WaTior Mower Machine Company, which position he held for about sixteen 
years. His business as general agent took him through all the nothern States and 
territories. During his engagement with the Warrior Mower Company he made a 
fine geological collection, which will compaie favorably with any private geological 
collection in the State. In 1870 he was appointed overseer of the poor of the town o^ 
Little Falls, which position he yet retains. 



116 HISTORY OF nERKIMER COUNTY. 

Kelsey, George, Little Falls, was born at Fort Plain, Montgomery county, N. Y., No- 
vember 18, 1865. He received a good common school education, and afterwards learned 
the trade of baker, at which trade he worked for several prominent establishments in 
Little Falls, and in the spring of 1892 established a wholesale business in this village. 
He supplies stores, hotels, etc., -and his goods reach all parts of this county. He gives 
employment to several skilled bakers, and supervises all operations himself. Mr. Kel- 
sey married Alice A. Rrighain, of Oraefenburg Spa; and they have two sons, Leon P. 
and Charles H. Mr. Kelsey's manufactory is at No. Mohawk street. He also has a 
retail store for the sale of fine home-made bakestuffs and confectionery at No. 321 
Second street. 

Wood, D. R., Fairfield, is one of the prominent farmers of Fairfield, owning 625 acres 
of dairy farms. He raises a large number of young stock annually to keep up his large 
herd of milch cows. His grandfather, John Wood, was a Revolutionary soldier in 
Rhode Island, but afterwards settled in this State. In 1844 Mr. D. R. Wood married 
Lydia Emily Fenner, daughter of G. F. Fenner, and they have a family of four sons and 
five daughters. Mr. Wood is a Democrat and all of his sons except one are the same. 

Washburn, Elisha, Herkimer, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., near Sing Sing, 
upon the 13t,h day of August, 1832. His family removed into Otsego county when 
Elisha was about three years of age. He received his educational advantages here and 
in the town ofPlainfield, and followed farming until 1857, when he sold his farm of 160 
acres and bought the Temperance House of Herkimer of Eli Taylor. After keeping 
this house for some years he sold it to Messrs. Fields & Curtis, and established a flour 
and feed store, and in 1864 bought the Bellinger flouring mills, with which Mr. Wash- 
b\irn has since been connected In 1886 he sold out one half interest of mill to his 
former manager, G. M. Helmer, and the firm name is B. Washburn and G. M. Helmer 
now. He is a staunch Prohibitionist in politics, also a protectionist. Mr. Washburn is 
of English descent, and traces his anceitry in this county to before Revolutionary times, 
with which they were identified, also the war of 1812. The Washburn family hold a 
re-union each year, which over 100 representatives attend. Mr. Washburn married 
Miss Eunice Newton Rice of Otsego county, in 1834, a descendant of Sir James New- 
ton Rice. They have two children, a boy and a girl. 

Warren, Halsey W., Little Falls, general insurance and new.spaper correspondent, 
was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., February 9, 1857. He was educated at the Amsterdam 
Academy. He followed civil engineering for eight years and settled in Little Falls 
after the completion of the West Shore railroad, in which he was employed three years. 
In 1884 he established a general insurance agency. His ancestors were prominent in 
the history of the country. The late Hon. Piatt Potter, of Schenectady, was his grand- 
mother's brother. Mr. Warren has been a trustee of the village for four years, 1889- 
1893, besides being elected to other political offices. While trustee he was foremost in 
all improvements to the place, among them being the lighting of the village by elec- 
tricity. In 1883 he was married to Nancy C. Staring, daughter of Peter A. Staring. 
Her mother was the daughter of the late Gen. Abram G. Rosecrantz, of State militia 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 117 

fame and a descendant of Capt. George Henry Bell, a brother-in-law of Gen. Nicholas 
Herkimer, who was wounded in the battle of Oriskany. Mr. Warren is a prominent 
member of the Odd Fellows, B. P. 0. Elks, Royal Arcanum and Improved Order of 
Red Men. 

Walker, L. N., German Flats, was born in New Hampshire, February 14, 1845, and 
has been a mechanic all his life. He came to Ilion in 1871 and entered the armory and 
during the past four years has been a contractor in assembling and finishing. In 1866 
he married Kate B. Sartelle, daughter of Calvin Sartelle. Mr. Walker was captain of 
the celebrated Ilion rifle team, and is a prominent Mason. 

Wright, Grant B., Danube, was born on the old farm of 100 acres at Paine's Hollow, 
which is still in possession of his grandfather, Isaac Wright. About five years ago they 
moved into Newville and established a general store, which they have since conducted. 
Grant B. Wright married Nellie Schuyler, a daughter of Lon Schuyler. They have two 
children, Bessie and Harry. Grant B. has served as tax collector, etc., besides which 
he is also postmaster of Newville. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. 

Wicks, J. D., German Flats, was born in Brooklyn, N. T., January 29, 1849, and 
learned his profession of electro-metallurgist in New York city. He has been in Ilion 
five years and does all the electro-plating for the Typewriter company. He is an Odd 
Fellow, and a member of the Royal Arcanum and Knights of Pythias. In 1873 Mr. 
Wicks married Ida A. Crissey and they have one son, Charles D. Wicks. J. Leander 
Wicks, father of J. D., is a sea captain, and the family have all been seafaring men for 
generations. 

Wilson, A. C, Fairfield, is a native of the town of Manheim and was born in 1847. 
He works the Teall farm, owned jointly by Mrs. Wilson and her sister, Marion E. Teall, 
a farm of 200 acres and a herd of forty cows. In 1875 he married Miss Sarah C. Teall, 
daughter of S. Teall, and they have a family of three children, two sons and one 
daughter. Mr. Wi'son has been a .successful man and has been commissioner of high- 
ways. He is a member of the grange and of the Republican party. His grandfather 
was a resident of Jefferson county and his father, Daniel C. Wilson, was a well-known 
citizen of Fairfield. 

Wayne, William, Frankfort, was born in New Scotland, Albany county, June 12, 
1849. His father was Anthony Wayne, and his mother Elizabeth (Reid) Wayne. His 
grandfather, George Wayne, was also born on the family homestead in New Scotland. 
His great-grandfather, Anthony Wayne, came from Derbyshire, England, about the 
year 1770. Soon after the close of the war he came to this country and settled in New 
Scotland. In 1785 he gave a half acre of ground for educational purposes and to-day 
a new school buiHing stands upon the spot. William Wayne was married January 10, 
1S83, to Glenova Becker, of Central Bridge, a daughter of Abram and Ellen (Wands) 
Becker. They have one son, Raymond B. Wayne. Since 1870 Mr. Wayne has done 
business as a carpenter and builder, living in Frankfort since 1884, engaging in building 
3,nd selling houses— employing some fifteen men in his business. 



118 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Weigand, A. E., German Flats, was born in Berlin, Prussia, April 6, 1853, and there 
learned the trade of designer and woodcarver. He came to Ilion in 18V8, and has since 
been a oontraotor in the armory, doing all the ornamenting and chequering on the gun 
stocks. He was the first to educate women in this art and employ them in America. 
In 1878 he married Sarah Miller, daughter of Adolphus Miller, a clergyman of Cleve- 
land, O. 

Warner, Robert, W., M. D., German Flats, is a native of Baltimore, Md., and was 
born January 23, 1859. He studied in Ilion Academy and with Dr. Maben, and grad- 
uated in 1880 fr"m Albany Medical College, the same year opening an office in Ilion. 
He is a member of the Herkimer Count}' Medical Society; of Ilion Lodge, No. 591, F. 
and A. M.; Iroquois Chapter, No. 230, R. A. M., and Khorassan Grotto, No. 2, Veiled 
Prophets. He was coroner for six years and health officer for about the same length of 
time. He is now first lieutenant and assistant surgeon of the Thirty-first Separate com- 
pany, N. G. S. N. Y. In 1886 he married Louise M. Schmidt, of Ilion. 

Weaver, Walter, Dolgeville, was born in Oppenheim, July 10, 18G8. He received a 
good common school education, and was then engaged in farming fc r six seasons. After 
this he became clerk tor a prominent house in Dolgeville, and after serving in that 
capacity for over two years, he established his present shoe and men's furnishing estab- 
lishment. Mr. Weaver is of Mohawk Dutch descent, and of Revolutionary antecedents. 
He is a member of the Good Templars and Knights of S. F. I. He is an active mem- 
ber of the Methodist chuch, Epworth League, etc. 

Whitfield, Walter, German Flats, was born in Manchester, England, in 1844, and 
came to America in 1850, settling in Ilion. He was for many years in the gun shops 
here, in the pistol department. He entered the armory in 1859, but has been in the 
Typewriter company since its organization. In 18(Jl he enlisted in the 101st New 
York Infantry, and served two years. Mr. Whitfield is a Mason, and a member of the 
Little Falls Commandery, No. 26. In 1865 he married Emily lies, and they have three 
children living. 

Whitney, Henry G., German Flats, was born in German Flats, January 28, 1836, 
and remained on the farm until about twenty-eight years of age, when he went into 
the livery business and remained up to the present year. He is interested in trotting 
stock. He is a Mason and an active Republican. In February, 1872, Mr. Whitney 
married Blmira L. Folts and they have one son, Frank C, who is a law student. 

Wright, Isaac, Stark. For six generations the Wright family have lived and tilled 
the soil in this town. Isaac Wright's father was in the war of 1812, and his grand- 
father was in the War of the Revolution. One brother and three nephews participated 
in the War of the Rebellion, one of the latter died in Andersonville, and his brother re- 
ceived a wound which ultimately resulted in his death. Squire Wright was born in 
1815 on the homestead farm. He married Catie M. Deck, by whom he has had seven 
children, four of whom survive. He owns a dairy farm of 100 acres and keeps twenty- 
five head of stock. Mr. Wright was elected justice of the peace, which position he held 
sixteen years He has also served as inspector of elections, commissioner of highways, 
etc.; inspector of schools in 1838, assessor and notary public. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. llS 

Watts, X W., German Flats, was born in Scotland in 186G and was brought to this 
country in his infancy. He studied at Whitesboro Seminary, and for the bar in the 
office of Goodwin & Swan, of Utica, and was admitted to the bar April 20, 1889. He 
has fine abilities and has advanced himself to his present position at the bar by his rare 
energy. He opened an office in Mohawk in October, 3892, and still retains his office 
in Utica. His father, James Watts, resides in Whitesboro, and is an inspector of the 
New York Mills. 

Wetherwax, A. L., Little Falls, proprietor of the Rockton House, Little Falls, has 
been one of the greatest cheese dealers and manufacturers of this Slate or country. He 
has made 4,.500,000 pounds of cheese, and of this he made 3,500,000 in the Newville 
factory, which he conducted for eleven years. He took a prize for his cheese at the 
Centennial exposition in 1876. In 1869 he made four large cheeses for a Christmas 
dinner in London, England, weighing 980 pounds, and in 1870 made four more for the 
same party, weighing 1,380 pounds, and for all these got 24 cents per pound, when the 
best cheese was selling for 17 cents. He first made cheese in Oneida in 1864, and a 
year latter came to Manheim. In 1868 he came to Newville. In his commission busi- 
ness he was very successful, and in one day (September 10, 1887,) bought $12,700 
worth of cheese for J. S. Martin & Co., of No. 168 Chambers street. New York. Mr. 
Wetherwax is a native of this State, and his ancestors came from Germany about cwo 
centuries ago. He was born in 1831. 

Wallace, Rev. P. F., Frankfort, pastor of St. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic church, 
was born in Ireland, and educated at All Hallows College, Dublin. He came to this 
country in 1881 and entered St. Joseph's Seminary at Troy, N. Y., studying for the 
priesthood. He was ordained in 1886 and appointed assistant priest at St. John's 
church, Albany, where he remained for six years. Appointed to this parish by Right 
Rev. Bishop McNeirny, of Albany, he came to Frankfort, April 19, 1892, he being the 
first resident pastor. Rev. James Halpin, of Herkimer, having officiated heretofore. A 
fine parochial residence is being erected beside the church, under the supervision of Fr. 
Wallace. 

Walrath E. M., Little Falls, was born in the town of Danube, but has spent all his 
business life in Little Falls. He has been engaged in the grocery business for about 
eleven years. He is a member of the American Mechanics, acd a Democrat in politics. 
Mr. Walrath comes of an old historic family. His mother was a great-grandniece of 
General Herkimer. His great-great-grandfather, Henry Walrath, was in the battle of 
Oriskany, and at the close of the battle, while still enveloped in the smoke, he, with 
several others, were standing together, talking of the incidents of the day, when one 
of the party was shot down and very soon another and another until all but two or 
three were shot before they found their assailant, who was a wounded Indian, lying 
beside an old log near by. His grandfather, Moses Walrath, was in the war of 1812. 

Wakeman, Ward, Little Falls, a farmer, resides about three miles north of the 
vil'age of Little Falls, and was born on the old Wakeman homestead, adjoining his 
present home. His grandfather came from Connecticut about the year 1800, and the 
family has resided here ever since. His "father's name was J. B. Wakeman. Ward 
Wakeman married Ella J. Skinner, who died July, 1891. 



120 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Wooster, Joseph T., Newport, is a native of FairBeld, Herkimer county, and a son 
of Dr. Joseph and Nancy Picl^ert Wooster, who settled in Middleville about 1830 from 
Oneida county, as a physician, which profession he followed until his death in 1846. 
His wife, Nancy, died m 1887. They had two children, Elizabeth, who died in 1884, 
and Joseph T., who was born in May, 1844. He entered the Newport National Bank 
as cashier in 1874, which position he has since held. September 27, 1888, he married 
Elda A., daughter of Elisba Smith. They have two sons, Joseph T. jr., and Charles S. 
Mr. Wooster's mother was a native of Manheim, Herkimer county, N. Y. 

Ward, Henry L., Fairfield, is a native of Eatonville, and was born February 7, 1813. 
His father came there about 1792, and was among the earliest settlers of that part. 
Henry L. Ward has been a very successful man and has gained the highest esteem of 
all who know him. He was for many years a resident of Newport, and was supervisor 
of that town six years, and inspector of the count}' house five years. In 1850 he mar- 
ried Bula A. Martin, and they have three sons living: H. Judd, Frank M. and Bela J. 

Williams, J. K., Fairfield, is a native of Fulton county and started life as a farmer, 
working for J. W. Windecker. On March 25th, 1862, he began cheese making, making 
dairy cheese at home for J. H. Ives, near Fairfield villaee. He also works a 200-acre 
farm for Mr. Ives and has been doing so for seven years. In 1868 Mr. Williams mar- 
ried Miss Mary Carney and they have seven children. The annual make of the fac- 
tory is about 25,000 pounds. 

Weller, W. F., German Flats, was born in Ilion, August 23, 1863, and after clerking 
for some time established his grocery and meat business here in 1889. In 1887 he 
married Miss Cora Ackler ; they have a family of three daughters. His parents were 
John and Anna (Horner) Weller. 

Whiting, James F., Fairfield, was born in Oneida county, May 8, 1847, but moved 
to Middleville with his parents at the age of twelve. February 4, 1864, at the early 
age of seventeen, he enlisted in Company C, Second N. Y. Heavy Artillery, which 
served as foot soldiers and participated in seventeen battles with the Army of the 
Potomac. In August, 1864. he was appointed corporal ; in October, 1864, sergeant, 
and in June, 1865, first sergeant of his company; was honorably discharged after the 
close of the war, the 29th day of September, 1865. In 1868 Mr. Whiting married 
Carrie Farrell and they have had six children, three sons and three daughters. Mr. 
Whiting started his tin, sheet iron and stove, hardware and plumbing business, and by 
strict attention to business has enlarged it each year. 

Winegar, Robert D., German Flats, was born in Ilion May 27, 1869. and learned 
with his father the art of rifling gun barrels. His father, Richard L. Winegar, was for 
thirty-three years a contractor in the Remington Armory, and when he left to look 
after interests in the south, Robert D. succeeded him, and is the youngest contractor 
in the armory. He is a Mason, a member of the Knights of Birmingham, and of the 
Veiled Prophets and Knights of Pythias. Mr. R. L. Winegar achieved fame by making 
the highest score in the world at Creedmore, shooting 223 points out of a possible 225, 
at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 121 

Wolf, Frederick, Dolgeville, was born in Geimany April 23, 1843. Prior to coming 
to this country, Mr. Wolf wes engaged in the manufacturing business from 1858 to 
1880 in Leipsic. In the latter part of 1880 he came to America and entered the employ 
of Alfred Dolge (who i» his brother-in-law) as overseer of the lumber and felt depart- 
ments. Mr. Wolf has been very active and influential in local affairs here. He was 
the originator of the German Club, also a member of the Volunteer Fire Department 
for ten years, a director in the Aid Society, a member of the school board, also of the 
health board and of other associations both social and benevolent. His wife wag Miss 
Horn, a sister of Mrs. Alfred Dolge, and Mr. Wolf has a family of five children living. 
His oldest son is an assistant m Mr. Dolge's New York office, and his oldest daughter 
is a teacher in the Dolgeville Kindergarten School. 

Wilson, Sylvester, Herkimer, was born in the town of Stark August 15, 1847. He 
received his education in the schools of Herkimer and commenced life as a painter and 
marble cutter, in which lines he has worked here for eighteen years, being engaged in 
one shop for nine years. In 1875 Mr. Wilson was elected constable and chief cf police 
under the old board. In 1887 he was appointed chief under the new board of the paid 
department, which position he most acceptably filled until 1891, when he was elected 
sheriff of Herkimer county, being elected in a Republican county of 800 to 1,000 ma- 
jority upon a Democratic ticket with a majority of 178. Sheriff Wilson is a leader of 
the celebrated Glee Club which has participated for so many years in political campaigns. 
His wife was Miss Jennie Hall of Norway. They have two children. 

Western, Benjamin E., Norway, was born in Norway May 12, 1840. He is a son of 
Joseph and Hannah Western. (See Samuel J. Western's sketch). Benjamin E. was 
educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and lumberman. His wife is Sarah 
M. Wood, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Wheelock and Hannah Wood, who ha" e 
four sons and six daughters. The children of Benjamin E. Western are: Jennie, 
Charlie, Cylvina and Walter. Mr. Western is a Democrat. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church at Black Creek. 

Witherstine, William, Herkimer, was born in the town of Herkimer September 25, 
1853. His father, David Witherstine, who was a farmer, died on the 8th day of April, 
1864, leaving a widow and five children : Charles, Horace, William, Margaret and 
Martha, being the only children of a second wife. The Witherstine family is one of the 
old families of New York State. His grandfather, John Witherstine, was a soldier of 
the Revolution, having entered the American army at the opening of hostilities in the 
Mohawk Valley and served with honor during the entire struggle of the colonies for 
independence. His mother, Margaret Petrie, was a granddaughter of Dr. Wm. Petrie, 
who amputated the limb of General Herkimer after he was wounded at the battle of 
Oriskany. Mr. Witherstine received his early education in the common schools of 
Herkimer and afterwards attended school at Fairfield Seminary, from which he grad- 
uated in 1878. After teaching school for some time he entered the law office of Smith 
& Steele, in Herkimer and began the study of law. He was admitted to the bar Oc- 
tober 10, 1884, and in the following May opened an office in the Democrat Block in 
Herkimer, where he is still engaged in a large and increasing practice of his profession. 



122 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

He has been twice elected justice of the peace and for five years has been a member of 
the Board of Education, of which he is now president. He has always taken a deep 
interest in the schools, and is identified with all the social and benevolent enterprises of 
the village. In the spring of 1892 he was elected to the office of president of the vil- 
lage by the largest majority ever given to a candidate for that office, thus showing the 
high esteem in which he was held by the citizens of that village. Mr. Withersline was 
married December 25, 1878, to Miss Mary Western of Norway, Herkimer country, N. 
Y., and has two children, Charles J. and Emma. He has only one brother now living, 
Dr. H. H. Witherstine, a prominent physician, also mayor of Rochester, Minn. Mr. 
Witherstine is a member of the Reformed church of Herkimer, and also one of the 
Y. M. C. A. of the same place. 

Wagner, Oscar, Frankfort, was born in Prussia, July 6, 1862. He was one of six 
children of William and Mathilde Wagner. He was educated in the schools of the 
city of Bromberg. In addition to the languages, etc., he was given the benefits of a 
scientific education. When twenty years of age he came to this country, locating in 
Frankfort, some nine and a half years. In 1888 he went into general contracting and 
building. In 1889 he erected a building, the first floor of which he occupies as a 
grocery and general store. It is a fine three-story building 30x80 feet, the upper 
floors of which are used as tenements. He also owns four other dwellings arranged 
for two families each. He is one of the thrifty men of the town. He was married 
March 10, 1886, to Bertha Koeppe, a native of Prussia. 

Waite, Eben Britton. — The subject of this sketch was born in the village of Little 
Falls, December 25, 1820, and is a son of Job and Rebecca Waite. His education, 
which began at an early age, was completed in the village schools, where he was a 
diligent and proficient student. Mr. Waite commenced his business career in 1836, 
acting as clerk for Jacob W. Dygert, who kept a store on the canal, near the Aqueduct. 
He remained in this position one year, when he accepted a clerkship with John Beards- 
lee in a grocery and provision store on Main street. Holding this place three years, 
on April 1, 1890, he entered the canal warehouse of Page & Priest. In the spring of 
1845 he rented a canal warehouse and grocery store of Major Frederick Bellinger, of 
Mohawk, located at the Herkimer upjer bridge. The situation being undesirable, he 
returned to Little Falls in 1846 and took charge, as manage"- of the canal warehouse, 
and line of boats running between that place and New York city. In 1850 he left 
this situation, and traveled two years for health and recreation. In 1852 he formed 
a co-partnership with William Page, to develop a water power on Seely Island and 
build a paper mill. In 1854, selling his interest in this enterprise to Mr. Page and his 
son, he bought and developed three water lots on the north side of the Mohawk river 
at the lower falls. Tlie dvelopment of these lots was a work of considerable magni- 
tude. A channel thirty-two feet wide and seventeen feet deep at the highest point 
was blasted through the solid rock, opening into the waters of the Mohawk. It was 
controlled by a bulkhead, and, with a portion of the old Inland Lock and Navigation 
Company's canal, which was reconstructed, formed the mill canal. April 30, 1857 Mr. 
Waite formed a co-partnership with Seth M. and Alvin Richmond, under the firm 



FAMILY SKETCHES 123 

name of E. B. Waite & Co., for the purpose of building and operating a paper-mill. 
This business was successfully continued until March 13, 1889, when the property was 
sold to the Little Falls Paper Company. Mr. Waite, since 1889, has lived a retired life 
at his residence, 320 South Ann street, in the village of Little Fall?. He married, 
August 14, 1867, Miss Helen Case, daughter of Morgan E. Case, of Fairfield. Thev 
have two children, a son, Eben Britton, jr., born August 25, 1869. and a daughter, 
Cora, born February 16, 1872, both of whom reside at the family mansion. 

White, Franklin, Warren, was born in Braintree, Mass., and is a son of Calvin and 
Margery White, who were the parents of four sons and four daughters. Our subject 
moved to Albany when young and engaged in the hotel business at the stock yards. In 
1871 he located on a farm of 100 acres west of Little Lakes and now owns 200 acres. 
His wife was Ann E. Gallup, a daughter of Nathaniel Gallup, born at Stonington, 
Conn., October 16, 1799, and died at the residence of our subject in April, 1878. He 
was twice married. Mrs. Franklin White received an excellent education in Albany 
Female Academy, and graduated from a private academy in 18.50. She is the mother 
of five children: Martha G., Frank H., Anna E., Alice and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. 
White are members of the Episcopal church. Their son, Frank H., who was born in 
Albany, May 26, 1863, has charge of the farm and is a breeder of Hambletonian 
horses. 

Watkins James H. .1., Schuyler, a native of Wales, was born in 1843, and came to 
America in 1853. He was educated in Fairfield Academy and Madison University, 
and was ordained a Baptist minister in 1866, having charge of the Baptist church at 
Harpersville for some time. He is now a journalist and farmer. He has been clerk 
of the board of supervisors and justice of the peace for twenty years. In 1887 he 
edited the Frankfort Register. In 1868 he married M I. Richardson, and they have 
two children, William C. B. Watkins and Grace Watkins. 

Weatherbee, Elias B., Warren, is a son of Brayton A. and Philena H. (Bell) Weather- 
bee. His grandfather was Alvin, who was a son of Lucius, who came from Bellow's 
Falls, Vt., about 1805 and built a tannery. He died in 1834, leaving one son, Alvin, 
born in 1798. He died in 1884 and his wife at an earlier date. They had four chil- 
dren : Brayton A., Alvin E., Emmagene and Leona. Brayton A. Weatherbee was 
born July 16, 1820, at Page's Corners. At the age of eighteen he engaged in the 
grocery business, which he conducted till 1849, when he engaged in milling and tanning. 
He owns 250 acres, grist mill tannery, with one of the best water powers in the coun- 
try, coming from springs on the farm. _ The pond is well stocked with trout. He has a 
fine residence. He has also invented, made and had patented a stone gathering ma- 
chine, which works well. He is a director of the First National Bank of Richfield 
Springs, a stockholder in and director of the National Mohawk Valley bank, and was 
active in securing the railroad to Richfield Springs. He married in 1851, Philena, 
daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Patterson) Bell, who bore him four children : Rose P., 
wife of Walton D. Gregory, of Newark, N. J. ; Elias B., Willard R. and Hattie E., 
(deceased). Mrs. Weatherbee died in 1880. She was a member of the Universalist 
church. 



124 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Woodhull, W. B., M. D., Russia, was born in Painesville, Ohio, May 12, 1858, a son 
of Josiah, a son of Ricliard Woodhull, a native of England, who came to Long Island, 
where he died, about 1830. Josiah Woodhull was born in Long Island in 1829, and 
was a contractor and builder. He married Amanda Strong, a native of Long Island, 
by whom he had two sons, W. B. being the oldest. He was educated in the public 
schools of Long Island and in St. Barnabas Hall Academy, graduating from the latter 
in 1873. He spent one year at gea, three years as clerk and one year as merchant. At 
the age of twenty-one he began the study of medicine with Dr. IT. M. Ives, at Hastings, 
an'l afterwards graduated from New York University in 1882. He immediately be- 
gan practicing liis profession, coming to Poland in 1885, where he has been very suc- 
cessful. In 1882 he married Mary, daughter of John and Helen (Sperry) Ackley, of 
Connecticut, and they have two children, Helen and Clarence S. He is a Republican, 
a member of Herkimer County Medical society, and a member of South Side Lodge, 
No. 493, F. & A. M., in Long Island. 

Worden, JeflTerson, Russia, was born in Remsen, Oneida county, March 23, 1838. 
His father was Isaac, a son of John Worden, who was for many years a resident of 
Oneida county, afterwards coming to Russia. His wife was Rebecca Clyde, a native 
of New England, by whom he had five sons. Mr. Worden died about 1848. and his 
wife died in 1862, at the age of 102. Isaac Worden was born m Oneida county, 
and there married Asia Nichols, a native of that county. They had eleven children. 
Mr. Worden was a farmer and lumberman. His wife died about 1840 and he married 
Desire Clough, by whom he had one child. Mr. Worden died in 1877, and his second 
wife in 1887 Subject came to Russia at the age of twenty-one. In 1859 he married 
Lavina Farley, a native of Prospect, born in 1843. They had six sons and six daugh- 
ters. Mr. Worden is a farmer and lumberman. He has always been a Democrat. 

Wheeler, Henry H., Winfield, assistant cashier of the First National Bank of West 
Winfield, is one of the firiti of C. D & H. H. Wheeler, proprietors of the Unadilla Valley 
stock farm. He was for some time a member of the board of education of this town. He 
was bo'n at Leonardsville, December 29, 1857, and settled in West Winfield, about 1870. 
He married Julia Tyler, and they have four children : Harry D., Louise W., Stuart T. and 
Agnes H. Wheeler. Henry IT. is a son of John 0. Wheeler, the cashier of this bank, 
and for many years of the bank at Leonardsville. He married Rebecca, a daughter 
of Dennis Hardin, who for many years was supervisor of Brookfield, Madison county. 
He was also a prominent banker and politician, having been member of Assembly 
from his district. 

Williams, Stillman, Winfield, dairy farmer of Winfield, was born November 23, 
1830. He is a son of Anthony Williams, a native of Rhode Island, born April 
15, 1799, who came to this town with his father, Festus Williams, who was one 
of the first settlers of Columbia, near Miller's Mills. His father was^ohn,' a Bap- 
tist minister of the Revolution, and chaplain under General Washington. Stillman 
Williams married, 1860, Lydia King, and they have eight children living: Jane, 
Nellie,- Mary, Hortence, Alberta, Ada, Stillman, jr., and Henry Williams, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 125 

Wheeler, Charles D., Win field, was born in Leonardsville, Madison county, April 
18, 1859, and settled in Winfield in 1880. He was supervisor of Winfield in 1887. 
He is vice-president of the First National Bank of West Winfield, and is the senior 
member of the firm of C. D. & H. H. Wheeler of the Unadilla Valley Stock Farm. 
He married, December 2, 1879, Fanny A. Spencer, and they have two sons : Henry 
Hill and Frederick Spencer. Charles D. is a son of John 0. Wheeler, the cashier 
of First National Bank of West AVinfield, and he is a son of Prentiss Wheeler. 
Charles D. Wheeler was postmaster of West Winfield from 1881 to 1884. He is a 
member of Winfield Lodge 581, F. & A. M., Richfield Springs Chapter 222, R. A. 
M., Utica Commandery K. T., No. 3, and the Syracuse Consistory. He was for some 
years editor and proprietor of the West Winfield News. At the age of fifteen he en- 
tered the West Winfield Academy and remained two years. In 1875 he entered the 
Grammar School at Clinton, and graduated in the class of 1877. His father, John 0. 
Wheeler, present cashier of the First National Bank of West Winfield, was for several 
years cashier of the First National Bank at Leonardsville, Madison county. His 
mother was Rebecca E. Hardin, daughter of Dennis Hardin, a prominent banker 
and politician formerly of Brookfield, Madison county, N. T. 

Wadsworth, Joel, Winfield, was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, November 
5, 1800. He was a son of Timothy, a native of Connecticut, one of the first settlers of 
Oneida county ; who when he came to this locality found but two or three small houses. 
He settled in the eastern part of the town of New Hartford, where he died November 
15, 1847. Lydia, his wife, died June 11, 1848. Joel Wadsworth settled in Winfield 
about 1833 and has lived in this town ever since. He has been strictly a temperance 
man all this time. He belongs to the First M. E. Church of West Winfield. His 
father had six sons and six daughters. They were all members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church. There are but three of them living : Joel, Nancy, and Maria. Mr. 
Wadsworth attends the M. E. church, having been a member since 1825, and is a very 
active worker. Joel Wadsworth married first, Sarah Goodier, who died January 22, 
1861. She was the mother of four children : Hester Ann, who married Albert Crumb ; 
George H., who married Henrietta Stout ; Emily H., who married Alvin Day, and 
Lizzie H., who married Dr. Orrin Wilcox. He married second, Roxey (Beals) Dunham, 
who died March 6, 1883. His third wife was Lucretia Peck, the widow of Alexander 
Dewey. She was married to Mr. Wadsworth April 17, 1884. 

Wood, Palmer M., Herkimer, was born in the town of German Flats, January 18, 
1839, in which vicinity his ancestors located early in the century, originally coming 
from New England. Mr. Wood was educated in the schools of this vicinity and 
those of Columbia and Warren. He followed farming until 1880, having purchased 
155 acres of land in the spring of 1860. In 1868 he married Jennie M. Ward, a daugh- 
ter of Artemas Ward, and has a family of four daughters and two sons. Mr. Wood 
has been identified with political matters in a marked degree, being the accredited 
manager of Warner Miller's campaign. In 1879 he was elected Herkimer county 
clerk, which oflice he held for six years. In 1881 he was chairman of the Republican 
county committee, holding this position until 1887, and in 1878 was chairman of 



126 HISTORT OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Wood is a Mason and identified with other local and 
benevolent institutions. He is largely interested in real estate in Herkimer and also 
at Kettle Falls, Washington, and is largely engaged in the coal and wood traffic here. 

Lovenheim, I. N., Little Falls, conducts a variety establishment in the village of Lit- 
tle Falls. Hi i stock consists of dry goods, crockery, fancy good.«, house furnishings, 
etc., and a good trade is enjoyed and several assi.<;tants are employed. The business 
was inaugurated in 1888. The senior member of the firm (which consists of I. N. 
Lovenheim & Brother), is in Europe at the present writing. His house enjoys a first 
class reputation for liberal dealing with the public of Herkimer county. 

Hurlbut, George H., Newport, was born in the town of Norway, November 1, 1826, 
a son of William H. and Chloe (Hull) Hurlbut. She was a native of Newport and a 
daughter of Joseph Hull. She was born January 1. 1800, and died November 13, 
1870. William H. Hurlbut came to Newport at about twenty years of age, but re- 
turned to Norway and remained till 1867. He died in Newport in 1887 in his ninety- 
fourth year. He had three children, William D., George H. and Horace L., all married. 
The grandfather and grandmother were Presbyterians, the former being associate 
judge of Herkimer county. William H. was a son of Daniel and Hannah (Cole) Hurl- 
but, who came from Connecticut and settled in Salisbury. George H. married Harriet 
O. Scott in September, 1852, and they have one daughter, Clara B. Mrs. Hurlbut died 
September 12. 1866, and Mr. Hurlbut married second, Mary L. Scott, on June 12, 
1868; They have two sons, George B. and Harry H. The subject of this sketch is a 
merchant, also a member of Newport Lodge No. 455. of which he acted as secretary 
for nineteen years. He was also junior warden. He is a Republican and postmaster 
of Newport under Garfield and Harrison. He has held the ofSces of supervisor, town 
clerk, president and trustee of the village several years. He was a member of the 
Board of Education five years, and a member of the Republican county committee in 
1891. 

ZoUer, Jacob, Little Falls, was born in Minden, Montgomery county, N. Y. He es- 
tablished himself in business over forty years ago in the produce and provision lines in 
Montgomery county. He was one of the first who commenced to lime eggs, in 
which he has been engaged since his entrance into the busines.s. Mr. Zoller is 
njw located on East Mill street, where be has extensive warehouses and facilities. 
He conducts a wholesale cheese, egg, butter and pork packing business. 

Spall, Jacob, Russia, was born in Germany, August 17, 1840, a son of George Spall, 
a native of Germany, born 1810. The wife of George was Mary Spall, by whom he 
had five children. He came to the United States in 1884 and settled in Trenton, Oneida 
county. Here he remained two years and then went to Russia and settled on the farm 
now owned by Jacob. Here he remained until his death in 1882. The first wife of 
George Spall died in 1867, and his second wife in 1887. He was sixteen years of age 
when he came with his parents to America. In 1867 he married Lana Smeary, by 
whom he had six children : John, George, Henry, Jacob, Fred and Willie, all of whom 
are living. Mr. Spall has two hundred acres of land and keeps a laree dairv. In 
politics he is a Republican. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 127 

Snell, Joseph L., Ohio, was born in Rensselatr county, near Troy, in 1827. Eis 
father was Robert Snell jr., a native of Massachusetts, who came when a young man to 
Rensselaer county, and there married Maria Mykell, a native of Troy, and had five 
children. Mr. Snell was a millwright by trade. In 1843 he Fettled on the farm now 
occupied by the subject of this sketch, and there lived and died. He was a Democrat 
and a Mason, and was commissioner of highways three years. His death occurred 
September 8, 1872, and that of his wife February 20, 1867. Robert Snell, grandfather 
of the subject, was in the war of 1812, and his great-grandfather was in the Revolu- 
tionary war. Joseph L. Snell was reared and educated in the city of Troy. At the 
age of sixteen he came to Ohi". October 14, 1849, he married Lana A. De Long of 
Washington county, who bore him three children : Mary E., Harriet M., and Ruth A. 
March 30, 1858, Mrs. Snell died, and he married Violette Pooler, of Russia, and had by 
her one child, Ella B. Mr. Snell is a farmer, and also works at the carpenter trade. 
He is a Democrat and has been highway commissioner one term. 

Tliorp, John J., Litchfield, proprietor of the Cedarville Hotel, w,is born in Rural 
Grove, Mon'gomery county, September 26, 1848, and settled in Danube in 18,59. He 
is a son ofj Prof. Joshua Thorp, who spent most of his life in teaching. He was for 
some time principal of the academy at Onondaga Valley, N. Y., and also of the High 
School at Watertown. He was a very successful teacher and lecturer, and was in the 
war of the Rebellion. He was a son of Ebenezer Deacon Thorp, one of the pioneer 
settlers of Root, Montgomery county. John J. Thorp married Ella Young, of German 
Flats, and they have four children living : Benjamin F., Raymond J., Mabel J., and 
Ethel Thorp. Professor Joshua Thorp mahied Miss Catharine Shull the daughter of 
Jacob Shull of Danube, Herkimer county, New York. She was the mother of John 
J. and Louisa A. Thorp. 

Meagher, John, of LHt'e Falls, is a native of Ireland. He was born in 1835 and 
came to America in 1846. He learned the trade of tanner in Boston. In 1853 he 
went into business in Boston, which he gave up during the crisis of 1860. He 
then went west and took a position in Rockford, 111. . In 1875 he moved to Chi- 
cago, becoming superintendent for Ingle Brothers. Subsequently he was super- 
intendent for Gray, Clark & Co. for five years. After filling other responsible posi- 
tions he became superintendent for J. S. Barnett in 1888, and has done much toward 
attaining the high name the leather of this factory possesses. In 1853 Mr. Meagher 
married Mary Slattery and they have six children living, two sons and four daugh- 
ters. Both sons work in the tannery with their father, Thomas F. having charge 
of the up stairs. 

Senior, Frank, Little Falls, is'a native of that village. He was born in the year 1862. 
His father was of English descent and was a co-partner of Titus Sheard in the house 
of Senior & Sheard, manufacturers. Frank Senior was educated in the schools of this 
village and in 1876 commenced working for Mr. Sheard at three shillings per day. He 
worthily upheld the reputation of his house and after successively passing through 
all departments, was through merit admitted to a partnership in the Titus Sheard com- 
pany, when but twenty-one years of age, of which he is now treasurer. Mr. Senior is 



128 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

identified with local social, political and benevolent institutions such as Elks, Royal 
Arcanum, fire and police commissioners, etc., and is an honorary member of the fire 
department. He married Elizabeth Herbert of Franklin county and has two children. 

Smith, John H., Little Falls, was born in England, coming to this country when but 
four years old, with his parents. They located at Sandy Hill, Washington county. 
Here John secured his educational advantages and learned the paper- making trade. 
In 1852 he went to California where he was signally ."successful returnirg in 1860 to 
Little Falls and establishing a shoddy mill. In 1864 be ccmmenced the manufaclure 
of knit stockings; in 1864 he moved his plant to Watertown ; in 1868 he sold the 
Watertown mill and returned to Little Falls, and in 1887 built his present splendid 
plant on Moss island, which site he purchased. He employs fifty-five hands manufac- 
turing wool extracts and shoddy and has two sons both assisting him in the manage- 
ment of the enterprise. He married a daughter of Col. Leonard Boyer of Little Falls 
and has four children living. 

O'Rourk & Hurley, dealers in drugs, oils, paints, etc., Little Falls, commenced busi- 
ness in April, 1892. Mr. John Hurley is a native of Little Falls and has always been 
in the drug line. He graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1885 and is a 
member of the New York State Pharmaceutical Society. He is a Republican in pol- 
itics and treasurer of the Republican club. At the present age of thirty- one he has by 
his own industry and ability advanced himself to his present prosperous condition. His 
wife IS a sister of Mr. O'Rourke, the senior member of the firm, who is also a young 
man. and a member of the fire department and the Republican party. He was book- 
keeper for Lintner & Babcock for ten years prior to the formation of the present part- 
nership. 

Frateschi, Paola, German Flats, is a native of Italy, and has been in this country 
twenty years. He has been very successful in business, and owns one of the finest 
blocks in Ilion. In 1875 he married Mary Dellaca, and they have one child. 

Ingraham, Fernando C, Salisbury, was born in Mayfield, Montgomery county, April 
23, 1811. He learned the trade of harness-making early in life with his father, and 
when eighteen years of age left home and established a shop for himself at Union 
Mills. This he conducted until 1861, when he bought the Empire House at Salisbury 
Centre, which he has since owned and run. He married Angeline North of Montgom- 
ery county, and they have eight children, six of whom survive. Mrs. Ingraham died 
a year ago. He has served as deputy sheriff, justice of the peace, etc. 

Ward, Hiram, Stark, was born on the farm where he now resides, March 30, 1826, a 
son of John A. and Catherine (Shafl'er) Ward ; his grandfather was a pioneer of Stark, 
who was born March 20, 1744, and served in the Revolutionary War as a private. He 
raised tour sons and three daughters, and died on the farm in 1822. John A. Ward was 
born October 17, 1792, served in the War of 1812; he was a AVhig and a Republican 
He died in 1857, aged sixty-five, his wife died in 1869, aged seventy-five years. They 
had seven children : Maria (deceased), Levi (deceased), Liza Ann (deceased), David, 
Hiram, Ephraim and Daniel are now living. Hiram lived with his parents and took 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 129 

charge of the farm which he now owns, buying out the other heirs. In politics he is a 
Republican. He married, December 31, 1857, Marinda Bronner, daughter of Frederick 
and Eliza (Shaul) Bronner. Her father served as supervisor, was a Republican. They 
had eleven children. Her grandfather, Frederick Bronner, was a pioneer of Stark. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Ward have had two children : Charles H. and Libbie M. 

Wightman, AbelG. (deceased), was born in Warren July 21, 1832, a son of Timothy 
and Phila (Bronson) Wightman. The grandfather was Allen, whose ancestors came 
from the Isle of Wight. AJlen was born in Connecticut and came here about 1800, and 
settled east of Jordanville, where he resided until his death. His wife was a Miss Ran- 
dall, and they raised four sons and two daughters. Timothy A., was born in Warren 
in 1800. He was a justice and was a Republican. He was twice married; his first 
wife bore him two children : Mary Mix and our subject. His second wife was Cath- 
arine Sanford, who died in July, 1882. Subject received a district and academic educa- 
tion, and was an active Republican. In early life he went to Illinois and Utah, and 
speculated in stocks. He was also a surveyor. He returned to Warren and engaged 
in farming ; and in later days he followed the saddler's business. He ditd September 
23, 1883. He married, January 5, 1865, Jane L. Sanford, born SepttmVer 11, 1837, a 
daughter of Rodney and Catherine 0. (Mix) Sanford, a descendant of the Sanfords 
who landed at Plymoth Rock. He was born at New London, and was a soldier in the 
Revolution. He was at New York at the evacuation and followed the sea for many 
years. In November, 1800, he came with his family to Warren, and located on ninety 
acres, one mile west of Jordanville. His wife was Lavinia Egerton, who bore him nine 
children : Joseph, Kingsbury, Asa, Giles, Ralph, Ezra, Rodney, Lavinia and Laura. 
Rodney was born in Connecticut February 17, 1794, and died in 1852, aged fifty-eight. 
He was a colonel of militia. He owned 160 acres at his death, and his wife survives. 
She was born in Columbia March 28, 1816, daughter of John and Margaret (Ovendorff'; 
Mix of German Flats. 

Willoughby, Daniel C, Russia, was born in Newport in 1819. His father was James, 
a son of Westel Willoughby. James was born in Massachusetts in 1773. His wife was 
Annie Cole, a native of Massachusetts, by wlom he had two sons and ten daughters, of 
whom two daughters and subject only are living. Mr. Willoughby came to Norway in 
1795, where he built the first house and barn. During the winter seasons he made 
spinning wheels. His brother. Dr. Westel Willoughby, was one of the original professors 
of Fairfield Seminary, and was the founder of Willoughby College of Ohio. He prac- 
iced medicine in Herkimer county many years. His wife was Sallie Cole, an aunt of 
Daniel C. James Willoughby died in 1856, and his wife in 1854 at the of seventy-six 
years. Daniel C. has lived on the farm where he was born sixty-eight years. In 1840 
he married Caroline M. Carpenter, a native of Cold Brook, born in 1823. Her parents 
were Daniel and Temperance (Warfield) Carpenter, natives of Russia. To subject and 
wife were born four children ; Eliza A, (deceased), Edward A., Marcilla F. and Flora 
E. Edward A. resides at Rome, N. Y., and is general manager for R. M. Bingham of 
that place. Marcilla F. is the wife of Thomas R. Irwin of Poland. Flora is the wife 
of Irvint' D. Adams of Poland. In 1886 Mr. Willoughby came to Poland and has since 



130 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

lived a retired life. In politics he has always been a Republican and i.*: a temperance 
man. He has assisted in the Baptist church at Poland. 

Young, Charles, Mohawk, was born in Stark December 27, 1856. He received an 
academic education, then look a course in the Utica Business College. He returned to 
the farm for a few years and was then engaged in general merchandise transactions in 
.Bethel till 1879, when he came to Mohawk and became identified with the Broomhall 
Milling &. Malting Conjpany, Ltd., manufacturers of patent roller flour, etc., of which 
company he is director and general manager. Mr. Young married Mattie L. Lewis of 
Herkimer, and they have two daughters. He is identified with the Masons, holding 
otiice as W. M., and is trustee of the village board, of which body he was elected clerk. 
He is also clerk of the school board, and a member. 

Schooley, Andrew, Litchfield, is a machinist, carpenter, joiner and millwright. He 
was born in this town May 27, 1814, a son of James Schooley, a native of Pittstown, 
Rensselaer county, who settled in this town in 1804, and died December 8, 1863, aged 
seventy-four years. Andrew Schooley read law with Charles O'Conner of New York 
city in 1848. He married Emma Winegar, and they have three children : Warren H., 
Stella I., and James A. They have lost one son, Charles C. Stella I. married Dayton 
D. Prescott of Norwich Corner, and they have four children: Fanny F., Walter D., 
Arthur A. and Eva Estella. Mrs. Emma Schooley is a daughter of Isaac Winegar of 
this town, but he died in Genesee county, N. Y., he left eight children. James Schooley 
married Amy Young, they had six children : Andrew, Mary, Caroline, James 1/., Ed- 
ward B. and Catherine Schooley, the last is dead, the others are living. Amy Young 
came from Rhode Island, town of Scituate. 

Snyder, J. A., Middleville, was born in Somerset, Pa., September 4, 1855, moved to 
Illinois in the spring of 1864, and resided west until 1880, when he came to New York 
State and to Herkimer county in 1882, where he has resided ever since, with the ex- 
ception of two years spent in Albany and Montgomery counties. Mr. Snyder com- 
menced working in the knitting-mill in Illinois at the age of thirteen, has followed the 
business ever since, and is now the superintendent of the Nelson Mill at this place. 
October 24, 1889, he married Flora M. Casler of Little Falls, and they have one child, 
Moldred Eleanor, born October 15, 1891, at Middleville. 

Loomer, Aaron P., Dolgeville, was born in Fulton county. His early life was spent 
on a farm, and he has always dealt in horses and cattle. Twenty-six years ago he he- 
came proprietor of the Empire House in St. Johnsville. This he ran for five years, then 
took charge of the Rickwood near Johnstown. This hotel he kept for three years, then 
moved to Little Falls and took charge of the Bettel Hotel. After keeping this hotel 
one year he moved to Dolgeville and has since conducted with but one slight inter- 
mission the Loomer House. Mr. Loomer has been twice married and has three children, 
all boys. Mr. Loomer has served as justice of the peace six years, and is an extensive 
real estate owner, and owns a farm in Stratford. 

Crist, D. B., Fairfield, was born in Fairfield, and his father removed to Middleville 
when D. B. was quite young. He was in the mercantile business for five years and 



FAMILY SKETCHES 131 

in the flour and feed business for three years before he took up farming. He occu- 
pies one of his father's dairy farms of 180 acres. His father still lives in Middleville. 
In 1883 Mr. Crist married Miss Nettie Jackson, and they have a family of two sons. 
He is a Republican and a member of the Masonic fraternity. His father's name is 
Morgan C. Crist. n 

Spoor, James H., Stark, son of Gilbert and Nancy (Link) Spoor, natives of Danube, 
was born September 9, 1844, in Danube. He received a district school education. At 
twenty he left home and began life on his own account. Lived ten years in Little 
Falls ; and for the past seven years has lived on 218 acres of land in Stark, which he 
works on shares. He is a Republican, and married July 8, 1864, Elda Jones, born in 
Stark, daughter of Jacob and Betsey (Snell) Jones, natives of Danube and Stark ; who 
are members of the M. E. church. They are the parents of three sons and two daugh- 
ters, and of English origin. Jacob Jones was a son of William, a pioneer of Danube. 
James H. has seven children : Frank, who died at nineteen ; Nettie, Fred, Ada M., 
Nellie, Ross and Ca'he, who died at seven months. They are Universalists. 

Lotridge, George H., Little Falls, was born in 1811 and has lived on his present farm 
all his long life. He and his two brothers, both of whom are dead, lived on adjoining 
!a"d for over half a century as men grown, and had everything in common. They 
owned 750 acres of land. Mr. Lotridge married, January 30, 1838, Mary Rankin, and 
they have four daughters. The youngest, Mary, lives at home. One is the wife of 
Hamer Petrie, one the wife of R. M. Rankin and one of Mr. Houpt. Mr. Lotridge has 
been commissioner of highways and is a member of the Grange. His father and 
mother were born in Montgomery county, and his grandfather, Seeber, was a soldier 
in the Revolutionary war. The latter was wounded at Oriskany and was an invalid 
for the last twenty years of his life, though he lived to the age of 104 years. The 
parents of George H. came to these parts when the section was a wilderness, and he 
can relate many interesting anecdotes of their early experiences in the wilds. 

Loftis, John, Frankfort, was born in Frankfort, September 8, 1844, being the 
youngest of six children of Johti and Bridget Loftis, who emigrated to this country 
from the Emerald Isle in the year 1832. The subject of this sketch was but three 
years old when his father died, and the care of rearing and educating the children to 
frugality, respect and usefulness was the sacred heritage of their courageous and de- 
voted mother, who, surviving her husband for a third of a century, died in 1883, at the 
golden age of seventy-three years. Of this family James and Thomas were volun- 
teers in the Union army, the former dying in the service of his country, while the 
latter now resides at Frankfort village. April 22, 1880, John Loftis was united in 
marriage to Catharine McCann, of Dtica, N. Y. They have two sons: Charles W. and 
James F. Loftis. Early in life Mr. Loftis learned the carpenter trade, and for several 
years prior to 1867, was occupied as a carriage maker, at which time he engaged in the 
mercantile business as a retail goocer. In 1876 he erected the large and commodious 
building he now occupies, the upper floor of which is Loftis Hall. By close attention 
and strict integrity Mr. Loftis has built up an extensive mercantile business, and now 
is .one of the f jremost merchants of Frankfort village. In politics Mr. Loftis is a 
Demoerat and has served the town as supervisor during the years 1886-7-8. 



132 HISTORY OF ITRRKIMER COUNTY. 

Olmstead, Osmond B., is a native of Fulton county, N. Y., and at the commencement 
of the late war was a resident of Washington, D. C. and in the spring of '61 enlisted 
in the Fifth N. Y. Cavalry, serving his country faithfully and well, participating in 
many battles and engagements and was honorably discharged from the service in 1865 
from the Fourth N. Y. Heavy Artillery, after which he became a very proficient 
barber. After working in several towns and cities lie finally in 1879 established a 
business in Dolgeville, where he has been successfully doi- g business since, being 
patronized by all the leading citizens in town. In 1872 Mr. Olmstead married Miss 
Ida A. Reed, a lady of Peeksville, N. Y. They have no children. 

Smith, Dr. Fred A., Herkimer, was born in Frankfort, August 15, 1870. He was 
educated at the Union schools of Ilion and Waterville, and also took a course at the 
Newark Business college. He eventually graduated from the University of Penn- 
.sylvania, dental department, in 1891. Dr. Smith was associated with his uncle, Dr. 
Cutler Smith, of Ilion, for a short time, after which he went West, settling in Des 
Moines. Upon the death of Dr. Barnes he returned to Herkimer and purchased the 
practice and office from the widow. Dr. Smith's father is in the service of the dairy 
commission for New York State. One of the ancestors of the family participated in 
th Revolutionary war, also the war of 1812. In the latter war his great-grandfather 
was a captain. 

Mason, Joseph W., W«rren, was born in German Flats, September 5, 1837, a son of 
Alanson and Mary A. (Thomas) Mason. His grandfather, Isaac, was born at Adams, 
Mass., February 21, 1777, and came to Warren and bought 144 acres on Staley's 
patent. He returned to Massachusetts, and in 1804 came with his family to Herkimer 
county. He was twice married, first to Hannah Martin, born in Warren, R. I. She 
bore him ten children : Ama, Thomas, Alanson, Samuel, John, Rhoda, Almira and 
Harriet twins, Isaac, Apama, Sarah and James. His wife died July 25, 1826. He 
married second Mary Chapman. Alanson was born in Berkshire county, Mass., Au- 
gust 17, 1803, died April 17, 1865. He was twice married, having by his first wife 
eight children : Isaac, Mary, Amos T., Electa J. Walker, Joseph W., Helen E. Morts, 
Hannah A. Coakley and Maria A. His wife died September 26, 1842, and he married 
second Adelia Slater, who bore him three children : Norman J., Almira V. Belshaw 
and Almena V. Bradt. Subject's mother was born in German Flats, a daughter of 
Amos and Jane Thomas, pioneers of German Flats. At twenty he began for himself 
at farming on shares. In 1865 he bought his first farm of sixty-five acres in German 
Flats. Three years later he moved to wliere he now resides on 214 acres. He also 
owns another farm of 128 acres. He is a Democrat in politics. He married, April 13, 
1858, Harriet R., daughter of Elijah and Helen (Shove) Tisdale. Harriet was born 
January 3, 1842. Her father was born in Connecticut, September 7, 1792, and died 
where his daughter now lives, April 6, 1869. He married first Ruth Palmer, born 
July 31, 1802, in German Flats, who bore him four children : Thomas II., George W., 
Henry S. and Quedett. He married a second time and raised three children : Harriet 
R., Lydia A. and Dorothy M. His second wife was born at Johnstown, February 3, 
1822, died October 12, 1880. Subject's wife's grandfather, Ephraim Tisdale, was born 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 133 

in Norwich, Conn. His wife was Welthy Babcock. He died in 1854, age 8.5, and his 
wife died aged 91. Subject and wife had three children: Cory, died, aged seven, 
Amos T. and Cary. Amos T. was born May 27, 1870. Married to Florence Hardy 
May 21, 1889. They have three children. Cary W. was born March 16, 1872. Mar- 
ried to Lulu Hardy, November 22, 1892. 

Jackson, I. E., Fairfield, is a native of Fairfield, born in 1855, and is a farmer. His 
grandfather, Elijah Jackson, came from Canaan, near Albany. In 1881, I. E. Jackson 
, married Jennie Enos. Mr. Jackson belongs to the Grange, and owns seventy-five 
acres of land, with a dairy of eighteen cows. His farm lies adjacent to Middleville. 

Shaut, Moses, Stark, was born in Stark, August 1, 1825, a son of Jacob and Mary 
(Fort) Shaut. His grandfather came from Germany and settled in Springfield, Otsego 
county, where his father was born. They moved to Stark, and thence to Steuben 
county, where he died about 1850, aged about eighty-eight. Jacob had fourteen chil- 
dren and raised twelve: Jacob, Isaac, Joseph, Peter, Catharine, Betsey, Mary, Laney, 
Peggy, Nancy, Abram and Moses. Subject was raised on a farm, and has always lived 
in Stark. At seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it seventeen 
years. He then bought ninety acres, and engaged in farming, making hops a specialty. 
In 1862 he located where he now lives, on 160 acres about four miles northwest of 
Starkville. He is an active Republican. He has been married twice, first in January, 
1853, to Louisa, daughter of William and Catharine Waltz, by whom he had four chil- 
dren : Adda, who died aged two; William, Minnie, wife of Charles Weeks, and Frank. 
He married second, Martha, daughter of Abram and Catharine Wagner. 

Whipple, Benjamin A., Stark, is a son of Addison and Janette (McDonald) Whipple. 
His grandfather, James, came from Connecticut, a pioneer of Springfield, Otsego county, 
and was twice married. His first wife bore him six sons and five daughters. Addison 
was born in Springfield, and was a farmer and manufacturer. He died in 1867, aged 
sixty-three, and his wife in January, 1891, aged eighty-four. They raised five children : 
John J., Anna W., Joseph S., Eugene M. and Benjamin A. The latter was born in 
Springfield, February 7, 1847. At nineieeu he began life for himself by farming on the 
homestead. At twenty-one he began the manufacture of cheese at Springfield, and a 
year later came to Van Hornesville, and ran a cheese factory two years. He then spent 
three years in Illinois in the sewing machine business. In 1875 he bought the cheese 
factory at Van Hornesville, and in the winter of 1876 came to this village and has had 
charge ever since. The factory was established in 1868. He was also engaged in mer- 
cantile business five years. In February, 1892, he was elected town clerk. He mar- 
ried October 14, 1868, Frances A. Drew, daughter of Chauncey P. and Elizabeth (Cor- 
bin) Drew, of Spr'ngfield, and they have one child, Jessie B. He is a Democrat in 
politics. 

Wheelock, Clayton T., Winfield, farmer and cheese manufacturer, runs the North 
Winfield combination of cheese factories. No. 1 cheese factory, at North Winfield, 
makes annually about 250,000 pounds from about 600 cows. No. 2, at Cedar Lake, 
makes about 170,000 pounds from about 450 cows. No. 4, in Litchfield, makes about 



134 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

125,000 pounds. No. 5, in Marshall, Oneida county, and makes about 75,000 pounds, 
during the six months that they run, from about 250 cows. No. 6, in Litchfield, makes 
about 150,000 pounds from about 350 cows. This cheese is manufactured for export 
principally to London and Liverpool. Clayton T. U'heelock was born in Litchfield, Oc- 
tober 28, 183G, a son of Samuel, who died December 9, 1864, aged seventy- one. lie 
was a son of Alvin Wheelock, who came from Massachusetts in 1791, one of the first 
settlers of Litchfield, on the farm adjoining the one settled by Elijah Snow in 1786, 
called first Snow's Bush, afterwards Wheelock's Hill. Clayton T. married Sarah L., 
daughter of Benjamin Kershaw, of Litchfield, and they have two children : Samuel C. 
and May L. Samuel C. married Jennie Davis, and has three daughters: Nettie M., 
Mina D., Mabel E. May L. Wheelock married Dr. John H. Stephens, of West Win- 
field, and they have one daughter, Edna J. Stephens. 

Mixter, David E., Warren, was born December 25, 1855, in Warren, a son of Kiran 
A. and Martha (Kane) Mixter. The grandfather, David, came from Massachusetts, and 
was an old settler of Warren, where he died, aged fifty-four. They had eleven children : 
Daniel, Eliza, Mary, Laura, Hannah, David E., Ira, Orland, Alvaro, Kiran and Hulda. 
Kiran Mixter was born in Warren, received a good education and taught at Clinton 
College. He moved in 1857 to Lock, Ingham county, Mich. He had ten children, of 
whom he raised nine: Orland, Guy, David E., Judson, died at fifteen, Emma, Charles, 
Elmina, Lewis and Matilda. Subject's mother was a daughter of Samuel Kane and Ma- 
tilda Randall, of Mohawk. David E. received a district school education and went, 
with his father, to Ingham county, Michigan. He returned to New York, at the age of 
eleven years, and lived with his aunt, Laura Druce, for twenty-two years. At twenty- 
one he began working for himself by the month, and continued eleven years. In the 
spring of 1889 he located on 100 acres, where he now resides. He is a Republican in 
poUtics, and married October 11, 1887, Emma Hoke, born in Danube, a daughter of 
Solomon and Catharine (Walter) Hoke. They have two children: Kiran and 
Ralph M. 

Wooster, Daniel P. B., Newport, a native of Newport, is a son of Sherman and Cor- 
nelia (Smith) Wooster. His mother died in 1845. His father was a son of Sherman 
and Sallie (Buel) Wooster, who settled in Newport in 1 804. Both the father and grand- 
father were Universalistsin religious views, and Democrats in politics. Daniel Wooster 
was born February 29, 1840. He married Caroline Kuhn, daughter of Gotlieb and 
Mary Kuhn, September 1, 1868. 

Ball, Alpha A., Warren, was born February 28, 1852, in Litchfield, a son of Horatio 
and Roxey (Manning) Ball. The grandfather, Eleas Ball, was also born in Litchfield, 
where his father was a pioneer. He was twice married, first to Fannie Holding, by 
whom he had these children : Horatio, Varnum, Fidelia and Celia. By his second wife, 
Mary A. Wilkerson, he had five children : Ira, Alfred, Jared, Daniel and Sarah. Ho- 
ratio was born in Litchfield, but has lived thirty-three years in Warren. His children 
were Alpha A. and Alice C. The former received a district and select school educa- 
tion, and came to Warren when seven years of age. When twenty-one he began for 
himself, working by the month for two yeps. He then rented 102 acres, where he 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 135 

lived three years, and worked his father's farm for two years. He also spent a year in 
Columbia. In the spring of 1889 he bought fifty-two acres, where he now resides in 
Warren. March 26, 1875, he married Eose E., daughter of Solomon and Catharine 
(Walters) Hoke. They have three children, Carrie M., Florence C. and Walter M. 

Eysaman, Horace, Linle Falls, was born in Little Falls in 1834. He is of German 
ancestry, the family three generations back having settled in this town. They partici- 
pated in the War of the Revolution and in 1812, and have since been identified with 
the best interests of the community. Mr. Eysaman owns a dairy fatm of ISO acres, 
including a fine orchard and buildings. His wife was Mary E. Smith, of Herkimer 
county, by whom he has three children, a son and two daughters. Mr. Eysaman has 
filled a number of acceptable local offices, such as assessor, etc. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian church. 

Welden, Thomas, Stark, was born in Ireland and was a pioneer of Stark. James D., 
son of Thomas, was born in Stark November 15, 1796, and lived in Stark all his life. 
He was in the war of 1812, going as a substitute for David Elwood, of Stark. He 
married Margaret, daughter of John and Christina Cramer, (subject's mother died April 
25, 1860, aged seventy), and reared three children, Moses, Maria and Peggy. He died 
February 19, 1878. Moses Welden, the oldest, was born May 9, 1822, in Stark, where 
he has resided since, except one year. He furnished a substitute in the late war in the 
person of Ephraim Birch. He taught school in District No. 4 of the town of Stark six 
consecutive winter terms at eleven and twelve dollars per month of twenty- two days 
and boarded himself. His average daily attendance was from thirty-three to thirty- 
eight scholars. December 29, 1853, he married Caty, daughter of Abram and Christina 
(Cramer) Roof. They have four children : Fayette, the eldest, a farmer in the town of 
Lysander, Onondaga county ; Charles, a justice of Stark ; Frances, wife of Herman 
Bauder, of Stark. They have two children, Dora and Oscar Bander ; and Christina, 
wife of John L. Cramer, of Lysander, Onor>daga county, and they have two children, 
Welden and Arthur Cramer. The subjects of this sketch have 240 acres of land in the 
home farm in Stark, 200 acres lying on Oak Flat, in Stark, 145 acres lying in Danube, 
eighty-five acres in Minden, Montgomery county, a house and lot at Brookman's Cor- 
ners, in the latter county, 180 acres in Garoga. Fulton county, forty acres in Constan- 
tia, Oswego county, and 158 acres in Lysander, Onondaga county. They also have 
two lots in Utica, Oneida county. 

Tilyon, Abram, Stark, was born November 25, 1838, two miles east of Van Hornes- 
ville, a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Kinter) Tilyon. The grandfather, Joseph, was a 
Frenchman and a pioneer of Van Hornesville. He died in Stark, aged over ninety. 
His wife was Elizabeth Druse, who died a year earlier. They had these children : 
Elizabeth, Charlotte, Joseph, Stephen, Carlisle, Mary. Charles, Catharine and Alexan- 
der. Joseph was born in Stark September 19, 1807. He learned the cooper's trade, 
but was a farmer, owning 180 acres. He died March 25, 1882, and his wife in March, 
1868. She was born April 13, 1807, and had eight children : Jonas, Catharine L., 
Abram, Edwin, Rensselaer, Leander, Daniel S. and Ellen C. Joseph married second 
Phebe Herkimer. Subject was raised on a farm, and at twenty-one began for himself 



136 History of herkimer counts. 

buying and shipping stock. In the spring of 1864 he bought his first farm of 176 
acres. In 187G he bought the homestead of his maternal grandfather of 180 acres. ,He 
also owned aiiotlier of 112 acres, which he sold. He was elected justice at twenty- 
three, but refused to serve. He is an active Mason at Springfield Center. February 
19, 1868, he married Hannah M. Turner, born in Warren, daughter of Appolas and 
Mary (Yule) Turner, natives of Grandvilla, Vt., and Warren, N. Y. When a young 
man he came to Warren and engaged in farming until his death, January 27, 1892, 
aged eighty-six. He was a Democrat. His wife survives him, aged eighty-one. They 
had three children: Sylvester, of Minnesota; Nicholas, of Branch, Mich., and Han- 
nah M. Subject and wife have had two children : Willard J., of New Jersey, and 
Zula, who died, aged six years. Mr. and Mrs. Tilyon are Universalists. 

Fikes, Willard, Stark, is a son of Adam H. and Amanda (Shimel) Fikes. His grand- 
father, Henry, was a son of Adam Fikes, who came to Stark aud bought the farm 
where subject resides. His wife was a Miss Walts, and they had four children ; Chris- 
tina, Adam H., Menzo and Harvey. Menzo died young. Adam Fikes was born in 
1883, and resided here all his life, except three years, when he hved in Fort Plain. He 
died January 1, 1881, leaving a wife and three children, Luella, deceased, Willard and 
Arthur. The wife of Adam was born in Stark, a daughter of Jacob and Katie (Fort) 
Shimel. The former was born in Jefferson county, and died at Richfield in June, 1890, 
aged ninety-two, and his wife died, aged seventy. They had ten children, nine sur- 
vived: Lena, Ephraim, Loui.sa, Eli, Levi, who died young; Almira, Amanda, Sylves- 
ter, Lucy and Amelia C. Willard Fikes was born where he now resides May 28, 1861. 
He was educated at district schools, and after his father's death took charge of the 
farm, the fourth generation in possession of same. Arthur Fikes was born November 
30, 1862, and married Carrie, daughter of William and Jennie (Fikes) Armstrong. 
They have one child, Howard J. 

Cook, Chauncey, Manheim, was born in Salisbury August 16, 1822. He received 
his schooling in the town of Manheim, into which township his father moved in the 
spring of 1832. Chauncey Cook's grandfather and father came into this State from 
Connecticut about 1800 and settled in Salisbury. Mr. Cook owns 173 acres of dairy 
land an the Salisbury Road, upon which he keeps a tenant. He has about forty head 
of milch cows, besides other stock. He married Miss Jane Getman, of Fulton county, 
and has a family of two sons. One son, Charles Cook, is engaged in farming, and the 
other son, Malvin B., is in business in Little Falls. 

Hadcock, Dr. E. P., Newport, was born in the town of Newport March 26, 1831, a 
son of Adam and Barbara Ann (Vanslyke) Hadcock, of Middleville. Dr. Hadcock's 
early education was obtained in the latter town. At the age of eighteen he went to 
Utica and studied dentistry with G. N. Foster and William Blakesly, and after perfect- 
ing himself in the profession located in Newport in 1852, where he has since remained, 
and is regarded by the profession as one of the skilled dental surgeons in this locality. 
He has been connected with many of the improvements of the village. He has served 
as president of the village and was on the school board for nine years, president all this 
time, and is at present the only original member living of New'port Lodge No 455 F. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 137 

& A. M. He has been for thirty years a member of Oneida Chapter 57. October 7, 
18^0, he married Henrietta I. Fonda, a native of Troy and a descendant of Genera! 
Fonda. Their five children are as follows: Charles E., M. D., a graduate of Harvard 
College, where he still resides and practices; Henry L., a druggist of Boston, and a 
graduate of the Boston Pharmacy ; Annie, wife of George D. Hawkins of Newport ; 
Helen P., and Mabel H. One son, Freddie B., died in 18G8, aged two years and six 
months. 

Fikes, Jacob A., Stark, was born in Steuben county January 1, 1838, son of Adam 
and Catherine (Conderman) Fikes. The grandfather, Jacob, was born in Stark, and his 
father was born in Germany, and settled in Stark before the Revolutionary War. 
Jacob was in the War of 1812, and was born in Stark. He was over seventy years old 
when he died. His wife was Elizabeth Miller, and they raised eleven children : Michael, 
Peter, Adam, John, Jacob, James, Abrani, who died young, Katie, Betsey, Clarinda, 
Mary A. and Margaret. Adam was raised in Stark where he lived all his life except 
three years in Steuben county. He died in Stark in 1866, aged fifty-three years. He 
served in various town offices, and was a Republican. He had three children and raised 
two: Jacob A. and Franklin. His wife still lives, aged eighty-two. She was born in 
Warren, a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Conderman) Bronner. Subject has always 
resided in Stark. After his marriage he began for himself, and after his father's death 
he bought the homestead farm of 150 acres, to which he has since added fifty acres. 
He owns another of 135 acres and one of 120 acres. He was elected in 1871 supervisor 
and served two terms, was elected justice of the peace m 1880, in 1885 commissioner 
of highways, and is now justice of the peace. He married, December 25, 1862, Mary 
L., daughter of Nelson and Maria (Frost) Phillips of Stark. Mr. and Mrs. Fikes have 
one child, Nelson A., who married Lillie M., daughter of David Ecker. They are Uni- 
versalists. 

Belshaw, Thoma.s, Warren, came from Ireland about 1755 with four children, and 
settled in Connecticut. In 1793 he settled near Fort Herkimer, and soon after he and 
others took 1,000 acres at Jordanville, where he died in 1827, in his ninety- second year. 
His wife, Elizabeth, bore him eight children : David, Thomas, John, Elizabeth, Betsey, 
Lydia, Sallie and Fannie, and died in 1808. His son David was born in Connecticut, 
near Hartford, June 26, 1777, and came to Herkimer county with his father. He died 
November 6, 1868. He was twice married, first in February, 1801, to Lydia Isham, 
born in Connecticut, a daughter of Zebulum and Rose (Ellis) Isham, who were early 
settlers of Warren. His first wife raised seven children : Rose E., Erastus, William, 
Flavilla, Lydia, Orilla and Sally. His wife died March 26, 1831. His second wife was 
Betsey Bennett. She died in 1872, aged eighty-one. William T. Belshaw was born 
October 19, 1804, where he now reside.s. He has filled minor town oflices; and has 
twice married, first to Mary Rhodes of Brookfield, Madison county, who bore him two 
children: M. W. of San Francisco, Cal., and-Rosett a McLaughlin of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, 
who died in 1884, aged fifty-two. His wife died January 30, 1833, and he married, 
second, Huldah Durfee, born at Hamilton, Madison county, a daughter of Wing Dur- 
fee. She bore him four children : John T. of Antioch, Cal. ; Mary C. Dye who died in 



138 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Minnesota in 1887, aged fifty ; Lucy J., wife of Ira Starkwetlier, died October 2, 1892, 
aged fifty, and Violetta H., wife of James Purcliase. His second wife died April 17, 
1887, she was a Baptist, as were all the children. Mr. Belshawhe been an active Whig 
and Republican. 

Beckwith, Clinton. Herkimer, was born in Herkimer, where be has always lived. 
His business has been contracting, and he is one of the heaviest operators in this part 
of the State, having completed many notable pieces of work. He is also prominent in 
the Democratic party, which has nominated him several times for local and State 
positions. Mr. Beckwith is full of enterprise, and is possessed of much ability. 

Riley, James H., Little Falls, was born in Syracuse, N. Y., April 10, 1844. He 
received a good common school education and when eighteen years of age became iden- 
tified with the carrying trade on the Erie canal, and after working for some years be- 
came the owner of boats, continuing in this business for twenty-eight years. In 1861 
he enlisted in the 11th New York Cavalry, which was General Scott's body-guard, and 
afterwards President Abraham Lincoln's. After the war Riley returned and engaged 
in the rolling-mill business. About seven years ago he assumed control of the Mohawk 
Valley Hotel, which he has conducted successfully ever since. He is a member of 
Galpin Post No. 19, G. A. R. He married Nancy M. France, and they have two 
children. 

Bullion, Clark L., Warren, was born in Warren September 21, 18G5, a son of James 
and Phoebe (Cole) Bullion. The grandfather, Andrew, was a son of William, and 
married Isabella Marshall, both of Scotland, they had five children : James, Andrew, 
Alexander, Janette and Margaret. The last two named died in Scotland ; the rest all 
came to the United States about 1800, and settled in Warren. Andrew Bullion loca'ed 
on 256 acres west of CuUen, and died in Richfield Springs. His first wife was Geneth 
Puller, and their children were : John, William, James, Isabel, Anna, Libbie and Mary. 
James Bullion was born west of CuUen, where he resided until his death in 1877, aged 
sixty-five. He was twice married, first, to a Miss McCready, by whom he had three 
children; Monroe of Nebraska, Nettie and Laura Ames. His second wife bore him 
two children : Jennie, deceased, wife of Curt. Palmer, and Clark L. She died April 16, 
1892, aged fifty-nine years. Clark L. received a district and seminary education, and 
since fourteen years of age has made his own living. He served in town oifices as a 
Republican, and was collector. He owns 100 acres of the homestead, and lias added 
twenty acres since. He married in November, 1884, Ida Bellinger, born at Jackson- 
burgh, a daughter of Norman and Anna (Baxter) Bellinger. They have one child, 
Harry J. Subject and wife are Universalists. 

Buck, George W., Russia, was born in Russia, 1835, a son of William and Susan 
Buck. He was educated in the common schools, supplemented by .several terms in the 
Fairfield Seminary, in which he was a member of the Calliop Society. February 14, 
1871, he married Georgiana Ashley, a native of Cliatham, Columbia county, N. Y., who 
was a daughter of Russel D. Ashley, a son of Abram, whose father was Abram Ash- 
ley, a native of England and an early settler at Ashley's Hill, Columbia county, N. Y. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 139 

Here he lived and died. Abram Ashley, jr., married a Miss Beebe, by whom he had 
seven sons and four daughters. He died about 1876. Russell D. Ashley, born in 1810, 
was a native of Columbia county, was reared on a farm, and early became a painter. In 
1831 he married Sarah Gale, a native of New Lebanon, Columbia county, N. T., bom 
in 1812. To Mr. Ashley and wife were born two sons and two daughters. He was 
justice of the peace in Columbia county for sixteen years and died June 16, 1889, while 
residing with his daughter, Mr.». George Buck, of Polacd. His wife died August 26, 
1839. Mr. Buck and wife have one daughter. Flora M., born November 17, 1871. Mr. 
Buck is a farmer by occupation, and he and his brother own the old homestead. He 
also owns another farm of 270 acres. 

Wainman, John, Warren, was born in Gargrave, Torkshire, England, June 26, 1842, 
a son of Thomas and Sarah (Shepard) Wainman, who had seven sons and three daugh- 
ters; Thomas, died in 1891 at Mohawk; Frank, died in 1884 at Richfield Springs; 
William, Alfred, Edward, Henry, John, Christiana, Sarah and Adelaide. The grand- 
father, Thomas, was born at Leeds, Torkshire, a man well educated and informed. His 
wife was Chri.stiana Yates, who bore him two sons, Alfred J. and Thomas. He died in 
England about 183.5, and his widow came to the United States, with his son Thomas, 
and died in New Hartford, Oneida county, before the war. Alfred J. was the first to 
come to the United States, about 1843, and settled in Utica. He was a close friend of 
Roscoe Conkling, and was in the tanner and currier business at New Hartf'^rd. He is 
now in the custom house in New York. Thomas Wainman was born in Leeds, York- 
shire, received a college education at Leeds and Cambridge, where he became a teacher. 
In July, 1847, he came to this country, and located in Utica, where he followed his 
trade; he also ran a hotel. In 1851 be moved to Newport and engaged in the shoe 
business. Four year.- later he went to Salisbury, and in 1870 came to Jordanville, and 
followed his trade until his death in April, 1888. He was a Democrat and was a prom- 
inent Forester in England. His wife survives him. She was born in Kendal], West- 
moreland county, England, daughter of Thomas Shepard, a farmer, who had ten children, 
three of whom came to the United States. John Wainman received a district school 
education, and at fifteen began to work on a farm by the month. In the spring of 1870 
he located where he now resides, on 180 acres on the Robinson estate. He is an ac- 
tive Democrat, but has never married. 

Freeman, David, Stark, was born in German Flats, near Fox Hollow, June 18, 1836, 
son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Osterhout) Freeman. The grandfather, David, was born 
and died in Connecticut, and raised six children : Samuel, David, Henry, Seth, Mary 
and Phoebe, all of whom came to Herkimer county. Samuel came in 1820 to German 
Flats, where he died January 2, 1880, and his wife died November 20, 1885. They had 
nine children and raised seven : Henry, Louisa, Caroline, David, Anson, Joseph and 
Resell. Subject's mother was born in Columbia, daughter of Jacob and Ann Osterhout, 
of Holland Dutch descent. David was raised in German Flats, received a district school 
education, and at nine left home and began earning his own living. He lived with Dan 
Wilson until he was twenty-one, but the latter died, and at sixteen he worked by the 
month wherever he could. At twenty he began the carpenter's trade, at which he 



140 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

worked for seven years, then he worked by the month on a farm until the war broke 
out. August 29, 1864, he enlisted on the gun-boat Dragons, and saw service in Chesa- 
peake bay. He was discharged March 29, 1865, at Washingfton navy yard, and re- 
turned to his home, where he engaged in cheese making at Wicks' Corners, in Stark. 
He spent one year in Springfield, but las resided most of his life in Stark. He owns 
six acres, and has served as inspector, excise commissioner, collector, justice and is now 
deputy sheriff. In politics he is a Democrat. July 3, 1856, he married Lucinda, daugh- 
ter of Christian F. Bronner, a farmer of vStark. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman had three chil- 
dren : Rozeltha B., wife of Lewis H. Backus; Cynthia A., wife of Franklin House, and 
Floyd V. Subject and wife are active members of long standing in Freewill Baptist 
church. 

Bennett, William, Norway, was born in Newport, July 23, 1834. His father was 
Hiram Bennett, a son of Joshua Bennett, who came from New England at an early date 
and settled in Ohio, where he died. Hiram Bennett came with his father to Ohio and 
here his life was spent. He married Almira Churchill, of Deerfield. She bore him six 
children. By his second wife, Lydia Cavenaugh, he had five. The death of Mr. Ben- 
nett occurred in 1861 and that of his wife in 1891. William Bennett married Emily I. 
Warner, a native of Connecticut, by whom he has had six children, two of whom are 
living, Gary and Olie. Mr. Bennett enlisted in the Eighty-first N. Y. S. V. regiment, 
Co. C, in November, 1861, for three years; was taken prisoner at the battle of Drurj-'s 
Bluff, May 16, 1864, taken to Andersonville prison and was paroled February 28, 18G4, 
receiving his honorable discharge at Annapolis, May 16, 1865. Mr. Bennett is a car- 
penter by trade and runs a saw-mill. He has spent most of his life in Ohio, but during 
the last eight years has resided in Norway. In 1884 he purchased the Black Creek 
Western mill. He is a Republican and has been clerk of Ohio three years. He and his 
wife are Methodists. 

Hodge, Ira, Norway, was born in Winfield, Herkimer county, in 1840. He is a son 
of David Hodge, a son of Roberi Hodge, one of the first settlers of Ohio, where he spent 
his life in agricultural pursuits. The wife of Robert Hodge was Rosa Pell, who bore him 
twelve children, five of whom are living. David Hodge was a farmer. His wife was 
Patience Hall, who bore him eleven children. Mr. Hodge spent most of his life in 
Ohio, where he and his wife died. The subject was reared on a farm and educated in 
the common schools. He married Mary F. Warner, of New York, and they had the 
following children : Nellie I., Jessie W., David 0., Florence E., Benjamin F., Polly M. 
and Nora 0., all of whom are living except Nora O., who died in infancy. Mr. Hodge 
is a farmer and shingle maker. He, perhaps, has made more shingles than any other 
man in Herkimer county. In 1861 he enlisted in comnany C, Thirty-fourth N. Y. Vol- 
unteers, and at the end of two months was sent home tor disability. In 1865 he was 
drafted and on account of disability was rejected. He did not receive his discharge un- 
til 1892. 

Weeks, James N., Warren, was born in Greene county, August 22, 1819, a son 
of Townsend and Hannah (Nelson) Weeks. His grandfather, Solomon, came from 
Rhode Island, to Greene county, where he died. He raised a large family. Townsend 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 141 

was born in Greene county in 1796, and moved to Canada on Lalie Ontario, where 
he resided until his death. He had four children : James N., Rob, George and 
Rachel A. Subject's mother was born in Greene county, a daughter of James and 
Berzilla (LaValley) Nelson. He served in the war of 1812, and earlier in the British 
army. He left a widow and two children : Hannah and Betsey. Subject's mother 
married for second husband John Lawton, by whom she had one child, Robert. Our 
subject went with his parents to Canada where he remained two and a half years, then 
came to Albany county. Since the age of twelve he has supported himself. He had 
a district school education, and at the age of eighteen began the blacksmith's trade in 
Greene county, and worked at Albany and other places until 1840, when he came to 
Warren and followed his trade at Little Lakes. In 1861 he bought and located on 212 
acres where he resides, and carried on farming. He now ownes 196 acres, has served 
as justice n'ne years, and assessor many terms, as a Democrat. He married July 28, 
1841, Martha, daughter of Joseph and Julia (Tunnicliff) McChesney, by whom he has 
seven children : Hannah, Conkline, John of Michiean, Nelson who enlisted in the 
Ninety-second New York Regiment and was killed at Petersburg, Ira of Iowa, James, 
George, Ida wife of W. Vibber, and Charles. Subject's wife died September 28, 1891, 
aged seventy- three years. 

Crumby, John A., Fairfield, is a native of Newport, and was born June 6, 1827. He 
was a carpenter by trade and followed it up twenty-five years ago, when he took up 
farm gardening, which he hassince followed very successfully. His father was Minor 
Crumby. He served in the army in 1812 at Sackett's Harbor. In 1851 John A. 
Crumby married Mary Benckley and they have two children, a daughter and a son, 
Elizabeth and Frederick. Mr. Crumby is a Democrat and has belonged to several so- 
cieties. He is one of the old residents of this part and one of the best known 
men in the locality. 

Burt, Delos M., Little Falls, farmer, is a native and life-long resident of this 
town. He is forty-seven years of age and has been collector of the town, and com- 
missioner of highways. He is a Democrat in polities and is much esteemed by that 
party. He occupies his father's farm of 127 acres of land, which is devoted to dairy- 
ing and largely to the raising of grass. His wife was Mary E. Brown and they have 
two children, John S. and Katie Belle. The family are adherents of the Universalist 
church. Mr. B'lrtis a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Grange and is a leading 
farmer of Little Falls. 

Dietz, Charles, Salisbury, was born in Germany, February 19, 1824. He came to 
this country in 1851. He has operated a tannery at Salisbury Center for the past 
nineteen years. Mr. Dietz married Christiana Pickett, a daughter of John Pickett, and 
they have three children, one son and two daughters. Mr. Dietz is a thorough 
and competent tanner and a reputable citizen. He gives employment to a number 
ot assistants at different times. 

Fish, Charles P., Litchfield, a farmer, was born in that town August 20, 1855, and 
married Belle Coolidge by whom he has four children : Lois C, Bertha B., Mary P. 



142 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

and Warren L. Charles P. Fish was a son of Samuel, a native of this town and a son 
of Ilias W., who came here with his father, Nathaniel, one of the first settlers. Mrs. 
Belle Fish is a daughter of Warren Coolidge, a native of Frankfort and a son of Hor- 
ace Coolidge, also a resident of Frankfort. 

Easton, Hon. Henry L., Stark, came from Connecticut and settled in Cedarville. 
He was an extensive farmer and manufacturer and represented his district in the 
Assembly in 1837. His wife was Elizabeth Deivendorf, by whom he had five 
children : Mnhlon, Ellen, Charlon, Hannah and Frank. He died from an accident 
in the saw-mill aged seventy-five. His son, Charlon, was born in Cedarville. He 
resides at Richfield Springs, being a contractor and builder by trade. He is a 
Mason and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He married Mary, daughter of 
John and Hannah (Cronkite) Coapman of Hallsville, by whom he had two children : 
Fred E. and Maude M. Fred E. Easton was born December 18, 18G1, in Cedarville, 
receiving a common and high school education. He taught school for three years. At 
fifteen he began the study of medicine. At eighteen he entered an office at Moravia, 
Cayuga county. In the winter of 1881-82 he took a course in the Albany Medical 
College, and was a student of Dr. A. Vandeveer. He graduated in 1884 from Long 
Island College Hospital, at Brooklyn. In 1885 he located at Richfield Springs, and in 
July, 1890, removed to Van Hornesville. He was health oflicer at Richfield Springs 
three years, was four years clerk of Board of Education, and is health oflicer where he 
now resides. He is an active member of the County Medical Society and the Royal 
Arcanum. He is a Republican. He married, October 5, 1886, Celestia Edna, daughter 
of Barton and Melvina (Wood) Richardson, of Cayuga county. They are Universal- 
ists. 

Helmer, Henry J., Warren, was born where he now resides July 9, 1838, a son of 
Henry A. and Fanny (Rasbach) Helmer. His grandfather was Adam F., a son of 
Frederick A., who was a son of Lendert, who came from Palatinate, Germany, in 1710, 
and located first on the Hudson, and later came to Canajoharie. In the winter and 
spring of 1723 he located in Herkimer county, and received a deed of 100 acres in 
1825, where he lived and died. Frederick A. Helmer was born m Herkimer August 
16, 1725, and died March 5, 1804. His wife was Barbara Elizabeth Homan, born in 
Holland, and came to America in 1754. They had three children, Conrad, Margaret 
and Adam F. Adam F. Helmer was born at Herkimer July 7, 1770, and located on 100 
acres, where our subject resides, in Warren, which he cleared and improved. His wife 
was Anna Margaret Harter. born near Fort Herkimer January 28, 1773, a daughter of 
Captain Henry and Catharine (Piper) Harter, both born in Herkimer county. Captain 
Harter was born February 17, 1730, and served as captain in the French and Indian 
War. In 1757 he and his wife were taken prisoners to Canada for one year. Their 
first child was born while in captivity. Adam F. Helmer raised eight children: Han- 
nah, Henry A., Barbara E., Laurence, Catharine, Frederick A,, Peter H. and Anna M. 
Adam F. Helmer died December 30, 1854. His wife died December 1, 1859, where 
subject resides. Henry A. Helmer was born September 7, 1797, on the farm (where 
subject resides) in the town of Warren, and where he died September 2, 1868. He 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 143 

owned 220 acres. He -was a Democrat until 1856, when he and his brothers all became 
Republicans. They had eight children and raised seven : Adam H., Elizabeth, John 
R., James H. (died at six), Mary C, Anna M., Henry J. and Harriet P., all married ex- 
cept the oldest sister. Subject's mother was a daughter of John and Nancy (Moak) 
Rasbaoh, born February 19, 1800, in the town of Herkimer, and died November 2, 
1872, in Warren. Our subject received a district and seminary education and spent 
four winters in teaching. After his father's death he took charge of the homestead, 
served as justice and was an active Republican. He married September 29, 1868, 
Jjucy, daughter of Otis and Mary (Palmer) Ames, of Richfield, Otsego county. He 
was born October 15, 1843, in Richfield, Otsego county. Subject had two children, 
Fred A. and Ross D. Subject is a Mason and his wife is a member of the M. E. 
church. 

Suits, Hiram, was born in Minden, Montgomery county, November 14, 1830, son of 
Thomas and Laura E. (Hurlbert) Suits. His grandfather, Henry, was born near Stone 
Arabia. His father was a pioneer of Palatine, Montgomery county. Henry Suits came 
to Minden about 1828 or 1830, where he died at an advanced age. He served m the 
war of 1812. Subject and wife had these children : John, Thomas, David, James, 
Henry, Betsey, Margaret, Jane and Ann, Subject's father located in Minden about 
1825, where he resided until 1841, when he located in Starkville as a blacksmith, later 
at Cramer's Corners. In the fall of 1856 he moved to Boone county, Illinois, where 
he died in 1871. His wife died in Lincoln county, Nebraska. He raised six children: 
Sara Flint, widow, living in Nebraska ; Helen Miller, a widow living in Illinois ; Hiram, 
Mary Peck, of Illinois ; Henry, of Texas, who served in the secret service during the 
war, and went from Missouri under General Millroy. John died in Boone county, 
Illinois, about 1873, Hiram received a district school education, and at twenty began 
for himself at the carpenter's trade, which he followed ten years, when he leased the 
farm where he lives of sixty-three acres, which he now owns. He has another farm 
of 126 acres. He served as justice and is an active Republican. He married July 4, 
1854, Margaret, daughter of James D. and Margaret (Cramer) Weldon, by whom he 
has one child, James, born April 25, 1860, in Stark, who married November 5, 1884, 
Libbie M., daughter of Hiram and Marinda (Bronner) Ward. They have one child, 
Clark. 

Carrier, Colonel David R., Winfield, was the first president of the First National 
Bank of West Winfield, and held that position until his death. He was the first post- 
master of West Winfield, and also a merchant there. He married first Betsey Tomp- 
kins, who died May 5, 1860. His second wife is Hannah, daughter of Simeon Buck- 
len, one of the first settlers of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Carrier had two children, the 
eldest, Bessie A., who married H. T. Anthony, of Leonardsville, Madison county, and 
they have one son, Rae C. ; the son, David R. Carrier, is in business in Chicago, 111. 
Colonel David R. Carrier was born December 27, 1795, and died April 7, 1880. 

Brace, Frank L., Winfield, was born at North Winfield June 6, 1852, and educated 
at West Winfield Academy and Whitestown Seminary, graduating from the latter in 
1872. He engaged in farming and fruit-growing until 1892, when he began the pub- 



144 HISTORY OP HERKIMER COUNTY. 

lication of a weekly newspaper in West Winfield entitled Tlte West Winfield Star. Mr. 
Brace has always been a staunch Republican and active in political work. He was 
justice of the peace for two terms, supervisor in 1891, and re-elected in 1892 by a ma- 
jority of 105. lie has served as a member of the Republican county committee for 
two years past. He is also a member of the First Congregational church here, and has 
been for many years the superintendent of its Sunday-school. He married in 1876. 
Martha J. McDonald, of Vernon Center. Frank L. is a son of Lucius F. Brace, and he 
was a son of Asahel Brace, a native of Litchfield county, Connecticut, and one of the 
first settlers of Winfield. He was a captain in the war of 1812, stationed at Sackett's 
Harbor. 

Cooper, B. I., Little Falls, is a native of this place, and has followed farming princi- 
pally all his life. He owns two fine farms and a herd of eighty cows. In 189! he 
came to this village, and February 2, 1892, began the manufacture of cheese-boxes, 
selling to the factories in this vicinity. In 1868 he married Josephine Alexander, and 
they have five children, four daughters and a son. Mr. Cooper is also interested in the 
Eatonville cheese factory. He is a Democrat in politics. 

Smith. George L., Little Falls, the subject of this .sketch, is a son of the head of the 
firm of Smith & Bushnell. He is a native of Little Falls and was born in 1864. 
At the age of nineteen he entered the mill with his father, and in 1887 they built their 
own fine stone mill, in which they manufacture shoddy and wool extracts. Mr. George 
L. Smith is manager of the mill, while his father looks after the outs'de business. He 
is popular in society and is a member of several organizations of this town. 

Graves, Solomon, Russia, was born February 24, 1819, in Russia, N. Y., a son of 
John, who was a son of Russell. John Graves was born December 22, 1778, 
and came from Stephentown, Rensselaer county, to Newport, N. Y., at the age 
of sixteen, with his only property, an axe, on his shoulder, jobbing it in clearing 
land until he bought land of his own, which he cleared up and paid for by 
his own efTorts. He first purchased 106 acres of land, on which subject now 
lives, afterwards adding 144 acres, making 250 in all. September 30, 1800, 
he married Abigail Munn, born December 27, 1780, by whom he had three 
sons: Crosby, Ezra and John R. She died December 27, 1816, and in 1818 
he married Esther Smith, a native of Rhode Island, born December 19, 1784, by whom 
he had two sons and a daughter. Mr. Graves was sheriff of Herkimer county one 
term, justice of the peace, school commissioner, supervisor, and was twice elected 
member of tlie Assembly. He died in 1865 and his wife in 1860. Solomon Graves 
was educated in the common schools of Russia, in Clinton Liberal Institute and Union 
College, graduating from the latter in 1842. April 27, 1842, he married Margaret 
Smith, a native of Williamsville, Erie county, born February 27, 1821, a daughter of 
Oziel Smith, of Clarendon, Kutland county, Vt., born April 14, 1784, and Phoebe 
Norton, born October 22, 1789, in Berkshire, Richmond county, Mass. Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith had four daughters and one son. He died January 3, 1836, and his 
wife, March 13, 1890, at the age of 100 years. . To Mr. Graves and wife were born five 
children : Edward 0., Crosby J., Charles A., William H. and Jessie, the latter two 



Family sketches. 145 

deceased. Mr. Graves taught school a short time, then engaged in farming on the old 
homestead, until 1850. He next purchased property in Geneva and resided there a 
short time, but soon returned to the old home, where he remained until 1873 when he 
sold out, and in 1876 went to Washington, D. C, and engaged in the manufacture of 
ornamental and architectural terra cotta work and sewer pipe for four years. In 1889 
he bought back the old homestead, on which he has since resided. He was an early 
and earnest Republican and has been school commissioner a number of years and 
supervisor five years. In 1859 he represented the First district of Herkimer county in 
the Assembly. He is a member of Newport Lodge, No. 455. F. & A. M. 

Weeks, Levi, Stark, was born at Ford's Bush, Montgomery county, September 9, 
1799. In 1820 he was married to Jane Hollenbeck. When twenty-one years old he 
began farming at Amsterdam, In 1833 he located where his son Willard now lives. 
He died February 3, 1890, and his wife about five years earlier, aged eighty-five years. 
He served as supervisor several terms, and as justice several terms. He was a Demo- 
crat. In 1856 he became a Republican. He raised thiiteen children : David H., Dr. 
Benedict A., Hiram, John, Solomon, Willard and Albert, who served in the First N. 
y. Light Artillery, and died, aged nineteen, about three weeks after being mustered 
out of service; Louisa, Jane, Anna, Marion, Laura and Maria, the three latter living. 
Willard Weeks was born where he now lives, December 11, 1842. He received a 
common school education and owns his father's homestead of 120 acres, also another 
farm adjoining of 110 acres. He served as supervisor two terms and justice one term. 
He is a Republican. He married, August 29, 1882, Samantha Whited, who was born 
in West Troy, daughter of George W. and Eleanor (Lyon) Whited. They have two 
children living : George L. and Clara A. They are members of the M. B, churcli. 

Fit'/gerald. John W., Little Falls, was born- June 24, 1857, in the town of Fairfield. 
In March, 1874, he entered FairfieJ,d Seminary, and graduated with honors in 1879, 
taking a three years' classical course. December 15, 1880, he commenced the study of 
law in the office of Hon. Arphaxed Loomis and "Watts T. Loomis, and was admitted to 
the bar in April, 1882, and has continued his connection with that office ever since. 
In 1884 he commenced the business of insurance in connection with law. In 1891 he 
bought out the interests of the late Philo Reed, in connection with W. S. Reed, uniting 
these two agencies under the firm name of Fitzgerald & Reed. The agency now 
represents the largest insurance companies doing bu.siness, and more actual assets than 
any other agency in New York State. The interest of Mr. Reed in the agency was 
purchased by Mr. Fitzgerald, January 1, 1893. 

Geywits, Adam, Warren, wa.s born near Van Hornesville, town of Stark, Decem- 
ber 18, 1846, was a son of Isaac and Lana (Springer) Geywits. The grandfather, 
John, was born in Stark. His fatlier came from Germany in colonial days, and settled 
about a mile north of Van Hornesville, where he died. He owned 580 acres in 
Stark. He died in 1813. His wife was Elizabeth Fish, by whom he had these chil- 
dren : John, Adam, Isaac, Susan, Irena and Margaret. Isaac was born in Stark, 
December 19, 1813. a carpenter and builder by trade. He and C. T. B. Van Home built 
the saw-mill at Van Hornesville in 1859. He died there May 27, 1887. He was a 



146 niSTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Whig and Republican, and was twice married. His first wife bore liim nine children, 
four of whom survive: Adam, George, who died, aged twenty-one; David and Eliza- 
beth Miller. His wife died in 1861. His second wife was Elizabeth (Chappel) Fort. 
Subject's mother was born in Stark, a daughter of Loadwick Springer, whose wife was 
a Miss Coon. Adam was raised in Van Hornesville, and received a common school 
education, and at eighteen he began for himself, working for 0. A. Shipman & Son. At 
twenty-one he engaged in the cheese box business, with D. S. Tilyon, one year. He 
rented the saw-mill of his father for four years; then, in 1875, he engaged in furniture 
manufacture at Van Hornesville, continuing some ten years, the first and only factory 
of its kind in the village. In 1885 he located on 112 acres, where he now resides?. He 
is a Republican. On December 30, 1878, he married Angeline, daughter of Cornelius 
J. and Rachel (Druse) Connine, natives of Springfield. Mr Connine was a son of Cor- 
nelius Connine, who early came to Springfield, and whose father came from Holland. 
Subject has three children : George C, Charles W. and Calista E. 

Walrath, Levi, Stark, was born where he resides, September 19, 1827, a son of Adol- 
phus H. and Sophia (Moyer) Walrath. The grandfather was a pioneer of Minden, 
Montgomery county, and raised two sons : Adolphus and Peter. Subject's father was 
born in Minden, and finally settled in Stark, where he owned 400 acres before his death. 
He died in November, 1863, aged eighty years. His wife died February 20, 1864, aged 
seventy -.seven years ; they had ten children: John A., Jerry, Charity, Mary, Nancy, 
Sally, Joanna, Moses, Levi and Betsey, three now living- Levi Walrath owns 350 
acres of land. He cared for his parents until their death. He runs a large dairy and 
has served in various town offices, being an active Republican. He married March 16, 
1862, Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Pamelia (Hann) ZoUer, and she died Septem- 
ber 16, 1862. He married second, March 25, 1865, Anna, a sister of h's first wife, by 
whom he had two children : John A. and Levi. Mr. and Mrs. Walrath are members 
of the Lutheran church. * 

McMillan, J. L., German Flats, was born in Cambridge, Washington county, April 
8, 1859. He taught a year in the Putnam Institute, then was clerk for a time and sub- 
sequently engaged in manufacturing. He is the inventor of the type-setting machine 
and is manager of a company manufacturing them in Ilion. He has also invented a 
type- distributer. In 1889 Mr. McMillan married Miss Martha E. Weaver and they have 
one daughter. Mr. McMillan has been nine years in Ilion. 

Walrath, Marvin, Danube, was born in Danube, April 9, 1845, and comes of old Rev- 
olutionary stock. A gran'father of Marvin was a captain in the patriot army, and was 
killed at Herkimer. Henry 1., father of the subject, was a native of Minden, and fol- 
lowed his trade of merchant tailoring, combined with agricultural pursuits, until his 
death. Marvin owns a farm of 137 acres in Danube, is engaged in the wholesale bot- 
tling business, putting up cider, lager and cider vinegar, for a trade which extends 
throughout Herkimer county, St. Johnsville, etc. Mr. Walrath married Cordelia Inger- 
soll, and they have five children, four sons and a daughter. He has served his district 
nine years as trustee, etc., and is identified with the Masonic fraternity, Royal Ar- 
canum, etc. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. I47 

Helligas, E. B., Fairfield, a native of St. Johnsville, Montgomery county, name to 
Fairfield at the age of seven. He owns a fine dairy farm of fifty-three acres, and raises 
thoroughbred Jersey cattle, the only farmer in the town making a specialty of this 
breed. In 1873 he married Ada V. Willard, a descendant of one of the first settlers of 
the town. They now occupy a portion of the farm cleared by her ancestors, and have 
four children : Mary T., Ward W., Charles J. and Clara A. The mother of Mr. Helli- 
gas was a native of Manheim, and his father was born in Jefferson county. 

Way, William H., Schuyler, was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery county, August 
20, 1827. He moved to West Schuyler when a small boy, where he has resided over 
fifty years. In 1855 he married Margaret A. McGraw, who died in 1868. They had 
five children : Hiram A., William C, Herbert C, Frank A. and Cora A., who died July 
8, 1871. June 21, 1870, he married Mrs. Julia E. Way, of llion. He is commissioner 
of highways and has been school trustee, and is one of the representative men of 
Schuyler. 

Flansburg, John V., Ohio, was born in Ohio, May 16, 1838. His father was Barthol- 
omew, a son of Richard Flansburg, of Revolutionary fame, who was a boatman from 
Albany to Fort Stanwix. Joseph Flansburg was a re.sident of Mayfield, Fulton county 
and at an early day came to Russia, and afterwards went to Hasenclever Hills, Herki- 
mer county, and spent the remainder of his days. He was in the war of 1812. Bar- 
tholomew Flansburg was born in Mayfield in 1809. He married Angeline Stephens of 
Russia, by whom he had six sons and four daughter.?. In 1824 Mr. Flansbur" came to 
Ohio and purchased a farm, where he lived and died May 3, 1882. He was a Whio- and 
later a Republican. He and his wife were Methodists. The latter is now living with 
her son, Francis, in Wilmurt, at the age of eighty-two. John V. Flansburg was reared 
on a farm and educated in the common schools of Ohio, where he has always lived. In 
1861 he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-seventh regiment, N.Y. Volunteers, and was in 
service eighteen months. He was in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock 
Station, Thoroughfare Gap and the Second Bull Run. At the latter battle he was 
wounded and held prisoner on the field eight days, when he made his escape andjoined 
the hospital corps, where "he remained from September 9, 1862, to January 30, 1863, 
being then discharged. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Ohio, and 
has since followed farming. October 17, 1868, he married Sarah E. Conklin, daughter 
of Henry S. and Annie (Edick) Conklin, of Columbia county. Mr. Conklin and wife 
were early settlers of Ohio, where both died. Subject and wife have one child. Dean 
R. August 6, 1871, Mrs. Flansburg died, and February 19, 1874, he married second, 
Ann Gumming She died September 29, 1877, and in 1878 he married Jane Boyce, of 
Saratoga, daughter of David and Elizabeth Boyce. By his third marriage he has four 
children : Earl G., Edna A., Edith M. and Fred. Mr. Flansburg is a Republican. 

Beals, Rev. Oliver B., Litchfield, was born on the farm where he now lives July 25, 
1832, and is an ordained minister of the Unitarian church. He was school commis- 
sioner of the second district of Herkimer county, which position he held nine years. 
He was associated with Judge Graves, of Herkimer, and they were delegates to the 
New York Constitutional Con\'eatioa from this district. Mr. Beals was on the com- 



148 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

mittee on ediication, he being the only school commissioner in the convention. His 
theory in relation to the enlargement of the canals was adopted by the finance com- 
mittee and by the convention. He married Emma Champion, and they have four 
children : Mrs. I. K. Fish, Oliver W. and John D., who are lawyers in New York city, 
and Morell B., who is a practicing physician in New York city. 

Myers, J. H., German Flats, was born in German Flats April 16, 1831, and has been 
a farmer all his life, though he has also been engaged in other pursuits. He was in the 
brick business with T. E. Coe for some time, and for seven or eight years was a cheese 
seller. He ha.< a dairy of about forty cows. In 1865 Mr. Myers married Anna E. 
Shull, an'! they have a son, John H. Myers, jr., and a daughter, Florence A. Mr. 
Myers's father was John H. and his grandfather Henry J., a native of Herkimer. His 
mother was Maria Bellinger. 

Alexander, Mrs. James, Fairfield, widow of James Alexander, is a native of Sali.s- 
bury. Her father was Rodolphus Gillette In 1847 .«he married James Alexander, 
who died May 24, 1889. She has three children living: Mrs. B. I. Cooper, Mrs. James 
B. Hart and Miss Jennie Alexander. Mrs. Alexander owns 140 acres of land, which 
she rents out. She is a member of the Episcopal church and is a most estimable 
lady. 

Andrews, George F., carriage manufacturer. Little Falls, is a native of Cooperstown, 
Otsego county, and was born in 1851. He has been in the carriage business all his life, 
but commenced his pres_ent enterprise February 1, 1882. His business life extends 
over twenty-three years and has been successful. He is highly esteemed in this town, 
and at present holds the ofSce of exciseman. He is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, the Royal Arcanum and other social organizations. 

Alvord, John M., Frankfort, was born in Frankfort October 11, 1835, he being one of 
three children of Joseph M. and Desire (Hakes) Alvord, of Frankfort. His grand- 
father, Medad Alvord, was born in Connecticut, and came to New York State when 
quite a young man. Desire Hakes, the mother, was a daughter of John and Catherine 
Hakes, of Little Falls. He married Eliza Elmer, of Sauquoit, by whom he had 
three children : Mary L. (Mrs. David F. Davis), Rosa D (Mrs. Edward Brigham), and 
Ha riet C. (Mrs. Robert Salisbury), their mother dying when they were young. He 
subsequently married Angeline Woodbridge, of Gulph, Frankfort. He has always lived 
in Frankfort, running his farm as a dairy. He has been postmaster of Gulph post- 
ort'ice since the office was first established six years ago. 

Avery, Sanford, Litchfield, was born in this town April 20, 1825. His father, John 
S., was one of the first settlers of this town. Sanford Avery married Clara Davis, 
who died, leaving two children, Ella M. and Albert F. He married second Harriet E. 
True. Mr. Avery has a dairy and fruit farm, and ships berries to different markets and 
to New York. 

Allen, W. D., Frankfort, one of six children of James K. and Nancy E. (Sherwood) 
Allen, was born in the town of Norwich, N. Y., November 25, 1857. Isaac Allen, the 
grandfather, was born in New York city ; Nancy E. Sherwood, the mother, was born 



i 



FAMILY SKETCHES. »9 

at Guilford, N. T., her father, William Sherwood, having been born in Connecticut. 
William D. Allen left his native town when twenty-five years of age, going into the 
railroad business, first with the New York, Ontario and Western Railroad, coming from 
there to the West Shore Railroad shops office at Frankfort. He advanced to the posi- 
tion of chief clerk of motive power and rolling stock, and has occupied that position 
to the present time. 

Avery, William W. Litchfield, was born on the farm where he now lives November 
9, 1818, a son of John S., who came from Preston, Conn., and was one of the first 
settlers of this town. He married Apphia P. Remington. John S. Avery died De- 
cember 28, 1878, aged eighty-seven years. He left eight children, of whom seven are 
living. William W. married Bmeline Hopson, and they have ten children living : 
Apphia J., Elva F., Frances E., Erford H., William M., Edward H., Annette L., John 
S., Nellie M. and Dollie N. John S. married Cora B. Doremus, and they reside on the 
old homestead. 

Abeel, J. W., Ohio, was born December 7, 1855, in Ohio, N. Y. His father was Al- 
bert, a son of David Abeel, a native of Greene county, born in 1795. The wife of 
David Abeel was Gertrude Myers, and they had four sons and two daughters. Mr. 
Abeel came to Ohio, where he died in 1844, and his wife in 1867 at the age of sixty- 
five years. Albert Abeel was born in Greene county in 1812 and came to Ohio with 
his parents. September 16, 1841, he married Mary Snyder, a native of Greene county, 
born in 1820. She was a daughter of Jonas and Rhoda Snyder. To Albert and wife 
were born two sons and two daughters. He was a farmer and hotel proprietor, and 
for many years he also carried on the mercantile business. He was a Republican in 
politics, supervisor sixteen years, justice of peace twelve years and assessor a number 
of years. He died December 18, 1891, and his wife resides with J. W. The latter 
was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and in Utica Business Col- 
lege. In 1890 he married Viola, daughter of Robert and Catherine Richards, of Ohio. 
Mr. Abeel is a farmer and continues his father's mercantile business. He is a Repub- 
lican and was supervisor three years in succession. He is a member of Ohio Grange, 
No. 686, and is a supporter of the Methodist church. Jonas Snyder came to Ohio and 
resided a short time, then went to Greene county, where his wife died. He then went 
to live with his daughter, and there died. They had one son and two daughters. Mr. 
Snyder was in the war of 1812. 

Ackler, John A., Litchfield, was born in Columbia July 29, 1853, and settled on the 
farm where he now lives m 1867. He married Belle, daughter of Elijah Manning, of 
Columbia. John A. is a son of Jacob Ackler, a native of Columbia, and he was a son 
of Jacob, who came to Columbia from Danube with his father, Leonard Ackler, who 
was a soldier of the Revolution, entering the army »t the age of sixteen. His parents 
were German and were among the first settlers of Danube. Jacob Ackler, grandfather 
of John A., had seven children: Jacob jr., David, Deborah, Dorathy, Mary, Phillip 
and Emily Ackler. All are living in this county. 

Angell, M. D., German Flats, was born in Otsego county Stptcmber 7, 1848, and 
spent the first twelve years of his life on the farm. He came to Ilion, and after fol- 



150 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

lowing various pursuits established himself in the undertaking business in 1888. He 
was chief of police in Ilion for one year and is a Republ'can in politics. His father 
was F. C. Angell, an artist, and his grandfather came from Connecticut. 

Blatchley, James W., Warren, was born where he now lives May 20, 1842, and is a 
son of Seeley and Anna (Webb^ Blatchley. His grandfather was James and his great- 
grandfather Seele)' Blatchley, who came from Connecticut. The subject's grandfather was 
born in Saratoga county and came to Warren with his parents. He evened six or seven 
hundred acres of land. His wife was Elizabeth Keeler, who bore him six children. 
The subject's father was born in Warren in 1808, where he died in July, 1889; his 
widow survives. She was born March 16, 1816, and bore him three children: James 
W., Ceylon E. and Francis M. He left a farm of 300 acres. James W. Blatchley re- 
ceived an academic education, and has carried on dairying and hop raising as a special 
feature. He has also been engaged for ten years in the agricultural implement busines.x. 
He is a Republican and has been .supervisor and justice in a Democratic town. He 
married, February 25, 1876, Ella, daughter of John and Polly (Shaul) Wickoff, who 
bore him one child, Ella, who died at fourteen. Mrs. Blatchley died March IG, 1877. 
She was a Baptist. 

Bloorafield, Charles W., Warren, was born where he now resides December 25, 1851, 
a son of Allen and Rosalinda (Bell") Bloomfield. His grandfather was Joseph and his 
great-grandfather Jonathan, who came from Connecticut and settled on the farm where 
our subject now lives, and which has been in the possession of the family since. Joseph 
Bloomfield was born July 10, 1790, married Hannah Abbott, and died July 26, 1862 ; 
she died December 17, 1887. Allen Bloomfield was born April 24, 1821, and received 
an academic education. He followed farming until 1872, when he moved to Richfield 
Springs, where he has been prominently engaged in important business enterprises. 
He was twice married. Charles W. Bloorafield received an academic education and in 
1876 settled upon the homestead. He is a Republican and has held town offices. He 
married, October 12, 1876, Libbie, daughter of John and Caroline (Filkins) McReady 
of Stark. They have two children : Allen J. and Russell W. Mrs. Bloomfield is a 
Universal ist. 

Bennett, William, Norway, was born in Newport July 23, 1834. His father was 
Hiram Bennett, a son of Joshua Bennett, who came from New England at an early 
date and settled in Ohio where he died. Hiram Bennett came with his father to Ohio 
and here his life was spent. He married Almira Churchill of Deerfield. She bore him 
six children. By his second wife, Lydia Cavenaugh he had five. The death of Mr. 
Bennett occurred in 1861, and that of his wife in 1891. Wm. Bennett married Emily 
I. Warner, a native of Connecticut, by whom he had six children, two of whom are 
living, Gary and Olie. Mr. Bennett is a carpenter by trade and runs a saw-mill. He 
has spent most of his life in Ohio, but during the last eight years has resided in Norway. 
In 1884 he purchased the Black Creek Western Mill. He is a Republican and has been 
clerk of Ohio three years. He and wife are Methodists. 

Brooks, Fred, Ohio, a native of England, was born April 10, 1845. His father, 
Charles Brook-i, was a manufacturer of woolen goods, and his wife was Ann Pugson, by 



Family sketches. i5i 

whom he had six sons and seven daughters. In 1849 Mr. Brool<s caire to America and 
settled in Vermont, where he remained a short time, then went to Massachusetts. He 
soon returned to Vermont ancf there remained until 1855, when he moved to Utica. 
In 1857 he went to Little Falls, and was foreman in one department of the Mohawk 
Woolen Mills, He went to Ohio and lived three years, and then went to New Albany, 
Ind., where he died December 23, 1891, and his wife died February 7, 1890. Fred 
Brooks was raised in Utica and in Little Fall.=, and was educated in the common schools. 
February 3, 1864, he enlisted ni the Second N. Y. Heavy Artillery and served until the 
close of the war. He was at the battle of Spottsylvania and the Wilderness, and was 
wounded and in the hospital six weeks. At the close of the war Mr. Brooks returned 
to Ohio, where he has since resided. July 3, 1869, he married Annie Ashman of Ohio, 
daughter of Jacob and Mary Ashman, natives of Germany. Mrs. Ashman died Febru- 
ary IG, 1870. Mr. Ashman now resides at Cold Brook. Fred Brooks and wife have 
two children : Cora L., who married James P. Nellis; and Everett W. Mr. Brooks is 
a Democrat and has been coUeolor, overseer of the poor, and highway commissioner. 
He is a member of Ohio Grange No. 686. 

Bellinger. John, Norway, was born in Remsen September 15, 1820. He is a son of 
Jacob and Elizabeth (Ingersoll) Bellinger, who reared three children. Mrs. Bellinger 
died and Mr. Bellinger married Julia Dibble, by whom he had seven children. Jacob 
Bellinger was born in Oppenheim. and afterwards settled in Bellingertown, in Remsen, 
the former named in honor of his uncle and father. During the latter years of his life, 
Mr. Bellinger lived with the subject in Ohio, where he died in 1874. John Bellinger 
was reared on a farm. His mother died when he was six years of age, and since the 
age of nine years he has supported himself. In 1848 he married Lydia Anthony, by 
whom he has three sons and one daughter. Mr. Bellinger owns 130 acres of land. He 
is a Democrat in politics. In 1884 Mrs. Bellinger died and he married Lizzie Mullen of 
Crogan, Jefferson county. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

Brown, Edward A., Dolgeville, was born at Turin, Lewis county, N. Y., October 
30, 1848. He received an academic education and studied law with his father, the 
Hon. E. A. Brown, county judge of Lewis county, and was admitted to practice law 
by the first general term which sat at Rochester, September 3, 1871. After practicing 
his profession in Lowville for some time, he formed a law partnership with Samuel 
Earl and Judge George W. Smith, of Herkimer, the firm being known as Earl, Smith 
& Brown. This firm continued till July 1, 1876, and did a very large business. Then 
Mr. Brown formed a co-partnership with Judge Mitchell, of Herkimer, which continued 
till the spring of 1887. Mr. Brown came to Dolgeville in 1890. He does a large busi- 
ness here, having charge of Alfred Dolge's transactions in this line. In 1888 Mr. 
Brown was a presidential elector for Harrison and Morton. 

Budlong, Capt. A. J., German Flats, was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., December 2, 
1844, but removed to Frankfort, Herkimer county, at an early age. He was in the 
'bus business seven years, after which he was conductor on a Wagner car for some 
time. He then bought a steam packet and has run it on the canal ever since. In 1863 
he married Minerva J. Harris, of Frankfort. He has been captain of the Thirty-first 



152 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

Separate Company N. G. S. N. Y. since 1884. Captain Budlong is a prominent Mason 
and a member of the Knights of Birmingham. 

Baker, Albert, German Flats, was born in Spring6eld, Mass., October 15, 1818. He 
learned his trade in Chicopee Falls and came to Ilion in 1847. He has been a contrac- 
tor in the Armory for over forty years and has charge of the forging done in the works. 
Mr. Baker married Julia Mannmg, by whom he had one son, Franklin A., who married 
a Miss Davenport. Franklin A. Baker died in 1888, leaving four sons. Mr. Baker is 
largely interested in orange groves in Florida, 

Burton, David, German Flats, was born in Deerfield, October 12, 1811, and was a 
farmer all his life, till he retired a few years ago. He lived forty years in Frankfort. 
His father was Nathan Burton. In 1841 Mr. Burton married Rosina Whitney, and 
has one son, Nathan. His wife died about forty years ago. Mr. Burton is one of the 
sterling old men of Herkimer county and holds the highest esteem and fullest con- 
fidence of all classes. 

Ball, Howard H., a farmer, also town clerk of Litchfield for the second term, was 
born on the farm, where he now live.s, May 12, 1856, and married Elisabeth Fish, of 
Frankfort. They have two children : Florence A. and Felda. Howard H. Ball, a son 
of Hartley Ball, was also town clerk, and was born on the farm occupied and owned 
by his son, Howard H. Hartley Ball was a son of Captain Joseph Ball, who came from 
one of the Eastern States when a boy with his father, who settled on this farm when 
the country was new. He was appointed captain and served in a military company. 
He died in 1872, aged ninety-four years. Elisabeth Ball was a daughter of Samuel P. 
Fish, formerly a resident of this town, and supervisor of Litchfield. 

Ball, Elias B., Litchfield, a farmer and grocer, has been overseer of the poor, county 
commissioner of highways, collector, and assessor of the town of Litchfield, where he 
was born February 23, 1808. He is a son John Ball, a native of New Hampshire ; he 
was one of four brothers, Nathaniel, David, Joseph and John A., who came here the 
next year after the first settler, Elijah Snow, who settled this town in 178G. Elias B. 
Ball married first Fanny, daughter of Kellup Holden. She died leaving four children : 
Horatio G., Varnum, Adelia, and Celioe L. He married second Mary Ann Wilken,son, 
by whom he has four sons and one daughter living, Ira E., Alfred J., Sarah D., Eli 
J. and Daniel E. Mrs. Ball is a daughter of Ira Wilkenson, one of the prominent men 
of this town. 

Barne.s, Deacon Charles, Litchfield, was born in Ghent, Columbia county, March 26, 
1802, and February 18, 1830, married Maria Ludlow in the town of Austerlitz, Colum- 
bia county, N. Y. April, 1831, they removed to Jerusalem Hill, Herkimer county, and 
in 1837 he settled on the farm where his son George now resides. When he came to 
Litchfield his brother, David Barnes, was pastor of the church at Norwich Corners from 
1830 to 1835, and in 1836 David removed to Oneida Lake, Madison county, where he 
died September 5, 1890, aged ninety-three years. Charles Barnes had four sons: 
James, Richard, Charles and George, all living. The oldest, James L., was a member 
of Company E., One Hundred and Fifty-second New York Volunteers, enlisting Sep- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 153 

tember C, 1862. He was discharged June 15, 18G5, having attained the rank of ser- 
geant. He was severely wounded at the battle of Spotsylvania Court-house. May 12, 
1864 ; was crippled for life. Two of the sons, James and George, live in Litchfield. 
Richard resides at Fowler, Neb. Charles lives at Sauquoit, Oneida county. Charles 
Barnes was appointed deacon of the Norwich Corners Congregational Church in 1838. 
His first wife, Maria Ludlow, died October 31, 18.57, and on July 13, 1859, he married 
Mrs. Maria Strong, of Lenox, Madison county, N. T. Deacon Charles Barnes died June 
28, 1883. His second wife, Maria Strong, died January 28, 1888. Two of the sons 
are married. Charles married Flora Johnson, of Sauquoit, January 18, 1863, they 
have four children. George married Ellen Chappell, of Schuyler's Lake, September 
20, 1871. They have one daughter, Ida. 

Brown, Philip H., Winfield, is president of the Board of Education of the West 
Winfield school and academy, also trustee of the Congregational Church, and president 
of the West Winfield Cemetery Association. He was supervisor for the years 1884, 
1885 and 1886. He was born in this town January 15, 1848, married Nettie L. 
Green, and they have three children : Daisy P., Goldie M. and Harry P. They lost 
one son, Fred J., who died April 17, 1879. Philip H. is a son of James Brown, who 
was born in this town, a son of Philip Brown, who was a native of Rhode Island, 
and settled here at an early day. Mrs. Nettie L. Brown was a daughter of James 
P. Green, a native here, and a son of William, who came to this town soon after his 
marriage and settled. His original homestead is owned by his grandchildren: Will- 
iam J. Green and Mrs. Nettie L Brown. 

Beckwith, E. D., Little Falls, was born in the town of Columbia and educated in the 
district schools and prepared to enter college in the Winfield and Little Falls academies. 
At the age of twenty-six he was elected to the Legislature, and afterwards was school 
commissioner for Herkimer county. He followed farming until the age of thirty, then 
through endorsing paper became interested in the tannery business, which he has since 
conducted. He employs about fifty hand.s. He is a popular speaker in presidential 
campaigns. Mi-. Beckwith's ancestors are of Revolutionary fame and have been for 
several generations successively members of the Legislature, besides holding other pub 
lie ofilces of note. His grandfather, Alijah Beckwith, was in the war of 1812, served 
three terms in the Legislature and was from six to eight years in the Senate. His 
father was also in the Legislature and was presidential elector at the time of Lincoln's 
nomination. Mr. Beckwith is at present one of the Cleveland delegates to Chicago. 
He married Miss E. Robinson of this State, by whom he has had three children, one of 
whom, J. D. Beckwith, is a graduate of Cornell University and a now prominent law- 
yer of this village. The other two are daughters. 

Bliss, Alvin, Winfield, was born in Cortland county, February 24, 1828, and came to 
Winfield at eight years of age, where he has since lived ; excepting two years spent in 
Australia. He came to his present farm in 1862. He is a son of Charles Bliss, who 
married Martha daughter of Captain Lawton. Alvin Bliss married Sarah A., daughter 
of Edward and Pamelia (Curtis) Wilcox, January 9. 1802. They have one son, Henry 
E., born November 12, 1862, who married September 6, 1883, Josephine, daughter of 
Welcome and Deborah (Peck) Manchester, who was born May 3, 1863. 



154 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Brown, Arthur T., Litchfield, is a farmer and owns and works about 150 acres. He 
was born in the house in which he now lives, July 15, 1857. He married Lilhe M. 
Day of Frankfort and they have one child, Barl W. Arthur T. Brown, is a member of 
Sauquoit Lodge, No. 150, F. & A. M. ; of the North Litchfield Grange, and the First 
Baptist church of Litchfield. For two years was su{erintendent of the (Jtica Dairy 
Farm. His father was Emerson, and he was a son of Thomas Brown, a native of Con- 
necticut, who settled his farm about 1791, the deed being in the possession of Arthur 
T. Brown. 

Brown, H. Clark, Winfield, operates a gri.-Jt-mill and is a dealer in feed, flour and 
grain. He was born in this town April 20, 1828 a son of Hiram who was a na- 
tive of this town, and a son of Eleazer, one of the first settlers here. The latter 
was a native of Plainfield, Conn., and a son of Peleg Brown of Connecticut. H. 
Clark Brown married Alice A., daughter of William Stewart of this town, and 
they have three children : Alice L., Charles H. and Sherman W. Alice L. was edu- 
cated at West Winfield Academy and Houghton Seminary at Clinton. She iDar- 
ried J. A. Rafter, M. D., of Holton, Kan., and they have one daughter, Lodema A. 
Charles H. Brown was educated at the Winfield Academy, and then at the Hunger- 
ford Collegiate Institute at Adams, N. Y. He read law with Mills & Palmer of Little 
Falls, and is now practicing law at Belmont. He is serving his second term as district 
attorney of Allegany county. He married Alice Smith of Adams, and they have two 
sons, Charles H. Jr., and Harold S. Sherman W. Brown was educated at Winfield 
Academy and at Hamilton College. He graduated at the latter place and spent three 
years at Andover Theological Seminary, and is in his third year in the University of Ber- 
lin, Germany. 

Bardin, Park M., Winfield, was born in Plainfield, June 13, 1848, and settled in 
Winfield on the farm where he now lives in 1856. It consists of 150 acres. It is a 
dairy and grain farm and is part of that formerly owned by Col. Newton A. Wilcox, 
who was the largest dairy farmer of his time, keeping one hundred cows. He was 
born on this farm where his father, John Wilcox, settled. Mr. Bardin married, 
October Ki, 18G9, Fannie S. Brigham, of Westmoreland, Oneida county. They have 
three children : Edith L., Earl C. and Ward N. Park M. Bardin is a son of Seth 
Bardin, who was born in Plainfield but settled on this farm in 1856, and he was a 
son of Seth Bardin also. 

Baker, Herbert E., Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, and was born August 15, 1852. 
He married Agnes Wilraot in 1878, and they have three sons and a daughter. Mr. 
Baker was educated in Whitestown and Fulton Seminary. His father was Albert and 
his grandfather was Hiram Baker. 

Barrett, Murtis A., Dolgeville, was born in Oppenheim September 4, 1868. He was 
educated in the Oppenheim ."(chool and the Fairfield Academy, and worked with his 
father, Patrick Barrett, on the farm in Oppenheim until 1889, then for two years he 
worked at the brick business in the east. In November, 1891, he established his pres- 
ent liquor business in Dolgeville, which he has since successfully conducted. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 155 

Baker, Hiram V., Schuyler, was born on the farm he now owns, October 26, 1822. 
His father, Hiram Baker, was born February 21, 1800, and died in 1887. His grand- 
father, George Baker, came from Ireland in the last century and his grandmother 
from Rhode Island, In 1847 Mr. Baker married M. E Bridenbecker, daughter of 
Jacob Bridenbecker, a descendant of an old Mohawk Dutch family. Mr. Baker is 
one of the prominent men of Schuyler and has been highway commissioner and 
assessor of the town. His father was school commissioner and clerk of the dis- 
trict for many years. 

Burch, Frederick, Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, born February 9, 1830. He 
owns a farm of 138 acres and raises grass and dry stock. He has been town clerk 
three terras and exc'se commissioner. In 1860 Mr. Burch married Mary Sterling, and 
they have four children, one son and three daughters. Lovell, father of Frederick, 
was a native of Massachusetts. 

Brown, William, Russia, was born in Whitesboro, Oneida county, in October, 1839. 
He was reared by Elias Stanton, for many years a resident of Gravesville, N, T. In 
1859 he married Martha Wilkins, a native of England, born in 1842, and a daughter of 
Matthew and Elizabeth (Howell) Wilkins, natives of England. They had four daugh- 
ters and two sons. In 1847 Mr. Wilkins and family came to America, settling in Utica, 
N. Y. Mr. Wilkins was a blacksmith by trade and died in 1888. His wife died in 
1877. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had four children, Cora, Ida, Frederick and Fannie, 
all of whom are living. Cora married Stephen Agne, of Utica, and Ida married Will- 
lam Robinson, of Russia. When young, Mr. Brown worked on a farm and attended 
the public schools. For eleven years he worked on the New York Central Railroad, 
and afterwards for six years he worked in the oil wells of Franklin, Pa. He now 
works on a farm in Russia. He and his wife are members of the Russia Grange and 
of the Baptist church of Russia. Mr. Brown is a Democrat. 

Bennett, Howard M., Dolgeville, was born in this town, in the village of Deck, in 
1840. His father, Michael Lockwood Bennett, had a family of eight children, seven 
of whom are living. Howard M. Bennett went West early in life and was engaged in 
farming for some time. In 1864 he returned to Salisbury Center, and afterward fol- 
lawed his trade in Ilion for ten years. About fifteen years ago he entered the employ 
of A. Dolge, and is now foreman of the planing-mill and box shop. Mr. Bennett is a 
skillful workman and is identified with various local societies. 

Burns, M., German Flats, was born in Fairfield September 20, 1868. After living on 
his father's farm at Shell's Bush for some time he came to Mohawk and spent seven 
seven years in the livery business there. He then came to Ilion and bought out the 
leading livery stable in 1892, which he now conducts. He is an active Democrat. 

Baker, J. C, German Flats, was born in Sheffield, England, December 9, 1836. He 
came to America in 1845 and learned his trade in Waterville, Conn., afterwards moving 
to Winsted, Conn. He came to Ilion in 1861, and has been in the armory ever since, 
having been contractor for several years, and latterly being with the typewriter works. 
In 1855 he married Augusta Truman, and their children are: John T. Baker, jr., Mrs. 
I. A. Chatteway, and Annette, who is at home. 



156 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Bronson, 0. W., G-erman Flats, was born in Warren, Herkimer county, April 12, 
1818, and was at first a carriage-maker and then a farmer. He is now interested in 
the Mohawk Knitting Mills, and was president o( the street railways for ten years. 
He now live« retired. In 1851 he married Miss E. G. Harter, and they have two 
children, Arthur W. and Mrs. Rev. J. B. Brundell. Mr. Bronson has been justice of 
the peace and justice of th<^ sessions many years. 

Briggs, Nathan, German Flats, popularly kiiown as Nate Briggs, was born in Gal- 
way, Saratoga county, July 8, 1832. He has been prominently identified with leading 
hotels for many years, and is the present proprietor of the Briggs House. Hion. He is 
and has been United States marshal for many years. He has been deputy sheriff and 
postmaster at Sprakers, N. Y., and filled other responsible positions. Mr. Briggs mar- 
ried Urella Krouse, and by her had a son, Fernando C, and a daughter, now Mrs. J. 
H. Gammond. Mr. Briggs married second in 1886 Agnes C. Bevens. 

Boyce, John, Ohio, was born in Ohio March 10, 1858. His father was David Boyce, 
and he was a son of Henry Boyce, whose father was Elias. Henry was born in Co- 
lumbia county, where he lived and died. He was drafted in the war of 1812. His 
wife was Catharine Rowe, by whom he had two children. David Boyce was born in 
Columbia founty in 1818, was reared on a farm and has always followed farming. His 
wife was Betsey Garrison, of Columbia county, and they had four sons and five daugh- 
ters. Three of the sons were in the late war, Henry, David E. and George. Henry 
enlisted in the Eighty-first New York Volunteers, Company C, in 1861, serving a short 
time. David E. enlisted in the same company in 1862 and served until the close of the 
war. He was in Salisbury prison about one year, which caused his death in 1865. 
George enlisted in 1863 and served until the close of the war. He was wounded in 
one leg while doing picket duty. John Boyce was reared on a farm and educated in 
the common schools. In 1889 he married Ilattie Well.s, of Ohio, daughter of Charles 
and Rebecca Wells, of Wilmurt, and they have two children. Mr. Boyce has always 
been a farmer, and in politics is a Democrat. 

BelHnger, Steward, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls. He received his education 
in the schools and academy here, and has devoted his entire time and attention since 
that time to his dairy farm, which contains 193 acres. He has about forty head of 
cattle, besides other stock. Mr. Bellinger is an active and enthusiastic member of the 
Grange. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is identified with local, social 
and benevolent institutions. He married Elizabeth Sponable, and they have one child, 
a son, living. 

Barse, Charles I., Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls, and although a young, un- 
married man, represents substantial agricultural interests. His father, Charles Barse. 
was also a native and life-long resident of Little Falls. His mother is still living. Mr. 
Barse has 175 acres of land and a herd of forty milch cows. He is a member of ihe 
Grange and enterprising farmer. The family consists of four brothers and one sifter, 
and is one of the oldest and best known in the county, the grandfather having settled 
here in the early part of the present century. 



I 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 167 

Bellinger, P. S., is a native of Little Falls and has passed his entire life here, being 
now seventy-three years of age. He owns 234 acres of land, all used for dairy pur- 
poses and hay. He comes of an old and well known family of historic fame, his 
grandfather on his mother's side having served in the Revolution, and his father in the 
war of 1812. Mr. Bellinger is well known throughout this part of the State, and is a 
Mason, a member of the Grange and of the Royal Arcanum. He has been commis- 
sioner of highways for three years and was assessor for three years. He cast his first 
vote against the first Harrison, and has been a Democrat ever since, and has never 
missed but one town meeting. 

Broat, Henry, Manheim, was born January 9, 1821, on the old farm located on the 
Salisbury Plank Road in the township of Manheim, which he still owns. His farm 
contains 200 acres of fine dairy land, upon which he keeps about forty-five cows, twelve 
head of horses, besides other stock. His first wife was Miss Mary Doxtater, and some 
time after her death he married his present wife, Miss Margaret Keller, a daughter of 
Samuel Keller. He has four children living, all of whom are married. Henry Broat's 
father served in the war of 1812 at Sackett 8 Harbor, and his brother, Squire Broat, 
has settled on the Salisbury road not far from the old homestead. 

Brockett, Calvin, Dolgeville, was born at Dolgeville, formerly called Brockett's 
Bridge, July 15, 1854. His family have been prominent here since the War of the 
Revolution. Calvin was educated in the common schools, and followed farming until 
he sold his farm to Alfred Dolge. He married lone Kible and they have three daugh- 
ters. Mr. Brockett is a member of the board of education, and is identified with va- 
rious social and benevolent institutions, the Masonic brotherhood, etc. He is now en- 
gaged in the hard and soft wood traffic, and is erecting a saw-mill for the convenience 
of his trade. 

Burney, J. Gr., Little Falls. Before the War of the Rebellion broke out there dwelt 
in St. Lawrence county, this State, a family typical in every way of the best social and 
national elements. Here were the father and mother, and four sons and two daughters. 
The truest family t'es and sentiments united them, but when the war broke out the 
spirit of patriotism led the father and eldest son to the front. The son, then only 
eighteen years of age, is the subject of this sketch. His father, Thomas Burney, took 
sick at New Orleans and returned home to die in the forty-fourth year of his age, leav- 
ing the mother with the care and support of five young children. The men and women 
into which these children have grown are the highest meed of praise that can be given 
her, but she is a type of the most suffering mothers of the war times, whose names 
shou'd be forever perpetuated. J. G. Burney enlisted in December, 18C3. and was mus- 
tered in January, 1864, in Company M, Eighteenth New York Cavalry. His regiment 
operated in Louisiana and Texas, and was kept in the vicinity of New Orleans for a con- 
siderable time. They were paid off and honorably discharged at Galveston, Texas, in 
1866. He was mustered out as sergeant. After the war Mr. Burney worked at his 
trade of wagon-making for some years and then traveled for about ten years; two for 
the Warrior Mower company, then for a Utica firm for a time and finally settled in Lit- 
tle Falls in 1885, and on January 1, 1891, became a partner in the firm of Buiuey 



156 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Brothers. Mr. Burney is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grand Army. 
He helped to oiganixe Thomas Post, at Prospect, and was its commander for several 
years. He is a man much esteemed in both social and commercial circles for his many 
qualities of head and heart. 

Brandon, Rev. Peter, Warren, came from Greene county, N. Y., to a place near 
Schuyler's Lake, and thence to Cramer's Corners, Herkimer county. Most of his time 
was spent in Otsego county. He married Rebecca Worden, by whom he had five chil- 
dren : Sally, Betsey, Deborah, Catharine and John W. Peter Brandon and his wife 
died in Otsego county. John W. was born near Schuyler's Lake, Otsego county, Au- 
gust 11, 1810. He was a carriage-maker and undertaker, and served as justice thirty- 
two years. He died in Otsego county, August 21, 1884. He married Catharine Counine, 
born in Springfield, a daughter of Richard and Rebecca Connine, natives of New Eng- 
land. John W. had ten children, several of whom survived : Rebecca, Pmckney, Ada- 
line, Marshall, Ida Young, John W., Alfred, Leroy J. and Amelia Druse. The mother 
still survives. John W. was born in Springfield, December 31, 1841. He received a com- 
mon school education, and at fourteen began to earn his own living. In 1868 he located 
in Warren on thirty-seven acres, farming and running a shop. In 1871 he located in 
Jordanville and bought a building which he now runs as a hotel. He also carried on a 
wagon, furniture and undertaking business up to 1885, when he converted the building 
into a hotel, which he ran for two years, then sold out. He traveled two years for a 
patent wood-filler, which he manufactures, and which is one of the finest made. He is 
a Mason and is a Democrat in politics. He married January 6, 1866, Mariah Van Home, 
born in Stark, a daughter of Walter and Eliza (Stoughter") Van Home, and their chil- 
dren are as follows: Lena A., Emma, wife of Ellis D. Elwood, and Ralph Rodney. 
Walter Van llorne was born in Van Hornesville, July 10, 1806. He lived forty years 
on his first farm, then moved to Columbia, remaining eight years. Since March, 1892, 
he has lived with his daughter, Mrs. Brandon. His wife died in 1873. They had seven 
children, four sons and three daughters. Mr. Van Home was a son of Richard, who, 
with his brother Daniel, built the first mill where the stone furniture building now 
stands at Van Hornesville. The present mill was built by Cornelius Van Home and 
Acre Fox. The wife of Richard was Cornelia Ten Eycke, by whom he had nine chil- 
dren, seven of whom grew to maturity. Richard was a son of Abram Van Home, who 
came from New Jersey before the Revolution and settled in Montgomery county, and 
later was the first settler in Van Hornesville. He married a Miss Hough, by whom he 
had eight children. 

Bronner, Walter I., Stark, was born where he now resides, September 29, 1864, a son 
of Isaac D. and Mary C. (Harwick) Bronner. The grandfather, Daniel, was bom in 
Stark and settled on the farm where Walter I. now resides, in 1832, and there he re- 
sided until his death, June 4, 1858, aged sixty-three years. He served in the war 
of 1812, and his father. Christian, served in the Revolutionary War, and his father, 
Christian Bronner, was a native of Germany. Daniel's wife was Catharine Wager, 
who died Dscember 28, 1865, aged fifty-nine years. They had eight children : Oliver, 
Barnard, Isaac D., Daniel, Anna M., Dorothy E. J., Lucy J. and Clarissa. Isaac D. 



i 



Family sketches. 159 

Bronner was born where Walter I. now reside?, in 1832, and lives with his son, Walter 
I. He had seven children: Catha L., Elmer E., Walter I., Carrie M., M. Enola, 
Harwick D., F. Fayette, all of which are still living. Mrs. Mary C. Bronner, their 
mother, died January 19. 1819. Five of the children have been school teachers. Mr. 
Bronner is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Walter I. received his education at 
the common schools and at Richfield Springs, also at Herkimer, and at eighteen he be- 
gan teaching and has taught during the winter ever since. At sixteen he began life for 
himself. He has followed cheese-making for two years at Van Hornesville. Mr. Bron- 
ner is a G-ranger and a Good Templar, and is active in the temperance cause. In Oc- 
tober, 1889, he bought the old homestead, which consists of 107 acres of land. He is a 
breeder of Jersey cattle. The original stock was the first Jerseys ever owned in the 
county, brought here by his father in 1867 from New Jersey. Mr. Bronner is also the 
only breeder of Dorset horned sheep in this county. 

Bellinger, Joseph H., Herkimer, was born near the village of Herkimer and has been 
a farmer all his life. He owns 260 acres of land and has forty milch cows. His father 
was Henry Bellinger. In 1849 Mr. Bellinger married Caroline Christie, and they have 
three children, two sons and one daughter, all married. The sons are Charles P. and 
Joseph I. Mr. Bellinger is at present one of the trustees of the town, and has been 
collector. He is a Mason, a member of the Grange, and in politics is a Republican. 

Bronner, Alonzo, Warren, was born in Warren, January 11, 1832, and is a son of 
Peter and Catherine (House) Bronner. His grandfather, Frederick, was born in Stark 
and after his marriage came to Warren. He served in the war of 1812, and died in 
Stark, aged ninety-one ; his wife died at the house of Alonzo. They had ten children, 
six of whom reached maturity. Alonzo Bronner has always lived in Warren, except 
two years in Stark. At twenty-one he began for himself, working by the month, and 
now owns the farm of 120 acres, where he lives. He is a Democrat and has been as- 
sessor. He married January 22, 1861, Hannah M., daughter of Isaac and Leah (Bron- 
ner) Maxfield. They had one son, Emery J., who died August 17, 18S8, leavmg a 
widow. 

Beattie, William, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls, Herkimer county, N. Y., March 
20, 1858. His father, William Beattie, was a native of Dumfrieshire, Scotland, who 
came to this country early in the nineteenth century, and settled in Little Falls, where 
he conducted a brewery for nearly thirty years. William, jr., was connected with his 
father in the business, and after his death succeeded to the property, which had been, 
in 1883, transformed to a hotel, the brewery being discontinued at that date. Mr. 
Beattie is now an extensive real estate owner, besides being the possessor of consider- 
able other property. He owns the Beattie House, as well as many desirable residences; 
also a roller rink, which is situated upon very valuable land on Main street. He mar- 
ried Libbie M. Keller. 

Brown, Jacob H., Little Falls, was born in Oppenheim, Fulton county. May 9, 18-)6. 
His earlier years were spent on a farm. He kept a meat market m Dolgeville for eight 
years ; then for two years he was located at Ingham's Mills, engaged in the sewing 



160 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

machine business. Then for a time he was in the employ of the Warren Machine Com- 
pany, of Little Falls. Mr. Brovn then entered the employ of the Central Railroad 
company, with whom he remained fourteen years, filling many important position.";, such 
as conductor, train dispatcher, detective, etc. Mr. Brown is at present engaged in the 
grocery business in Little Falls. He also owns two dair}' farms near Dolgeville. He is 
a member of several local .social and benevolent institutions. Mr. Brown has a family 
of six children, three sons and three daughters. 

Benedict, Charles, Little Falls, was born in 1827 in German Flats, and for a period 
of fifty years has been actively engaged in the manufacture of carriages. He began the 
business in 1844, and located in Little Falls in 1850. His business life has been a pro- 
nounced success. He owns the large brick block on the comer of Mary and JIain 
streets, where his factory is located, as well as a handsome residence on Mary street, 
and other valuable property Jlr. Benedict takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, 
and has served on the school board twelve years successively, and nine years on the vil- 
lage board. Mr. Benedict began the manufacture of carriages twenty-five years before 
the introduction of machine-made vehicles, and has shipped his carriages all over the 
Union and into Europe. 

Bailey, Squire, superintendent of the Little Falls Knitting Mills, is a native of Batley, 
England, and a son of the president of these mills. He came to America with his father 
when a child, thirty-five years ago. He was born June 8, 1854. He learned the knit- 
ting trade in Utica, and came here when the Little Falls mills were being built, working 
on them from the foundation up, and then in them ever since. In 1886 he was appointed 
superintendent. Mr. Bailey is highly popular with all classes, and has held the office 
of alderman. He is a prominent member of the Elks, and of the Masonic Fraternity. 

Bonsfield, John C, Russia, was born in Russia November 7, 1867, and was reared 
on a farm and educated in the public schools. In 1891 he married Minnie Roberts, a 
native of Russia and daughter of David and Sarah (Grove) Roberts. Mr. Bonsfield was 
a farmer until 1887, when he engaged as clerk with French & Ross of Northwood, and 
was with them three years. He then purchased the store and has since been proprietor 
and carries a general line of groceries, dry goods, drugs, etc. He is a Democrat and 
has been justice of the peace one year. John 0. was a son of Christopher, who was a 
son of John, a son of William Bonsfield, a native of Westmoreland. His wife was Miss 
Shaw. John Bonsfield was a native of England and came to the United States in 1832. 
His wife was Sarah Grove, a native of Worcester, England, and they had three sons 
and two daughters. He first settled in Madison county and married Clara Ashley, a 
native of Chatham, and daughter of Russell D. and Sarah (Gale) Ashley. Sarah, 
youngest daughter of John Bonsfield, now resides on the farm settled by her father. 
She married John D. Jones, a native of Wales. Mr. Jones was thirteen years old when 
he came with his parents to America. He died in 1888. By his first wife Mr. Jones 
had nine children. 

Christman, Nicholas, Herkimer, is probably the oldest resident of Herkimer county. 
He was born September 1, 1803. He was first a carpenter and joiner and afterwards 
a farmer, which he has been for fifty-six years. He owns sixty acres of land and 



I 



I 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 161 

thirteen milch cows, and does dairy farming. He has been commissioner of highways. 
In 1829 he married Hannah WoUver, and they have eight children living, 6ve of whom 
are married and three are yet home. Mr. Christman's greatest pride is that his family 
has always been most agreeable and congenial. His grandfather, John Christraan, took 
an active part in the Revolutionary War, and was in the burning of the old mill in 
Little Falls, by the Indians and Tories. 

Coonradt, A. B., Russia, was born in Brunswick, Rensselaer county, N. Y., a son of 
P. A. Coonradt, a son of George, a son of Jeremiah, who was a native of Brunswick. 
His father with two brothers came from Germany during the Revolutionary War. 
They paid their passage by serving in the war. Jeremiah settled in Troy and married 
Miss Smith, and had twelve children. Mr. Coonradt was born in Brunswick in 1800. 
His wife was Miss Coonradt and they had five sons and four daughters. Mr. Coonradt 
died in Brunswick in 1867, and his wife in 1847. P. A. Coonradt was born in Bruns- 
wick February 19, 1822. He followed teaching many years and then engaged in the 
mercantile business until 1865, when he came to Cold Brook and was agent for the 
Union store one year. He then moved to Prospect and resided there until 1870, when 
he went to Rockford, 111., where he is at present engaged in the manufacture of shoes. 
Mr. Coonradt married Sarah, daughter of John Coonradt, who was in the War of 1812. 
To P. A. Coonradt and wife were born three sons and one daughter. Mr. Coonradt was 
supervisor and also town clerk. Subject assisted his father, in the mercantile business 
when young and at the age of ten came with his parents to Russia. In 1886 he married 
Hattie B. Moon, a native of Russia, and a daughter of Harriet and Cameron Moon of 
Rensselaer and Herkimer counties, respectively. Mr. Moon died January 25, 1891, and 
his wife still resides in Cold Brook. To subject and wife have been born two sons : 
Frank and Leon, both residing at home. In 1870 Mr. Coonradt entered the mercantile 
business with his son Frank and his father-in-law, Mr. Moon. In 1874 Mr. Moon re- 
tired and Mr. Coonradt and son continued until 1883, since which time subject has been 
sole proprietor. He is a Republican and has been town clerk, and is a member of the 
Newport Lodge 455 F. & A. M. 

Cooper, Henry C, Norway, was born in Cold Brook February 6, 1828. His father 
was Charles Cooper, a son of Solomon Cooper, a native of Connecticut. The wife of 
Solomon Cooper was Mary Meacham, by whom he had three sons and two daughters. 
Mr. Cooper died in Russia in 1861, at the age of eighty-four. In 1810 he came with 
his parents to Russia, where he lived and died. In 1826 he married Margaret Thomp- 
son of Johnstown, born June 17, 1805, who bore him one son and four daughters. Mr. 
Cooper was a Ma^n, and a farmer by occupation. He died July 5, 1889. His wife 
now resides in Cold Brook and is eighty-eight years old. The subject of this sketch 
was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and in Fairfield Academy. 
At the age of seventeen he began teaching school and followed that three years. May 
4, 1854, he married Jane M. Pritchard, who bore him five children: Wendle P., Adel- 
bert R.,' who died at the age of fourteen years, Lizzie, who died in infancy, Ella M., 
and Charles W. Mr. Cooper is a farmer by occupaton. Early in life he was a Gar- 
risonian Abolitionist, and when the Republican party was organized united with that 



162 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

party and remained with them until 1868. In 1872 he voted for Horace Greeley, «nd 
in 1867 for Peter Cooper. In 1880 he was presidential elector for Weaver. In 1884 
and 1888 he voted with tlie Democratic party. Mr. Cooper has been justice of the 
peace, highway commissioner and assessor. He resided in Russia until 1859 when he 
went to Norway, where lie has since lived. 

Crim, Adam J., Warren, was born where he now lives, March 5, 1821, and is a son 
of Jacob and Eve (Staring) Crim. Ilis grandfather was Jacob, also, who married 
Elizabeth Frank. Jacob, Jr., was born where Adam now lives Oct. 14, 1787, and died 
June 14, 1874. He was a leading and influential man in his day. His wife died Dec. 
16, 1878, leaving eight out of her nine children. Adam J. has always lived on the 
farm where he was horn. With three others he started a cheese factory in 1871. He 
is a Republican, and has served as justice of the peace, and one term as asi?ociate 
justice. He is a Mason. He married May 5, 1874, Martha, daughter of Abram and 
Lana' (Thumb) Veeder, and they have two children : Alma F., and Ora B. F. His wife 
and daughters are members of the Reformed Church. 

Cook, D. L., Herkimer, is a native of Winfield, and was on the farm the first twenty 
years of his life. He then spent three years with the United States Express Co. on the 
railroad, then returned to farming, in which he has retained an interest up to the 
present time. In Oct., 1891, Mr. Cook opened a meat business in Herkimer, which 
now occupies his attention mainly. In Nov., 1886, Mr. Cook was elected sheriff for a 
term of three years, and he had previously been supervisor of Winfield for two years, 
and postmaster for three years. He is a Republican in politics and of English descent. 
Nov. 1, 1878, Mr. Cook married Miss Martha Morgan, and they have one son living. 

Gage, James E., Little Falls, one of Little Falls' most enterprising and prosperous 
business men, is a native of this village. He, after receiving a sound education in the 
schools and academy here, entered active business operations in 1861 as a clerk, and 
after having been associated with several prominent fiiims in different positions of 
responsibility, in 1878 inaugurated his present flour and feed establishment, which has 
since its inception taken a leading po»ition among the sound mercantile concerns of 
Herkimer County. Mr. Gage is identified both socially and financially with Little 
Falls' best interests ; he is a high-up Mason, a member of the Royal Arcanum and other 
organizations. 

Conway, John, Little Falls, was born in Syracuse, June 24, 1864. He received a 
good education in the schools of that city, after which he learned the trade of carriage 
trimmer. He came to this village, and eneaged with Mr. Burdick, carriage- maker, 
with whom he remained four years. He then accepted a position as bar-tender at the 
Seattle House, which he filled until he resigned to establish his elegant saloon on Mail 
Street, Little Falls, in August, 1892. Mr. Conway is very popular in this town, being 
a fine ball plaper, and is identified with the Red Men, Erina Chemical Engine Co., 
Celtic Lyceum, etc. He married Miss Kate McGurty. 

Cavanaugh, Frank, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls, June 17, 1866. He received 
a good education in the Little Falls scIioqI and academy, and eventually succeeded his 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 163 

father in the hotel, which had been conducted at the corner of Ward and Loomis 
streets by the elder Cavanaugh for many years. Frank Cavanagh is a staunch Demo- 
crat in politics and identified with th"* local social and benevolent institutions of the 
town, such as the Elks, Red Men, Erina Chemical Engine Co. No. 5, etc. He is a 
progressive and much esteemed citizen. 

Champion, Delano A., Little Falls, attorney at law, is a native of Herkimer County. 
He was educated in the Little Falls Academy, Whitestown Academy, and Cazenovia 
" Seminary, and studied law with Judge Hardin, justice of the supreme court. He was 
admitted to the bar in 1878, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession 
at Little Falls. Mr. Champion is of New England ancestry, and of revolutionary ante- 
cedents. He married Clara C. Witter, of Brooklyn, N. T. 

Colcord, J. T,, Herkimer, is a native of South Berwick, Maine. He began his 
busmess career as a clerk, and after spending some time in the west, came to Herkimer 
in 1887, and opened his present business of dry goods, fancy gocds, etc. His ancestors 
resided in Maine for several generations. Mr. Colcord married a daughter of Louis 
Webster, but she died in 1889. He has one daughter. He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and is an independent in politics. 

Comstock, Byron, Norway, was born in Ohio, Dec; 24, 1848. His father was 
Samuel Comstock, a son of Stephen, a native of Mass., and an early settler of Norway. 
Samuel Comstock was born in Norway in 1799. He married Sybil Cummings, by 
whom he had nine sons and three daughters, all of whom are living except the youngest. 
Mr. Comstock was a Democrat and held minor offices in Ohio, where he resided most 
of his life and where he died in 1891. Byron Comstock was reared on a farm and 
educated in the common schools. He married Helen M. Nichols, of Fairfield, a daugh- 
ter of Caleb and Abigail (Harris) Nichols. Mr. Nichols survives his wife, and at 
present resides in Troy. The subject has one child, Mary F. He is a farmer. His 
early life was spent in Ohio, but for the last eighteen years he has resided in Norway. 
He has been assessor eight years and commissioner of highways one year. He is a 
Democrat. 

Cramer, Addison, Dolgeville, was born in Fulton county, N. Y., July 23, 1855. His 
early years were spent on a farm. When eighteen years of age he commenced to 
drive the stage between Darew and Little Falls, which business he continued in for 
nine years. Then he took the hotel at Salisbury Corners for two years, then the 
Loomer house at Dolgeville for four years, and in the spring of 1892 assumed charge 
of the Cottage hotel, Dolgeville. Mr. Cramer, when in Salisbury, filled the position 
of collector for three years. He married Miss Maggie Kelly. They have no children. 

Casler, George, Little Palls, was born in the town of Little Falls, June 19, 1828, and 
has resided here all his life. In 1859 he married Julia Campbell, and they have one 
daughter, who married Harvey Rankin in 188C. Mr. Casler is one of the prominent 
farmers of Little Falls. He owns 230 acres of land used for dairy purposes and hay. 
He has been eight times elected assessor of the town, and so will have held the office 
continually for twenty-four years when he completes his present term. He is an out- 
and-out Democrat and belongs to the Masonic order, in which he is a Knight Templar. 



164 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Carnwright, J. L , Dolgeville, was born in Ulster county, N. Y., October 14, 1843. 
He was reared on a farm, and in 1861 enlisted in the Sixty-fifth N. Y. Infantry, serv- 
ing throughout the war. He participated in the following battles': Yorktown, Fair 
Oaks, Turkey Bend, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburgh, Mar3'e's Heights, Get- 
tysburgh, Rappahannock, Mine River, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Po River, Cold 
Harbor, Fort Stevens, Cedar Creek, Fort Fish;r, Sailor's Creek, besides fourteen other 
engagements. He was severely wounded at Cedar Creek. At the close of the war 
he engaged in the millwright's business, since which time he has spent ten years in 
the service of Alfred Dolge. In February, 1892, he established his present drug and 
grocery business, in which he has a fine trade. Mr. Carnwright married Eliza Hodge, 
and they have one son. Mr. Carnwright has been a member of the board of education, 
which position he resigned. 

Case. Herman, Fairfi Id, is a native of Little Falls. He was born August 16, 1834. 
He came to Fairfield many years ago and bought his farm, consisting of ninety-six 
acres. His father was Morgan E. Case and his grandfather Case was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. Mr. Case owns the old Houghton farm. He is a Mason and has 
been a master of the Grange, of which he is a charter member. He has never married. 

Cox, William S., German Flats, was born in New Jersey, May 15, 1843, and studied 
law for some time, but subsequently went into the armory in Newark. He came to 
Ilion in 1862 and enlisted in the Third New York Light Artillery in 1863. In 1865 he 
returned here, and after spending eighteen months with the Winchester Arms com- 
pany and thirteen years with the Remingtons he went to the typewriter, when that 
company started. Mr. Cox is an active Democrat, and has been chairman of the elec- 
tion board. He is a charter member of the G. A. R. Post, and has been a delegate to 
congressional conventions. In 1868 he married Mary Clapsaddle and they have three 
children, Ada, a teacher, Anna, a music teacher, and Marietta, a singer. 

Chismore, Edward, German Flats, was born December 28, 1849. His father, Jacob 
Chismore, was a gunsmith, and he learned the same trade, and has passed all his busi- 
ness life here in the Armory. He is an Odd Fellow and a Red Man. In 1874 he mar- 
ried Miss Mary Sullivan, of Mohawk, a daughter of Matthew Sullivan. Mr. Chismore 
is manager of the I'ion Driving Park, and one of the finest horsemen in the State. 

Crossett, James, proprietor of the Nelson house, Herkimer, is a native of Herkimer, 
a farmer's son, and lived on a farm until twenty-two years old. He then embarked 
in the meat business for five years, since which time he has been in the hotel business. 
He conducted the Waverly house, Herkimer, a leading hotel in Middleville. and the 
Nelson house has cow been owned by him for eight years. He is a Mason and a 
strong Republican. His people have lived in this State for generations, and his father, 
still living, is a leading farmer of the town. Mr. James Crossett married Helen 
Hawkins, and has three daughters, the oldest of whom is the wife of Mr. B. Waters, 
of Little Falls. 

Coe, S. E., German Flats, was born in Granville, Mass., July 9, 1827. He taught 
school eight years and then went into the jewelry business. He has been twenty-one 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 165 

years in the brick and insurance in Mohawk. He is a Mason and a strong Democrat. 
In 1858 Mr. Coe married Miss Catherine Myers and they have a son Frederick and a 
daughter Clara, who is a teacher. Mr. Coe manufactures about 2,000,000 bricks 
annually in his yards at Ilion, N. Y. 

Casey, Dr. I. E., Mohawk, is a native of Schoharie county, N. Y., and was born on 
November 23, 1837. After receiving an excellent education he commenced the study 
of medicine with Dr. J. G. Snell and eventually graduated from the Albany Medical 
college in 1852, after which he commenced the practice of his profession in Mohawk, 
where he still continues in active practice, having been here over forty years. Dr. 
Casey has served as supervisor, etc. He married Miss Mary Bellinger, a daughter of 
Fred Bellinger, and has two sons, Fred. B. Casey and J. Irving Casey, who are study- 
ing law and medicine, respectively. Dr. Casey has been a member of the Albany 
Medical society for over fifty-three years and of the State Medical society since 1864. 
He was identified with the late war. 

The Cramer family settled in Danube early in the seventeenth century, and the land 
has descended from father to son for four generations. John Cramer was the original 
settler in this neighborhood, and was the great-grandfather of Zenas. He was suc- 
ceeded by his son, Abraham A., who in turn was succeeded by his son, Abraham, 
father of the subject of our sketch, who, together with his brother, owns two farms, 
one containing 201 acres, called the Homestead farm, and the other containing 147 
acres. They keep about sixty head of stock and do a thriving business, employing a 
tenant on the smaller farm. Zenas has served as inspector of elections, etc., and is a 
thorough and practical farmer. 

Caldwell, J. Minott, Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, and was born November 20, 
1852. His father was James Mead Caldwell, and his mother was Louisa Minott. In 
1880 Mr. Caldwell married Harriet Cramer, and they have one son, Adair Caldwell. 
James Minott, maternal grandfather of' Mr. Caldwell, was one of the first settlers in 
this section of the county. Mr. Caldwell owns a fine farm at Minott's Corners in 
Schuyler, but he resides in Herkimer. 

Clemens, Michael, Schuyler, is one of the old and honored residents of Schuyler. 
He was born February 14, 1815, and has been a farmer all his hfe. His father was 
Michael Clemens, and his grandfather Jacob Clemens. The latter participated in the 
Revolutionary war and came from Germany over a century ago. Mr. Clemens mar- 
ried Rachael Oyer, a most estimable lady, who died July 18, 1889. They had one 
daughter, now the wife of George Storms. 

Cooper, Charles F., is one of the prominent farmers of Litchfield, owning a dairy and 
grain farm of 100 acres of land. He was born at Norwich Corners, January 20, 1834, 
a son of William Cooper, who was constable and collector of the town of Litchfield 
for many years, who was a son of James Cooper. Charles F. Cooper married Mary 
A, Smithson, a daughter of Milton Smithson, of Sauquoit, Oneida county. They have 
three children, Char'es Henry, Clarence Edmond and Earl. 



166 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Collins, Rev. Dennis B., Winfield, was born in Ireland, November 7, 1861. A part 
of his education was received at the Jesuit school, in Limerick. He worked in a news- 
paper office in Cork, and while yet n his boyliood he came to America, where ambi- 
tion has a greater field and labor a greater reward. He came to Boston, where he 
worked and studied until 1882, when he took a year's rest in St. Laurence College, 
Montreal. In 1883 he entered St. Charles College, Baltimore, Md., to complete his 
knowledge of Latin, and in 1884 was admitted to the Theological Seminary at Troy, 
where he was ordained priest in December, 1888. He was assistant priest at St. Pat- 
rick's Church, West Troy, until January 1, 1892, since which time he has been priest 
of the St. Joseph's Church at West Winfield, 

Collins, William H., Winfield, proprietor of the Cottage Hotel, was born in Brook- 
field, Madison county, July 15, 1860. He married Minnie E.. daughter of Byron Fisk, 
of Syracuse, December 5, 1880, and they have one son, Lewis W. William H. is a 
son of Stephen H. Collins, of Brookfield, who was a son of Hoxie Collins. 

Crist, Hezekiah H., Winfield, was born in Fairfield, June 15, 1817. Came to Win- 
field in 1850, and settled on the farm, where lie now lives, in 1852. He was a,s.sessor 
of this town three years. He was a son of Stephen Crist, who was born in 1777, and 
came from Orange county to Fairfield at the age of eighteen with his father, Abraham 
Crist, among the first settlers. He hired one hundred acres, which he cleared the first 
year, and erected the first farm house and barn built in Fairfield, and a portion of that 
barn is still standing in good repair. Hezekiah H. Crist married Elisabeth Ellison, 
January 1, 1846, and they have had five children: Martha M., Alice E., Mary E., 
George B., and Arthur H. Hezekiah Crist has lived forty years on his present farm. 
Elisabeth C. Crist was born in Essex, Mass., July 8, 1824, a daughter of Stephen 
Elli.son. 

Congdon, William E., Litchfield, was born in this town October 8, 1838. He has 
been assessor and inspector of election, and is a farmer, owning a dairy, grain, and fruit 
farm, and makes both butter and cheese. He married Sarah, daughter of Isaac Sted- 
man, and they have two children : Merritt J., of Utica, and Jessie M. Rider, of Michi- 
gan. William E. Congdon is a son of Thomas J. Congdon, who was born in this town, 
and he was a son of James Congdon, who came from Rhode Island, and was one of the 
first settlers of the town. 

Gomes, Addison C, Litchfield, is a farmer, and has been assessor of this town. He 
sent a substitute to the war of the Rebellion. He was born in this town January 17, 
1827, and settled on the farm where he now lives in March, 1876. He married Mi- 
randa Joslyn, and they have two children : Ruth, who married James Donahue, and 
Irving, who married Julia F. Loomis, and has two children : Cecil May and Ruth B. 
Addison C. is a .son of Bbenezer, a native of Connecticut, who early settled here. 
Martha Conies was a daughter of Nathaniel Ball, a native of New Hampshire, who 
settled in this town in 1788. 

Conklin, Silas H., Warren, was born near Little Lakes, March 10, 1863, a son of 
Hicks and Hannah (Weeks) Conklin. The grandfather, Harry W., was a son of Silas, 
who was a son of Jacob, who came from Wales, and settled at Bast Hampton, L. I. 



\ 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 1G7 

After the Revolution he came to Stark, Herkimer county. His wife was a Miss Skel- 
inger. He died in Monroe county. Silas was born on Long Island, Septtmber 15, 
1772. After the war he came to Springfield, Otsego county, where he died. His wife 
was Emmiliza Hicks, born in 1776, by whom he had four sons and four daughters. He 
died aged eighty-three, and his wife died in 1857, aged eighty-two. Henry Conklin 
married Phoebe Cook, and their children were: Richard, Silas, Hicks, Catharine and 
Elija. Hicks Conklin was born in Warren. He began life as a farmer. Later he 
kept a meat market at Little Lakes. He was two years in a hotel at Springfield Cen- 
tre, and died in 1882, his widow survives him, and was born in Warren, a daughter of 
James and Martha (McChesney) Weeks. Our subject was the only child. He re- 
ceived a district school education, also attended a seminary. At nineteen he began 
life as a clerk at Springfield Center. February 15, 1385, he opened a general store at 
Little Lakes, which he has operated successfully since. Has been twice elected clerk 
of Warren as a Democrat. He has been deputy postmaster since 188.5. October, 1882, 
he married Edith, daughter of David and Anna (Dunn) Baird, and they have two 
children : Anna B, and Silas H. 

Coakley, John, jr., Warren, was born in County Cork, Ireland, December 5, 1834, a 
son of Jolm and Jane (McCarthy) Coakley. The grandparents died in Ireland, and 
raised seven children : John, Jeremiah, Dennis, Daniel, Mary, Joanna and Harry, all 
of whom came to the United States and settled in New York, except Dennis. John, 
father, was born in Ireland, whence he came to United States and settled three miles 
west of Little Falls. He died in German Flats, aged ninety years. His wife died 
about four months later. They had nine children, all died childless except John and 
David. Our subject received a common school education, and at twelve began to earn 
his own living. About 1867 he bought 130 acres in German Flats. In 1873 he sold 
and located on 144 acres, where he resides. In the fall of 1864 he enlisted in Company 
B, Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865, 
returning to Herkimer county, where he resumed farming. Has always Hved in the 
county except two years in Vermont. He has been a Republican all his life. He 
married December 4, 1861, Hannah A., daughter of Alanson and Mary A. (Thomas) 
Mason. They have two children : Florence M., wife of Chauncy Brown, and Jennie. 

Deimel, A., one of the leading coal dealers of Little Falls, is the subject of this sketch. 
He was formerly engaged in manufacturing operations and for thel ast ten years has 
been connected with the coal business. He has spacious yards here which have a 
capacity for storing two thousand tons of coal, and his enterprise and fair dealing have 
attracted a large patronage to his estabhshment. Mr Deimel is well known and very 
popular socially, and is a member of the order of Red Men, the Elks, Odd Fellows, and 
the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Democrat. 

ODwyer, Thomas, Little Falls, was born in Oneida county and reared on a farm. 
He came to Little Falls and became connected with the variety business for nearly six 
years. Disposing of this he assumed proprietorship of the Farmer's Hotel, which he 
is refitting and refurnishing. This hotel will accomodate twenty guests. Mr. O'Dwyer 
married Miss Mary Dccharty, and they have one child. He was game constable for 
the town of Marcy for several years and is a member of the Red Men. 



168 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTV. 

Dolge, Charles, Dolgeville, was born in Dessau, Germany. He received a good edu- 
cation in the schools of his native country and then went to England, where he engaged 
in the hotel business, then in Scotland. In 1885 he came to America, and after travel- 
ing extensively throughout all the States in the Union, decided to settle in Dolgeville, 
where he now conducts a leadmg hotel, which is patronized by societies and clubs, as 
well as by the general public. Mr. Dolge is a most popular caterer, and thoroughly 
understands the requirements of his patrons. He bought the hotel in February, 1892. 

Dolge, Carl 0., Dolgeville, was born in Leipsic, Germany, August- 29, 1859. He 
secured a good education in the schools of that town, and after serving three years in 
the German army came here in 1879, and entered the employ of Alfred Dolge, to whom 
he is related. By faithful and thorough service he was rapidly promoted, eventually 
reaching the position of chief clerk. After remaining with Mr. Do'ge for ten years he 
started a grocery store in Dolgeville, which has proved a success, and to which he now 
devotes his entire attention. 

Dygert, Daniel, German Flats, was born in Little Falls, in 1847 and has been in 
Ilion for twenty-two years, fourteen of which have been spent in the grocery business 
which he still is successfully conducting. Before embarking in trade for himself Mr. 
Dj'gert was occupied in clerking for some time. He has been six years in one stand 
and has a large and high class trade. Mr. Dygert is a Mason of high standing, a mem- 
ber of the Iroquois Chapter and the Little Falls Commandery. He also belongs to the 
Knights of Honor and was a member of the Ilion School for six years, being its presi- 
dent one year. In 1872 he married Miss Grace W. Butts and has a family of one son 
and two daughters. Mr. Dygert's father was Harvey Dygert, also a native of Little 
Falls, and his grandfather, Daniel Dygert, came from Canajoharie. He is recognized 
as one of the leading business men of Ilion, being highly respected everynhere. 

Davy, William F., Danube, was born at Davy's Corners, Danube, February 12, 1857. 
His ancestors located here early in the sixteenth century and participated in the Revo- 
lutionary war. William H. Davy received a good education and has been engaged in 
farming all of his life. He owns 143 acres of fine dairy farm land, located between 
Davy's Corners and Newville. He married Libbie A. Klock ; they have two children, 
both sons. He has served as commissioner of highways, etc., upon the Republican 
ticket, is a member of the Grange and is a thoroughly representative farmer of this 
county. 

Dady, William J., Frankfort, was born in Canajoharie where he lived until nineteen 
years of age, when he came to Frankfort and engaged in the hotel business. His house 
was burned in 1892 and the present hotel, " The Grand Union " built in its place. It 
is a large fine building, containing eighteen sleeping rooms, and is fitted up in good 
style. It adjoins the offices of the West Shore railroad. Mr. Dady married, April 15, 
1891, Maria T. Spellman of Newport, N. Y., one of six children of James and Theresa 
(Riley) Spellman. 

De Long, Richard, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls. He received his education 
in the district and village schools of Herkimer county, and took one term at the Syra- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 169 

cuse University. Since leaving school he has been actively engaged in managing his 
extensive dairy farm of 284 acres. He keeps forty head of cattle and eleven horses and 
is one of Herkimer's most energetic and enterprising farmers. Mr. De Long is a 
member of the Grange, the Masons, and of other social organizations of the town. 
Several of his ancestors were soldiers in the Revolution, and at Sackett's Harbor in 
the war of 1812. Four generations of the family have resided on the farm. Mr. 
De Long's family consists of a wife and one daughter. 

Davis, Albert, Fairfield, is a native of Fairfield and a prosperous farmer, owning 270 
acres of fine dairy farm and eighty acres of timber land. He lias a herd of seventy- 
two milch cows and cuts about 125 tons of hay annually. Mr. Davis is a representa- 
tive of the old and well-known Davis family of Fairfield. His father died leaving a' 
comfortable estate which Albert and his brother Charles inherited and own. 

Daniels, Ira W., German Flats, was born in Syracuse, January 1, 1844, and is a sil- 
ver plater by trade. He came to Ilion from the Springfield armory in 1836, and entered 
the Armory here. He remained until the failure of the Remingtons, and has since been 
with Typewriter Company. Mr. Daniels married Susie Winnie in 1889. He is a Ma- 
son, a member of the Iroquois Chapter, and Little Falls Commandery. His father was 
William Daniels, a native of Boston. 

Deimel, H. A., Herkimer, is a native of Bohemia, Austria, and came to this country 
in 1854; after keeping a store at Herkimer until 1860 he became identified with the 
lumber traffic with which he has since been engaged. He has also been identified with 
other leading corporations here. He furnishes employment to about two hundred hands. 
He has held the office of trustee of the village several terms, supervisor three terms, 
overseer of the poor, and delegate to the State convention twice. He has four chil- 
dren. Mr. Deimel is identified with leading social and benevolent institutions, as well 
as political, with which he exerts marked influence. 

De Long, L. M., German Flats, was born January 9, 1823, in Dutchess county. His 
father was Enoch De Long, and his grandfather Reuben De Long. The family came 
from France originally. In 1856 Mr. De Long came to his present farm in German 
Flats. In 1850 he married Lucy M. Paddock, and they have three children. Mr. 
De Long has been assessor for six years, .and has filled other responsible positions. 

Davy, John W., Danube, was born October 17, 1832 ; he received a good common 
school education and has always followed the occupation of farming. His great-grand- 
father, Thomas Davy, who settled here early in the seventeenth century was killed by 
the Indians while liberating some cattle belonging to a neighbor, which were stolen and 
fenced in a wood by these Indians. His grandfather, John Davy, and his fathe-, 
Wilham Davy, both lived honored lives and died in this county. He owns about 330 
acres of fine dairy land. He has been elected to the office of justice of the peace and 
other oflSces, but would not qualify, preferring the " even tenor of his way " and having 
his hands full managing his own farms. He is much esteemed and respected by all. 

Donahue, Michael, one of the farmers of Litchfield, was born April 21, 1825, and 
settled in this town in 1853. He married Ann Paules, and they have had six children. 



170 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

of whom five are living. The oldest is Rev. John F. Douahue, who was educated first 
at Manhattan College, New York, then Grand Seminary at Montreal, Canada, and his 
education was completed at St. Mary's Seminary at Baltimore. He was ordained priest 
March 30, 1883. He was sent one"year to the Cathedral at Albany, N. Y.; then to the 
parish of Rock City Falls of Saratoga county, where he remained about two years ; 
then he was sent to Salem, Washington county, in 1887, where he still remains- The 
next son is Thomas P., who resides in Chicago. The third son, Edward, and fourth. 
Joseph P , are both residents of Chicago. The youngest is William, who is at home. 
The mother of this family, Ann Donahue, died July 23, 1880, aged fifty- two years. 
The only daughter, Julia A. Donahue, died December 8, 1878, aged twenty-three 
years. 

Dixon & Lewis, Litchfield, lime manufacturers. The stone is taken out of the quarry 
near the kiln, and there are about 100 acres in the farm in connection with the kiln. 
They make about 20,000 bushels per year. Charles R. Dixon was born July 15, 1857, 
in Paris, Oneida county. He is a son of Henry and Clarissa Dixon, natives of Paris, 
Oneida county. Charles R. Dixon married first Cora Barnes, who died. He married 
second Sarah P. Burdick, and they have three children, Harry A., Helen B. and Ruth. 
Fred Lewis was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, November 23, 1867. He mar- 
ried Edna Foss. He was a son of Thomas and Christiana Lewis. 

Davis, George H., Winfield, was born in Winfield January 9, 1835, a son of Jeremiah 
Davi.s, who came from Rhode Island when he was a young man and worked as a black- 
smith. He married Amy, daughter of Hawkins Bennett, who was among the first set- 
tlers of this town. George H. Davis married Harriet M., daughter of Stephen How- 
land, both natives of Rhode Island. Mrs. Davis died September 26, 1888. and he mar- 
ried second Ruth, widow of Ira Dayger. She is a daughter of Stephen Howland and 
a sister of Judge Howland, of Auburn. 

Dodge, Ira, Litchfield, was born in Frankfort February 17, 1817. He has a dairy 
and grain farm of 122 acres. He was collector two years, constable seven years, and 
was also assessor and justice of the peace. He married Hannah Kellogg, of Litchfield, 
and they have two children, Charles M., of Auburn Theological School, who preached 
in Sennett last year, and returns there in June ; and Frank L., assessor of the town of 
Litchfield. Ira Dodge is one of the sons of John Dodge, a sergeant in the Revolution- 
ary War. He planted the United States flag on the wall of a fort and did not receive 
a wound, and from that incident it was said that he was bullet proof. 

Day, Almond, Winfield, was born in Winfield March 6, 1819, son of Eli and Aurilla 
(Toms) Day. His father, Eli, was born in Winfield December 2, 1791, and died No- 
vember 30, 1870. Aurilla Day was born April 8, 1788. Noah Day, father of Eli, came 
here by marked trees and settled near West Winfield, and was one of the first settlers 
of Winfield. He died October 3, 1845. He married January 27, 1791, Willia Graves, 
who was born May 27, 1773, and died August 26, 1854. Eli Day left three children, 
Pamelia, Alvin G. and Almond. The latter is the only one living, and married first 
Clarissa Hosford, who died September 12, 1854, aged twenty-five years. She left one 
daughter, Ella F., who married Delos M. White January 19, 1875, and they have one 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 171 

son, Arthur D. White. Almond Day married second Sarah A., daughter of Chester 
and Nancy Parke, and they have one daughter, Cora E,, who married Horace H. Park- 
hurst. They have one son, H. Day Parkhurst. John Burge.os, one of the sixth gener- 
ation from the Pilgrims, was among the first settlers of WinBeld. He married Urania 
Morey, and they have eleven children, one of whom, Nancy, married Chester Parke 
and Ihey had five children. Of these children Sarah A. married Almond Day, who is 
now a retired farmer of Winfield. 

Dennison, Allen W., Warren, was born in Warren December 2, 1841, a son of Abisha 
and Elizabeth (Weaver) Denison. Subject's father died in Jordanville in 1846. His 
wife died in March, 1870, in German Fla's. They had two children, Allen W. and a 
daughter, who died, aged three. Allen W. was raised on a farm and has made his own 
way through life. He had a district and select school education, and at seventeen be- 
gan the trade of painter, which he followed until about 1875. In April, 1861, he en- 
listed in Company E., Fourteenth New York Infantry, and was in the quartermaster's 
service. He was discharged from the hospital at Georgetown in April, 1862. Return- 
ing home he resumed his trade and worked in German Flats for five years, when he 
came to Warren and remained five years. In March, 1877 he bought sixty acres, where 
he now resides. He makes a specialty of hops, has served as collector, and for six 
years was assessor, also deputy sheriff six years. He is a Republican and a member of 
F. & A. M. at Richfield Chapter. He married December 13, 1867, Sarah Loftus, born 
in Little Falls, daughter of Daniel and Jane (Ferguson) Loftus, both born in New York. 
He was a manufacturer of plaster, and had one son, Jolin, and six daughters. Subject 
and wife are of the Universalist faith. 

Des.s, Louis, Ilion, was born in Alsace May 1, 1846. He came to America in 1849. 
He began the gun tiade with his father, and was subsequently in the army. He was 
with the Hammond Typewriter for some time, and has been three years with the Type- 
writer company, for which he has been superintendent this long time. He is the in- 
ventor of an aligner of great utility, performing what was long contended could be 
done only by hand. Several other devices and improvements on typewriters are to be 
credited to him. 

Elwood, Jacob, a native of Holland, was one of the pioneers of Warren when he 
died. He had six children : Jacob, Benjamin, Joseph, John, Catharine and Elizabeth. 
Joseph was born in Warren January 27, 1803, where he learned the trade of wagon- 
maker. He married Betsey Cook and settled in Springfield, Otsego county. He died 
January 10, 1890. He had four children: Theodore, Delevan, Caroline and Emeline. 
His wife died January 10, 1892, aged eighty-two. She was born in Springfield, a 
daughter of Peabody and Mary (Pickard) Cook. Delevan Elwood was born August 
29, 1835, in Springfield. At sixteen he began for himself, working by the month on a 
farm. He worked in a machine shop in Van Hornesville for about ten years, then en- 
gaged in teaming. For the past fourteen years he has been farming. For two years 
he°ran the Hotel American at Van Hornesville about 1854. He has served as deputy 
sheriff six years, town clerk two terms and has been supervisor. He is a Republican 
and a Mason. He married September 24, 1854, Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and 
Catharine (Bachus) Snider, of Stark. 



172 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Ellis, AlansoQ, Russia, was born in Rome, Oneida county, July 22, 1828, and is a son 
of Daniel and Sallie (Coy) Ellis. The grandfather of Alanson was Asa, a son of Daniel 
Ellis, who served in the Revolutionary War. Asa was a native of Connecticut, and 
came to Madison county, N. Y.. where he lived and died in 1838. His wife was La- 
vina Ellis, who died in 1838, by whom he had two sons and two daughters. Mr. Ellis 
was in the war of 1812. Alanson Ellis was reared on a farm and received a common 
school education. In 1850 Sarah Cow, a native of Ireland, became his wife, and they 
had one son and five daughters, of whom two are living, Francis and Mary. Mrs. Ellis 
died m 1866, and in 1867 Mr. Ellis married Ruth Wheaton, of Rome, N. Y., by whom 
he had two children, Jennie and Emma. Mrs. Ellis died in 1879, and in 1882 he mar- 
ried Louisa Hazelton, of Middleville. For thirty-two seasons, beginning with 1847, 
Mr. Ellis was a boatman on the Erie Canal. In 1877 he went to Ohio, Herkimer 
county, where he and a brother bought a saw-mill, in which they were engaged six 
years. Mr. Ellis then went to Iowa, where he followed butchering and farming. From 
1880 to 1881 he resided in Newport and then became a farmer of Poland. In 1886 he 
commenced bntchering in Poland, which he has since followed. He is a Democrat. 

Ely, Lester, Warren, was born in Theresa, Feb. 15, 1834, a son of Alva and Harriet 
(Davidson) Ely. His grandfather was Samuel Ely, who was a son of vSimeon, whose 
father came from England and settled in Mass. Simeon Ely was born in Mass. and 
came to Warren ; his wife was Ruth, who bore him five children. Samuel Ely was 
also born in Mass., and died in Warren in 1851, aged seventy-seven; his wife was 
Fannie Cooley, who bore him five children; she died in 1861, aged eighty-nine. Alva 
Ely was born in Warren, Dec. 2, 1802, and married Harriet Davidson. He died in 
1885, and his wife five years earlier. They had eleven children. Lester Ely was raised 
in Jefferson and came to Warren when nineteen. In 1862 he bought 126 acres of land 
where he now resides, and now owns 187 acres. He is a Democrat, and has been 
assessor. He married Jan. 1, 1861, Msry, daughter of John and Susan Onsterhout, 
and has had five children, Alice, wife of Rnfus Backus; Mary, wife of Rev. D. D. 
O'Dell, a Baptist minister ; George, of Omaha, William, of Omaha, Opal. 

Edick, John C, Herkimer, was born in Columb'a, upon the old homestead of 180 
acres, which is yet in his possession and upon which his son, William Edick, resides. 
Mr. Edick married Miss Margaret Hewnerand, has a family of five daughters and two 
sons, all living. He is of Mohawk Dutch descent, liis ancestors being identified with 
the war of the Revolution and that of 1812. This family is well and favorably known 
in Columbia, with whose best interests they have been associated for generations. Mr. 
Edick retired from active agricultural pursuits some months since, and is now proprietor 
of the Edick House. 

Edick, Henry, jr., Herkimer, was born in Columbia. His family are of German de- 
scent, but located here over one hundred years ago, where they have since continued to 
live, taking an active part in local business and political circles. In 1889 Mr. Edick 
assumed charge of the Tower House in Herkimer, changing the name to fhe Edick House, 
which he and his father continued to run until they purchased the Waverly House in 
this village, and disposed of their interests in the Edick House. Mr. Henry Edick, jr., 



I 

FAMILY SKETCHES. 173 

has held the office of constable, to which office he was appointed when twenty-one 
years of age, deputy. shenfF for three years, and collector of the town (Columbia) for 
one year. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and associated with local social 
organizations. His wife was Miss Libbie Barber, of Columbia, and they have two 
daughters. His new hotel, the Waverly, has accommodation for from fifty to sixty 
guests. 

Eckel, Fred. W., Herkimer, was born in Syracuse. After receiving a good common 
school education, he learned the machinist trade, at which he afterwards worked for 
thirteen years, traveling during this time extensively. Among the many States that he 
visited we may mention Texas. Kansas, Colorado, California, Washington, Oregon. 
Louisiana, etc. He followed mining for some time in California. Mr. Eckel took 
charge of the Mansion House, Herkimer, about two years ago. This hotel can accom- 
modate about fifty guests, although as many as IGO have been provided for on especial 
occasions. Mr. Eckel's uncle, Philip Eckel, was chief of the Fire Department of 
Syracuse for twenty-five years, and was killed on duty. The family has served in the 
war of the Rebellion, and has been identified with the best interests of the locality. 

Eaton, Irving, farmer, of Little Falls, was born on the farm where he now 
lives November 15, 1833, and his father before him was also born on this farm. 
He is one of the recognized leading farmers of the county, liberal-minded and intelli- 
gent, and in addition to farming 200 acres of land — his own property — also gives 
considerable attention to bees, of which he has about forty hives. In 1870 he married 
Amy Keyser, aad they have two children. Belle L. and Grace L., the former nineteen, 
and the latter fourteen years of age. The family are members of the Universalist 
Church. Mr. Eaton is a Republican in politics, and liberal in his views. 

Bggleston, Oscar B., Winfield, was born in Winfield January 12, 1837, and married 
October 16, 1861, Hannah E., daughter of William and Lucinda (Smith) McLaughton. 
Her father was a son of David, who was the only child of William McLaughton, one of 
the first settlers of this town, and a thoroughly representative man, religious, public- 
spirited and upright. His life as a man and citizen is worthy of imitation. He had 
three children : William Milton, David L., and Hannah E., all living at the present 
time. Oscar Eggleston and wife have one child, William Seymour. Subject owns the 
old McLaughton farm. He has a combination of twelve cheese factories, which he 
runs ; also is breeder of fine horses. 

Ellsworth, Sylvester, Stark, was born near PennTan, where his father was a pioneer, 
and came to Stark, where he married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Hawick, of 
Ohio, about 1820, and settled at Richmond, Ohio, where he ran a hotel and gro- 
cery business. Owing to failing health he came back to Stark, leaving his family, 
and he went out to Saratoga, where he died in 1826, leaving a widow and five chil- 
dren : Edith, Mulberry, Judiah, Sylvester H. and Nelson. Edith and Sylvester H. 
survive. His wife died here in 1864, aged sixty-seven. Sylvester Ellsworth' was 
born in the State of Ohio, November 17, 1822, and came to Staik, with his niollier, 
at the age of fourteen. He began working by the month on a farm at twenty-two 



174 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

with his mother. He bought si.xty acres of land in town and began farming, adding to 
this 160 acres adjoining. He still owns 100 acres here. In 1864 he bought and located 
on 200 acres one mile east of Starkville, where he now resides, owning one-third of a 
farm of 100 acres. He served as supervisor five terms on the Democratic ticket, is a 
leading Mason, and a member of TJtica Commandery, Mystic Shrine.- Mr. Ellsworth 
married February 1, 1848, Betsey M., daughter of Warner and Margaret (G-uyts) Nel- 
lis. They have five children : Ellen, wife of Anthony Roof; Clark, Charles, Frank and 
Martha, wife of Charles Ward. Charles and Frank are in San Francisco. 

Eckler, Jeremiah, Warren, was born in Little Lakes. April 2, 1824, a son of Henry 
and Lydia (Conklin) Eckler. The grandfather was Peter, who came from Germany 
prior to the Revolution and settled on Otsquago Creek in Warren and served in the war 
as captain. He had many an interesting experience with the Indians, once having a 
wrestle with one of their chiefs. He also served in the war of 1812. He was twice 
married and had a large family. One son, Henry, was born in Warren and served in 
the war of 1812. He died, aged sixty-five, before the Rebellion. His wife did in 1889. 
She was born in August, 1803, and they had ten children, nine of whom survived : 
William, of Iowa ; Hannah, deceased ; Jerry, Henry, of Stark ; Jacob, of Otsego county ; 
Lydia, Nancy, deceased ; Thomas, Mary, deceased ; Mahlon. Jeremiah was reared on 
a farm and received a district school education. At the age of twelve he began for 
himself on a farm and at the same time assisted his family. In 1851 he located where 
he now resides, and rented 2.50 acres. In 1861 he bought the place, to which he has 
added many improvements and fine buildings, and he now owns 280 acres. In 1872 
he built a cheese factory, which burned in 1882, which he rebuilt, and now makes about 
2,500 pounds per week, He is a Democrat in politics. His wife was Delia Osterhout, 
born in Warren, a daughter of Jacob and Polly M. (Devoe) Osterhout, who were early 
pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Eckler have had six children, five of whom survive: Isaiah, of 
Mohawk ; Delilah, wife of Horatio Mayer ; Irvin, of Little Lakes ; William, of Spring- 
field ; Esther, who died young, and Harvey. 

Fleming, G-. C, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls and received his education in 
the schools and academy here. He established himself in the present business in 1871, 
prior to which time he had been engaged in clerking here. He is of Irish- American 
descent, and identified with local Democratic politics. He served as assessor for six 
years. His business consists of the retail of fine groceries, fruit, confectionery and 
oysters. He married Miss McCormick, of Little Falls, and has three children. His 
establishment is located at No. 307 Second street, in which he furnishes employment 
to several clerks and keeps two delivery wagons constantly on the roads. 

Forest, John W., Russia, was born in Russia, September 19, 1853, a son of Mark, 
whose parents were John, born December 23, 1774, and Martha, born November 9, 
1773, natives of Ireland, who were among the first settlers of Poland. Their children 
were: Mary, Betsey, William, John and Mark, James, Martha, Betsey and Sallie. Mr. 
Forest died April 14, 1855, and his wife August 29, 1854. Mark Forest was born in 
Russia, July 20, 1818, and married Angeline Hunter, a native of Hamilton county, born 
May 20, 1824, and daughter of David Hunter, a native of Massachusetts. The children 



Family sketches. 175 

of Mark Forest and wife were : Ethel, George, deceased ; John, Alvira, deceased ; 
Frank, Ida, deceased. He died Novennber 7, 1869, and his wife now resides with John 
W. Forest. The latter married February 22, 1888, Hattie Simpson, born March 5, 1866, 
a daughter of William Simpson, a son of Abel Simpson, a son of Abram Simpson, of 
Revolutionary fame. Mr. Simpson was born October 17, 1830. In 1851 he married 
Mary Hine, of Norway, and had four children. He married second, 'Susan C. Plumb, 
by whom he had one daughter, Hattie, the wife of subject. Mr. Forest has manufac- 
tured cheese about two years, but his principal occupation is that of a general farmer. 
He is a Democrat in politics. 

Flansburg, Jerry, Ohio, was born in Ohio, December 12, 1844. He is a son of Bar- 
tholomew and Angeline (Stephens) Flansburg. and was reared on a farm and educated 
in the p\iblic schools. July 29, 1862, he enlisted in the 152d N. Y. Volunteers, Com- 
pany B, and was discharged at Munson Hill, Va., in 1865. He served at the battles of 
the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Mine Run and North Anna River. At the latter place 
he was wounded in the right arm and taken to the hospital at Washington (Mt. Pleas- 
ant). After his recovery, by request he returned to his regiment, and at the close of 
the war returned to Ohio. In 1867 he married Mary J. Potter, of Ohio, daughter of 
Chauncey and Margaret Potter. January 12, 1876, Mr. Flansburg lost his wife, and he 
married second, lola Hess, of Ohio, daughter of Adam and Helen J. Hes.s. By his first 
wife he had one son, Egbert; his second wife bore him two children, Helen M. and H. 
Lee. Mr. Flansburg is a Republican, has been supervisor one year, assessor nine years, 
justice of the peace one term, town clerk, collector and auditor. He is a member of 
the G. A. R., Helmer Post, at Herkimer, and he and his wife attend the M. E. church. 

Flansburg, Philip J., Ohio, a native of Ohio, was reared on a farm and educated in 
the public schools. He is a farmer by occupation and has always resided in Ohio. He 
is a son of Francis A. Flansburg, whose parents were Bartholomew and Angeline (Ste- 
phens) Flan.sburg. Francis A. was born in Ohio, December 17, 1830. From 1852 to 
1855 he worked for Hinkley & Ballou. April 28, 1855, he married Casandana Conklin, 
of Duanesburg. Her parents were Samuel and Mary B. (Curtis) Conklin, who were 
the parents of fourteen children. They came early to Schoharie county, in 1843 went 
to Ohio, and in 1862 moved to Attica, Wyoming county, where Mr. Conklin died No- 
vember 19, 1882, and Mrs. Conklin, July 15, 1879. Francis A. Flansburg and wife had 
four sons and two daughters: Mary C, Charles G., Bertha F., Philip J., Albert E. and 
George F., all of whom are living. Mary G. is now Mrs. Charles Wagner. Charles D. 
is a farmer at Erie, Pa. Bertha F. is the wife of John A. Doonan, and resides in South 
Dakota. Philip J. resides in Wilmurt, and Albert B. is guide at Honalogue Lake. 
George F. lives at home. Mr. Flansburg has always been a farmer, except for three 
years spent at lumbering, and has held the offices of justice of the peace, poormaster, 
highway commissioner, clerk, constable and inspector of elections. 

Fenner, John B., Manheim, was born in Fairfield, and received his education in the 
the schools of Norway. His family is of New England descent, having settled in 
this State about 1800. After passing several years in the employ of different rep- 
resentative firms of Little Falls and Dolgeville, established his present ready-made 



176 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

clothing and men's furnishing store about two years ago. In February, 1892, he was 
elected town clerk, which position he still most acceptably fills. He married a Miss i_ 
Jackson, and they have o^ soas . _,_. L-" -<- .^ , ^ v"-^.>f - ,-j ->.-'■., / 

Ford, Daniel, German Flats, was born in Mohawk, December 28, 1831. He fol- 
lowed boating until thirty years of age on the Erie canal, and then began the contract- 
ing busmess on State and railroad work, which he has followed ever since. Mr. Ford 
is a prominent Mason, a member of the Memphis Shrine, the thirty-second degree, 
Scottish Rite. In 1852 he married Miss Ann E. Van Alstine, and they have two daugh- 
ters, both married, Mrs. Dr. Rasbach and Mrs. Isaac Small, of Topeka, Kansas, 

Ford, C. T., mason and contractor of Middleville, was born in Fairfield May 28, 1829. 
He began his trade at the age of fifteen with his father, and has followed it continu- 
ously and successfully all his life. He has erected a good many important buildings 
be.sides doing all kinds of contract work throughout this part of the county, in fact 
about all of it and has a high reputation as a business man and a reliable contractor. 
In 1863 Mr. Ford married Mi«s Margaret Davis. Mr. Ford is a Republican in politics 
and his father served at Sackett's Harbor in the War of 1812. -' 

Ferguson, Thomas D., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls February 2, 1866. He 
received his education in the common schools and Little Foils Academy, after which he 
clerked for about six years. In 1888 he bought out the grocery and meat market of 
M. Craske & Company, which he has since most successfully conducted. He employs 
about four clerks and delivers about Little Falls and vicinity. Mr. Ferguson was nom- 
inated for corporation treasurer upon the Republican ticket, and ran far ahead of his 
ticket, but this being a strong Democratic town he was not elected. He married Laura 
B. Staley, of Michigan. They have no children. 

Foley, Daniel, German Flats, chief of police of Ilion, was born in Ireland but has 
been in America since 1849. He settled in Little Falls. In 1862 he enlisted in Com- 
pany H, 121st N. Y. Regiment and was in some of the most important battles. He 
was wounded at Spottsylvania and was honorably discharged March 28, 1865. He 
took up blacksmithing after the war and has followed it ever since. He came to Ilion 
in 1875 and was appointed chief in 1892. Chief Foley married Miss Catherine Mul- 
queen and they have five children. He is a Republican in politics. 

Fallis, Theodore, Little Falls, was born in Fultonville, Montgomery county, August 
22 1855. He received an excellent education in the schools of Johnstown, after which 
he learned the trade of cigar-making. Mr. Fallis then traveled extensively throughout 
this country, working at his trade. In 1876 he decided to settle in Little Falls, N. Y.i 
starting a business for himself, which proved a success, and which he still conducts. 
He manufactures cigars for wholesale and retail trade and also deals in tobacco and 
smokers' goods. He employs a corps of skilled as.sistants. Mr. Fallis is a member of 
the I. O. R. M., Elks, etc., and has served as treasurer of the poor fund, collector, etc. 
He is a staunch Democrat. He married Mary Pierce, by whom he has five children. 

Foster, Aaron Stiles, Dolgesville, a nephew of Matt Foster, of sharpshooting fame, 
was born in Salisbury April 1, 1822. He received a common school education in the 



fAMILY SKETCHES. 177 

schools of this vicinity and assisted his father until his seventeenth year. After this he 
worked at the carpentry trade until 1847, when he became engaged in the lumber 
traffic until 1879. He then moved to Dolgeville to build the wool factory of Alfred 
Dolge. Mr. Foster married Hannah, daughter of Peter Getman, and they have two 
sons and two daughters living, having lost a son and a daughter. A. S. Foster was him- 
self in his youth a noted dead shot, being able to bring down game with his rifle when on 
the wing. He has served in Fulton county as highway commissioner and justice of the 
peace. His ancestors participated in the War of the Revolution and the War of 1812. 
On his mother's side he is a descendant of the Talcotts. 

Fenner, A. G., Fairfield, was born in Fairfield December 24, 1823, and has been a 
farmer all his life. His grandfather, Daniel Fenner, settled here from Massachusetts, 
and his father, George Fenner, was also a native of the place. The farm consists of 
100 acres (old survey) and a dairy of twenty-six cows. Mr. Fenner married M. A 
Wetherwax in 1848, and they have five children living. Mr. Fenner is an independent 
in politics, and a member of the grange. 

Fenner, Calvin, Fairfield, was born on the farm where he now lives August 4, 1804, 
and has been a farmer all his life. His father came from Massachusetts in 1792. In 
1829 Mr. Fenner married Rhoda Ann Harvey, and they had five children, three of 
whom survive. Mrs. Fenner died in 1882. Mr. Fenner is the oldest living resident of 
Fairfield, and has voted at every presidential election since 1825. His brother, Joseph 
FennerJ^ was a soldier at Saclcett's Harbor, and in the War of 1812. Our subject is the 
owner of a farm of 200 acres and a herd of forty-five cows. 

Fields, John, supervisor of Fairfield, is a native of Westmoreland, Oneida county, and 
has been a farmer all his hfe. He has resided on his present place for nine years. In 
1873 he married Adeline Todd. His father and mother both came from England. Mr. 
Fields is an active and influential Democrat, and was elected supervisor of Fairfield in 
the spring of 1892. He was assessor when living in Newport, and is a member of the 
grange and Royal Arcanum. 

Fowler, D. R., Dolgeville, was born in East Springfield, Otsego county, N. T. He 
received a good education in the schools and academy of this vicinity, and afterwards 
clerked for a few years. In 1887 he came to Dolgeville and established his present 
general mercantile concern. Mr. Fowler's family is of New England descent (Connect- 
icut), and his father and mother are both living at the old home in East Springfield. 
D, R. Fowler married Miss Ella Vandusen. They have one child, a girl. He is a suc- 
cessful and enterprising business man, and a reliable and progressive citizen. 

French, Morris F., Warren, was born in Warren, September 22, 1850, a son of 
Luther L. and Isabel (Culver) French. He was educated in the district, select and 
higher schools, also attended the Winfield academy. He taught school six terms. At 
twenty-one years of age he began for himself, working with his father six years. He 
then purchased thirty-five acres of his grandfather's homestead in Warren, and in 
March, 1881, bought and located on 170 acres, where he now resides. He now owns 
205 acres, and in politics is a Republican. September .18, 1878, he married Mary E. 



178 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Ingalls, born in Haitwick, Otsego county, a daughter of Allen and Hulda ("Windsor) 
Ingalls, now residing in Middlefield. Subject had three children : Harry D., Leonard 
I. and Robert L. Luther L French was born in Plymouth, Litch6eld county. Conn., 
August 23, 1810, a son of Ebenezer W. and Lucy (Darrow) French, both of Connecti- 
cut. In 181-1 E. W. French moved to Galway, Saratoga county, then to Oneida 
county, and in 1830 located on the farm where our subject now resides, where he died 
July 1, 1865. He was a Whig and a Republican, and a deacon in the Presbyterian 
church. He was three times married. His first wife was Sarah Bassett, by whom he 
had four children : Prosper, George Roxanna and Sarah. His wife was born May 
30, 1774, and died October 26, 1804. His second wife was Lucy Darrow, born March 
12, 1781, who died June 16, 1842, leaving seven children : Lucy, Marj', Luther L., 
Amond J., Elizabeth J., David W. and Julia A. His third wife was Mariah Bairdsley. 
She died November 18, 1882, and was born February 8, 1794, in New York. Luther 
L. French received a district school education, and being the oldest son had to help his 
father. At the age of twenty he hired out for $12.50 per month, which was consid- 
ered extra wages. In the spring of 1840 he bought fifty acres, where he resided until 
1890, when he let the farm to his son, Eseck W., and moved on his father's old liome- 
stead. February 27, 1839, he married Isabel! Culver, born in Westfield, Chautauqua 
county, July 15, 1817, a daughter of Harmon and Elizabeth (Campbell) Culver of Eng- 
lish and Scotch origin. Subject and wife have had eight children, three of whom died 
in childhood, Orton G., Lucelia J. and Edward 0. The other five are as follows: 
Samuel D., Mary E., Morris F., Louisa C, wife^of Fenmore R. Stratton, and Eseck W. 
Luther L. and wife have been life members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. French is 
a strong Republican. Samuel D French enlisted in Company F, 121st regiment, in 
1861, serving through the war. Six months after enlistment he was transferred to 
signal corps, in which he was a lieutenant. He resides in Iowa. 

Green, William J., Winfield, a farmer and feed merchant, was born on the farm 
where he now lives, April 2, 1847, a son of Jared J., who was born in Winfield, Sep- 
tember 17, 1804, and died May 20, 1878. He was a son of William Green, who came 
from Connecticut, and settled in Winfield at an early day. The mother of William J. 
Green was Lucy P. (Randall) Green, who was born April 17, 1809, and died October 
27, 1891. William J. married Florence L. Jones, January 2, 1878. She was a daugh- 
ter of Daniel Jones, of Brookfield, Madison county. They have one son, Fred J. The 
farm first settled by William Green is in the northeastern part of the town and is now 
owned by two of his grandchildren, William J. Green and Nettie L. Brown. 

Goodier, Henry W., Litchfield, owns a grain and dairy farm of 120 acres, and has 
been one of the assessors of this town for five years past. He is a member of Sauquoit 
Lodge, No. 150, F. & A. M. ; Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M. ; and Fort Schuyler 
Council, No, 404 Royal Arcanum, also a member of the Litchfield Grange, No. 664. 
He was born in the same house in which he now lives, July 18, 1854, and married 
September 18, 1881, Xena V. Prior. They have two sons, L. Raymond, born Sep- 
tember 7, 1887, and Harold Prior, born November 15, 1892. Henry W. was a son of 
Henry Goodier, who was born on the farm north of this, which was settled by his 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 179 

father, Aaron Goodier, the first settler on that farm and one of the first of the town. 
Xena V. Goodier was born in Paris, Oneida county, September 25, 1864. She is a 
daughter of Philo Prior, who died at Cedar Lake, December 31, 1892, aged fifty-three 
years. 

Gird, Emma L., Litchfield, a native of this town, born on the farm where she now 
I'ves, is a daughter of John Gird, who was a native of Trenton. He came here about 
1812, with his mother, from New York city. He was a son of Henry Gird, who was 
publisher of a newspaper in New York city, who came from Wesford, Ireland, and was 
a colonel in the English army. He settled in Warrington, and bought a place of 
George Washington, which is still in the family and occupied by his granddaughter, 
Mrs. Frankland. The mother of John Gird, was Mary, daughter of Richard Smith, 
who settled at Cedar Lake farm, now owned by the Sewell Morgan estate. The 
mother of Emma L. Gird was Laura, daughter of Sylvanius Eing, a native of Monson, 
Massachusetts. He was a descendant of William King, who came over in the 
Mayflower. William King, one of that family, was the first Governor of the State 
of Maine. There are now living seven children of John and Laura Gird : Henry 
S., Mary H., Richard, Mrs. H. P. Martin, L. John, William K., and Emma L. Gird, 
the last of whom occupies and conducts the farm for the estate. 

Garline, Charles, Warren, was born in Verona. Oneida county, December 5, 1850, a 
son of Nicholas and Mary A. Garline, natives of Germany. The former came to the 
United States about 1843, and located in Oneida county, where he resided until his 
death, in the spring of 1883, aged seventy-three years. He is of Catholic faith, and a 
Republican in politics. He was twice married and had three children: Seaman, 
Charles and Mary. The latter died at nine years of age. His wife died in 1854. She 
was born in Germany and her father was a Mr. Miller, who came to the United States 
about 1835. Nicholas Garline married for his second wife Margaret Shoemaker, who 
came from Germany. Charles Garline received a common school education and has 
made his own way in life since fifteen years of age. At twenty he began for himself 
on the canal, which he followed for two years. In 1873 he came to Warren, and in 
1874 began as cheese maker, which 'he continued four years. In the spring of 1879 
he bought the Cullen cheese factory, which he has operated since, making on an 
average 100,000 pounds a year. He is now assessor, and has also served as collector 
and constable. He is an active Democrat, and a member of the Royal Arcanum 
and the Grange. He married in 1876, Alice C. Ball, who was born in Lilchficld. 
daughter of Horatio and Roxie (Manning) Ball, natives of Herkimer county. Sub- 
ject has three children : William S., Leon F. and Charleg H. 

Green, Nelson L., Warren, was born in Danube, January 14, 1853, a son of Herki- 
mer and Emily T. (Wolcott) Green. The grandfather. Dr. Felix Green was a son of 
Ambrose, and was born in Rhode Island, a pioneer of Danube, where he lived nearly 
all his life. He married Elma Lester, and had seven children : John, William, Felix, 
Anna, Polly, Elizabeth and Ruth. He held various town offices. Fehx lived on the 
Hudson river near Albany, and early came to Danube. He was an active Whig and 
Republican and served in nearly all the town offices. He was a Free Mason, and died 



180 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

July 18, 1857, ageJ eightj'-one. His wife died in 1859. She was Lana Herkimer? 
and was born in Danube, a daughter of George Herkimer, who was a brother of Gen- 
eral Nicholas Herkimer, whose wife w-as a daughter of General Schuyler. Of thirteen 
children Felix reared ten : Alida, o'ane, Mary, Helen, James, George, Charles, Herki- 
mer, Augustus, John. Herkimer Green was born in Danube, November 20, 1811. In 
1870 he moved to Cayuga county, and in 1882 removed to his present home in western 
Warren, on a farm of 248 acre. He has reared two children : John H., who was born in 
Danube in August, 1846, married Nellie Wartraan. Subject's mother was born in 
Shoreham, Vermont, daughter of Seamon and Huldah (Kellogg) Wolcott. Nelson K. 
Green was reared on a farm and received a common school education supplemented 
by a co'ir.se in the Academy at Little Falls. He has followed farming, is an active 
Republican, and married Mary 0., daughter of John N. and Rebecca (Soule) Smith. 
They had three children : George II., Elma R., and Emily E. John H. Green received 
his education at Little Falls academy, and then at Hamilton college, graduating in the 
class of '74. He has taught school, and was admitted to the bar of Cayuga county. 
He has served in town offices as a Republican, and is now a farmer in Warren. He 
has the old lock of the door of General Herkim^j-'s house, also a chair of his, and 
other pieces of furniture which belonged to the general. George Green, brother of 
Herkimer, is a physician at St. Johnsville, and John Green is a prominent physician 
at Sharon Springs. 

Goodier, James G., Frankfort, one of eleven children of Aaron and Abigail (Kendall) 
Goodier. both of Litchfield. The grandfather. Rev. Aaron Goodier, clergyman, was 
born in England and educated for the ministry, preaching there for several years. He 
came to this country when thirty-five years of age and was during his active life a minister 
of the Gospel, living in the town of Litchfield, where he was a large land owner. Abigail 
Kendall, the mother, was a daughter of Amrai Kendall, contractor, a native of Ma.ssa- 
chusetts. James G. was married May 1, 1872, to Mary A. Slaughter of Litchfield. 
Until 1888 he lived in Litchfield when he moved to the village of Frankfort where he 
now lives. He is justice of the peace and does a real estate and collecting business. 

Goodale, G. A., German Flats, was born in Mohawk, May 26, 1846. He first started in 
the grocery business in Richfield and was afterwards assistant shipper in the agricultu- 
ral works in Ilion for fifteen years. He spent five years in the painting trade and 
conducted a meat market for four years. He has been in his present grocery and 
confectionery business in Mohawk about a year. In 1868 he married Anna M. 
Dodge. Mr. Goodale is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics a Prohibition- 
ist. 

Guiney, John & Company, Little Falls. This firm consists of John Guiney and Benja- 
min O. Sullivan, and was established in 1859, for the purpo.se of retailing liquors in 
Little Falls. Both members of the firm were born in Ireland and have, since es- 
tablishing business here, made a host of friends and built up a large and lucrative 
trade. They are influential members of the A. 0. U. W. 

Golden, D. N., German Flats, was born in Columbia, April 14, 1830. His father, 
Benjamin, was a trunk maker. Mr. Golden was connected with variout hotels 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 181 

during the many years of his life and had government contracts on the canal, of 
which he was at one time section superintendent. He has of late acted a<" travel- 
ing salesman. His marriage occurred in 1858, and he has three children: Cora E. 
Hilts, Harvey M. Golden, assistant cashier in the Mohawk bank, and Frank M., who 
resides in Chicago, 111. 

Greene, Willis, Danube, was born on the old farm in Danube, September 17, 1846. 
He received a liberal education in Fairfield Seminary and at Fort Edward, Mr. Greene 
owns fifty-four acres of land on the river road, Danute, and follows the occupation of 
market gardening, in which he has been very successful. His wife was Margaret Le 
Row, and they have one child, a son. This branch of the Greene family descent is 
traced from General Greene of Revolutionary fame. 

Gardinier, Albert, Danube, was born on the old farm upon which he still lives and 
owns, April 19, 1834. This land was bought by his grandfather who lived and died 
upon it and is buried in the old burying ground on the farm. His father, John Gardin- 
ier, also lived, died and is buried here. Albert Gardinier received a good education in 
the schools of this vicinity and has served the town of Danube as assessor several terms. 
He married Fanny Burrell of Herkimer county and they have three sons and three 
daughters. He is a successful farmer and has about two hundred acres of fine dairy 
land and keeps on an average fifty head of cattle besides other stock. 

Griswold, G. W., Fairfield, was born in Fairfield, August 3, 1806, and has been a 
farmer all his life. His ancestors came from Saybrook, Conn., in 1780, and have resided 
in these parts ever since. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary war. In 1835 
Mr. Griswold went to Newport, and fifteen years ago settled in Middleville. He has 
taken great interest in public and educational affairs all his life, and is a very intelli- 
gent and highly esteemed citizen. He is one of the oldest men in Herkimer county. 

Getman, Sanford, German Flats, was born in German Flats, March 23, 1833, a son 
of Jacob Getman, a farmer. At the age of ten years Mr. Getman entered the Armory, 
at the old shop, and five years later he started the first bus line here. This he sold at 
the opening of the war and went into the flour and feed business. In 1860 he married 
Julia B. Lyman. He has always been an ardent Democrat, and has served as super- 
visor and assessor nine years. 

Gerhart, Louis, Dolgeville, was born in Germany, June 28, 1852. He received a 
good education in the schools of Germany, and in 1870 came to this country. After 
working on a farm for some time, Mr. Gerhart learned the mason trade, and worked in 
this industry for seventeen years, after which he purchased a very desirable property 
in Dolgeville, opposite the Cottage Hotel, and established his present liquor business, 
which he has since most successfully conducted. Mr. Gerhart married Miss Wagner. 
Tliey have two children, a boy and a girl. 

Gibson, Burr, Ohio, was born in Ohio, September 1, 1865. He is a son of Samuel 
and Susan Gibson, whom we have mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared 
on a farm and educated in the public schools. In 1867 he married Addie Case, a native 
of Ohio, and a daughter of George and Mary Case, of Ohio. To Mr. Gibson and wife 



182 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

two children have been born, Willie and Nora, both living. Mr. Gibson ia a farmer 
and Democrat. 

Guenther, George, Dolgeville, was born in Germany, November 18, 1848. After 
securing a good education in the schools there he learned the machinist trade in Saxony, 
at which trade he worked for some years. In 1877 he came to America and entered 
the employ of Alfred Dolge as superintendent of the machinist department, which posi- 
tion he sti'l holds. Mr. Guenther married Miss Annie Dolge, a sister of Alfred Dolge. 
They have one child, a boy. Mr. Guenther is a member of the school board, aid society, 
Royal Arcanum, Building and Loan Association, Odd Fellows, etc. 

Gray, C. B., Ohio, was born in Norway, March 29, 1845, a son of Lathan, who was 
a son of Lathan Gray, of Connecticut. The latter married Amy Brown in 1791 and 
had seven daughters and two sons. Lathan, jr., was born in Lebanon, Conn., April 
21, 1800. His wife was Julia A. Pendleton, by whom he had two sons. Id 1828 he 
went to Norway, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a manufacturer 
of lumber and furniture. In 1831 Mrs. Gray died and in 1836 he married Catherine, 
daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Bensley, early settlers of Newport. Mr. Gray and 
wife had two sons and one daughter. Mr. Gray's second wife died in 1855, and he 
married third, Mary A., daughter of Asa Vickery, of Russia. Mr. Gray was a Demo- 
crat and a Free Mason, and was supervisor. The village of Gray was named in his 
honor. He died in 1884 and his last wife died in 1890. Subject received a common 
school education. In October, 1890, he married Melissa E. Figert. daughter of William 
and Jane (Elsie) Burberry, natives of England, who had eight children. In 1854 Mr. 
Burberry and wife came to America and settled in Ohio, N. Y., where Mrs. Burberry 
died on May 9, 1887. Mr. Burberry was a manufacturer of brick and tile, and died 
in Norway in 1870. The first husband of Mrs. Gray was Charles Figert, a native of 
Ohio, by whom she had one child, Charlotta. Mr. Figert died November 10, 1887. In 
1890 Mrs. Figert graduated from the Cortland Normal school. Mr. Gray is a Demo- 
crat and has been supervisor three years. He is a member of Newport Lodge, No. 
458, F. and A. M., of Little Falls, Commandery No. 26, Ilion Chapter, No. 236. 

Harter, Aaron, Herkimer, was born in New Herkimer, October 29, 1816. His father, 
Nicholas Harter, settled here m 1812. Mr. Harter owns 255 acres of farm land, be- 
sides a large amount of other property. He ha« fifty-five head of stock and conducts 
a dairy farm. Mr. Harter has been a very successful farmer. He has served as jus- 
tice of the peace and is a staunch Democrat. His wife, who is seventy»>four years of 
age, is an energetic and most careful lady and has aided him most materially in his 
successful transactions in life. They live on the old farm on the Steuben road. 

Helmer, Samuel, Dolgeville, was born in the town of Manheim, February 8, 1820, 
and has always lived on the farm which he purchased from his father. It contains 150 
acres of fine dairy land and upon it he keeps about twenty-five head of cattle besides 
other stock. Mr. Helmer has four children living, two boys, Hannibel and Dwight, 
and two girls, Mrs. Annie Bracket, and Mrs. Eugene Snell. Helmer's ancestry is of 
German descent. His grandfather was in the war of the Revolution, and his father in 
that of 1812 at Sackett's Harbor. His son, Dwight Helmer, assists him on the farm. 



Family sketches. m 

and his other son, Eannibel Helmer, is engaged in the meat business in Dolgeville. 
Both sons have received an academic education. 

Hyer, Otis H., Little Falls, is a native of Rensselaer, N. Y. He has been in the woolen 
manufacturing line for thirteen years and is an expert. He was five years in Pittsfield, 
Mass., and after three years' absence returned to the same firm. He was two years in 
Woonsocket and four years in Providence, R. I., then with the Rhode Island Knitting 
Company in Berwick three years. After a short stay in Fonda, N. Y., he returned to 
Little Falls and is one of the superintendents of MacKinnon's Mill. Mr. Hyer served 
his country in the war of the Rebellion in Company K, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts 
Regiment and participated in the battles of Petersburg, Lynchburg and Piedmont, in 
the last of which he was wounded and taken prisoner and passed eleven months in 
Andersonville prison. He was under fifteen years old when he enlisted. He is a Re- 
publican. 

Hall, Dr. Horace, Little Falls, is a native of Princeton, Ind. His father was chief 
justice of the Supreme Court of Indiana and also Lieutenant-Governor of the State. 
Horace enlisted as private in the Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, Company K., and 
after the close of the war was mustered out as captain of the company. Dr. Hall has 
been actively engaged in the practice of his profession of dental surgery since his grad- 
uation about twenty years ago. He married Miss Hattie E. Scutt of Almena, but has 
no family. His office is located at No. 596 East Main street. The doctor enjoys a lead- 
ing patronage with the first families of Little Falls and Herkimer county. 

Hose, Wallace, Little Falls, was born in St. Johnsville, Montgomery county, N. Y., 
receiving an excellent education in the schools of this county and the Cazenovia Semi- 
nary. His earlier business experience was in mercantile transactions, he having been 
engaged in this line in St. Johusville for two year.s, and at Fort Plain ; after which he 
entered the employ of H. M. Burch, with whom he remained seven years. He then 
accepted a position with Titus Sheard as bookkeeper, eventually being admitted a 
member of the concern in which he now holds the position of secretary of the company. 
Mr. Hose is a member of various local, social and benevolent institutions. He married 
Edith I. Sheard and they have one child. 

Hunt, T. E., of the township of Little Falls, owns one of the best farms near 
the village and is a prosperous and progressive farmer. He is also a veteran of 
the late war, having enlisted in the Tenth Missouri Infantry, but was subsequently 
transferred to the Fifteenth and then to the Seventeenth New York Regiments, and 
served with the Army of the Potomac. He is a prominent Grand Army man, and a 
member of the Grange. Mrs. Hunt was the first white child born in De Kalb county, 
Illinois. 

Plarrid, George, Danube, was born in England, February 16, 1839: he has lived in 
this country about thirty-eight years and has owned his farm of forty acres of land, 
lying on the Odesa Creek, for nearly twenty-seven years. He married Mary Finale 
and they have four children, two sons and two daughters. He is an excellent farmer 
and a thorough and honorable man. 



184 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

House, Squire, Little Falls, was born in this county and received a common school 
education in the Jordanville district school. In 1861 he enhsted in the Thirty-fourth 
New York Volunteers and served two years in the Rebellion, participating in manv of 
the leading battles and engagements which occurred during this period. He was en- 
gaged for two years after the war in cutting marble, and in 1865 he established a gen- 
eral merchandise store upon the canal. Mr. House gives employment to from ten t'> 
twenty hands cutting wood. He has cleared over three hundred acres of wood in this 
vicinity. He is of Mohawk Dutch descent and of Revolutionary antecedents. His 
wife was Cornelia Orendorf of Fort Herkimer, by whom he had two children, a son 
and a daughter. His wife died October 28, 1892. 

Hailing, Theodore C, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls, February 7, 1862. His 
father was born in Germany and came to this country in his youth. He was for many 
years a leading tailor and draper in this village before his death. Theodore C. was 
educated at Little Falls Academy, and was for many years manager of a clothing store 
in Ithaca, N. Y. He married Rose Lampman, and they have one child. Mr. Hailing 
is now conducting a tobacco, cigar and confectionery establishment opposite the Met- 
ropolitan Hotel, Little Falls. 

Helmer, Philip, Dolgeville, was born in the town of Manheim, Augu?t 9, 1823. He 
received a good education in the schools of his native town, and has up to the time of 
his retirement been a successful farmer. He married a sister of Brig.-Gen. Spoffard, 
Bmeline SpoiFard. Mr. Helmer's grandfather participated in the Revolutionary war, 
and his father, Leonard Helmer, in the war of 1812. Mr. Helmer sold his farm of 200 
acres to Alfred Dolge, who has located the new depot of the Little Falls and Dolgeville 
railroad thereon. Mr. Helmer still retains the old homestead, which is one of the most 
picturesque and pleasantly located homes of Dolgeville. They have one adopted 
daughter. 

Hoke, Charles D., Danube, was born in Danube in 1854. He was reared on a farm, 
and before his death his father purchased a farm of about fifty acres, which he pre- 
sented to Charles, and upon which the latter now lives. This place is adjacent to 
Newville. Chas. Hoke married Catharine Matice. They have no children. 

Hawthorne, Wilson, Schuyler, was born in Oneida County, in the town of Deerfield, 
-Vpril 22, 1825, and has been a farmer all his life. His father, William Hawthorne, 
came from Ireland in 1812, coming up the Mohawk valley on a flat-boat. In 1856 Mr. 
Hawthorne married ilary Ann Conlin, of Deerfield, and they have six children : 
Wilson, Jane, Charles, James, William, and Minnie. Wilson married Ruth Ladd, 
daughter of S. P. Ladd. Mr. Hawthorne has been poormaster, and has held other 
positions in the town. 

Hofifman, George, Danube, was born at East Creek, Herkimer county, April 8, 1851. 
He married Lizzie Killingback, and their family consists of five children: two sons and 
three daughters. Mr. Hoffman's grandfather, Isaac Wheeler, was with Gen. Herkimer 
at Oriskany. Our subject resides on the old homestead, known as the Herkimer Farm, 
which consists of 163 acres, and is located in Danube, near the Mohawk river. Mr. 
Hoffman is a member of the A. 0. TJ. W., etc. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. ■ 185 

Houghton, "William L., Ingham Mills, was born in Fulton county, March 14, 1825. 
When twenty- one years of age he came to Ingham Mills, a d was for nine years en- 
gaged in saw- mill business for the Inghams, after which he established himself in the 
blacksmithing industry, which he has carried on for thirty-seven years here in Ingham 
, Mills. Mr. Houghton has lately retired from business, and is succeeded by his son, 
Geo. M. Houghton. Mr. Houghton has served as overseer of the poor for two terms, 
justice of the peace, etc., and is much respected by all who know him. He married 
Miss L. La Due, and has only one child living. Mr. Houghton's father, Richard Hough- 
ton, was in the war of 1812, and his grandfather in the Revolution. 

Harter, P. P., Herkimer, is a native of Herkimer, and was born August 28. 1826. 
He has been a farmer all of his life, and has resided nearly all that time on his present 
farm. His father and grandfather before him lived on this farm. He married Miss 
May Kest, and they have two sons, Edwin and Frank. Mr. Harter has sixty-four 
acres of dairy farm and fourteen cows. He has never belonged to any organization, 
but his son Frank is a member of the Grange. They are all Democrats. 

Holmes, Brainerd 0., Wmfield, was born on the farm where he now lives, April 26, 
1847. He is a son of Orange Holmes, born on the same farm, of which this is a part, 
December 25, 1803, and died December 13, 1864. He married Henrietta Brainerd, 
January 15, 1829, who died March 28, 1891. Orange was a son of Elijah Holmes, who 
settled on this farm at an early date. The house is one of the oldest in WinBeld. 
Brainerd 0. Holmes married Mary J. Hadley, September 21, 1869, and they have two 
children: Mabel M., and Harold B. Mrs. Mary J. Holmes was a daughter Harry and 
Mary Hadley, residents and natives of Litchfield. Orange Holmes had six children: 
Pamela A., Leonidas B., Sarah R., Caroline E., Ellen C, and Brainerd O. Deacon 
Ehjah Holmes came from Connecticut and settled in Winfield about 1794. He was 
the first shoemaker, and tanned his own leather, grinding the bark by horse power, 
and the ruins of his tannery are still to be seen at North Winfield. 

Hull, Henry W., farmer and carpenter of Litchfield, was born in Watertown, 
Jefferson county. May 10, 1836, and settled in Litchfield in 1878. He married Eliza 
M. Jones, of this town, by whom he had two children: Herbert H., and Walter A. 
The former married Kittle, daughter of Benjamin and Jane Richards, of Litchfield. 
Henry Hull is a son of Shubel Hull, a native of Watertown, who married Sophronia 
Pierce, of Lorraine, Jeff'erson county, N. Y. Mrs. Ella M. Hull is a daughter of William 
and Elsie Jones, of this town. Shubel Hull was a son of John Hull, a mason con- 
tractor and builder, who was a native of Connecticut, and settled early in Jefferson 
county. 

Huntley, Jackson M., Litchfield, was born November 9, 1834. at Exeter, Otsego 
county, and he married Almira Gitchell. by whom he has four children : Lester G., 
Lucy G., Carlson Le Grange, and Loren Grant. Mrs. Huntley was the only daughter 
of Benjamin and Palmyra (Hadley) Gitchell, natives of Winfield. Lester G. Huntley 
married Essie ilcKentry ; Lucy G. married Gusta Carlson, and they have one son 
named Harold G. Carlson. 



186 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Harwick, Joseph, Stark, came from Rensselaer county and feltled where our sul ject 
resides about 1790. He died about 1815. He was twice married, raised one son, Con- 
rad Harwick, who was born October 10, 1774, and came with his father to Stark, where 
he died in October, 1862. He served in the war of 1812 at Sackett's Harbor. His 
wife was Sarah, daughter of Garett and Anna M. Brower. Subject's mollier died in . 
1848. She had five children, three survived: Christiana Snel!, John P. and Anna M. 
Gaungs. John P. Haiwick was born June 15, 1813, and has always resided here, own- 
ing 107 acres He has been a Whig and Republican. He married in February, 1847, 
Julia A., daughter of David and Luvina (Brower) Kingsley, and they had one child, 
James K., born December 26, 1847, who lived with his parents and ran the farm. He 
married March 11, 1891, Effie, daughter of Berry and Lucy (Ward) Eckler. They have 
one child, John H. 

Hall, John, Stark, was born in Stark June 13, 1838, a son of Alexander and Jane 
(Mount) Hall. The grandfather, Thomas, was born in Ireland, and came to the United 
State.s after the Revolution and settled in Stark with a brother, Robert. Later he 
moved to Onondaga county, and thence to California in 1859, where he died, over eighty 
years of age. He served as justice many years and was a Ma,son. His wife was Louise 
Sprague. They raised four children : Alexander, John G., Naiicy and Martha. His 
wife died in Onondaga county. Alexander was born in Springfield, Otsego county. 
About 1830 he moved to Stark and engaged in mercantile business with his brother. In 
1839 he moved where his son now resides and bought and operated a grist and saw- 
mill, also growing hops largely. He served as supervisor and died in the fall of 1885, 
aged seventy-eight. His wife survives him. They had three children: Martha, John 
and Elizabeth. She was a daughter of John Mount, who came from New Jersey, and 
was an aid and captain under General Washington. At twenty-one John began 
farming where he now resides, also engaging in hop busiress until 1890. He is a Dem- 
ocrat and a leader of Fort Plain and Utica Commandery. He married August 7, 1861, 
Mariette Springer, born in Columbia, daughter of Martin L. and Charlotte (Kinter) 
Springer, of Stark. Martin L Springer was in the 142d N. Y. Vols., lieutenant. He 
was twice married. His first wife had two children, Martha and Mariette. Martin L. 
was a son of Ludwick, who came from Rensselaer county. Subject has had four 
children, two living: Oliver and Jennie L. Cora died, aged thirteen, and one died in 
infancy. They attend the Universalist church. 

Houghton, Clark, farmer, of EatonviUe, is a native of Vermont and was born in 1818. 
At the age of seventeen he came to the town of Little Falls, where he has lived ever 
since. He was a carpenter for seventeen years prior to beginning his farm life. He 
owns 126 acres of land and has a herd of thirty cows. His father was also a native 
of Vermont and his grandfather was an Englishman. His father went to Canada with 
the American troops in 1812. Clark Houghton married Eliza Arnold, and they have 
one daughter, Mrs. Alexander Martin. Mr. Houghton is a Repubhcan, and has voted 
for every president except Scott since the election of the first Harrison in 1841. 

Hoke, Solomon, Warren, was born in Minden July 1, 1827, and is a son of Peter 
and Margaret (Countryman) Hoke. Peter served in the war of 1812. He was a Lulh- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 187 

eran and a Democrat and died in 1844. They had four sons and eight daughters. Sol- 
omon Hoke, the youngest son, at the age of seventeen began the carpenter's trade, 
which he followed ten years, when he began farming in JeiFerson county. In 1856 he 
sold out and settled in Danube, and in 1869 moved to Warren, where he now owns 124 
acres of land. In 1854 he married Catherine (Springer) Walter, and they had five 
children: Rosa, wife of Alpha Ball; Walter, died at thirteen ;' Carrie, died at two; 
Orville J. and Emma, wife of David Mixter. 

Hoover, John P., Fairfield, was born in Manheim in 1828 and has followed farming 
all his hfe. His great-grandfather came from Switzerland. His grandfather was Jacob 
Hoover and his father WiUiam Hoover. In 1861 Mr. Hoover married Catherine Ryan, 
a daughter of Joseph Ryan, and they have a family of eleven children, five sons and six 
daughters. Mr. Hoover is a Democrat. His father was at Sackett's Harbor in 1812 
and was given a grant of government land. Mr. Hoover has 132 acres of land and a 
herd of twenty-four cows. 

Hosford, William, Warren, and wife, Theresa (Jepson), came from North Adams, 
Mass., to Cedarville, Oneida county, where he followed the occupation of shoemaker. 
They had five children : Lorenzo, Matthew, William, Lot and Clarissa. He died in 
September, 1853, aged sixty-eight, and his wife July 4, 1861, aged seventy-five. Lo- 
renzo Hosford was born in Bridgewater, Oneida county. May 22, 1812. He married 
Julia A., daughter of Henry and Christina Devendorf, who bore him four children : 
Seward, Alanson B., Israel and Frank. He died April 20, 1891, and his wife Septem- 
ber 29, 1889. Frank D. Hosford was born at Cedarville October 13, 1852. He received 
an academic education, and at twenty-two left home and began clerking at Hemlock 
Lake, where he passed three years, then one year at Cedarville, where he began cheese- 
making at the latter place. He married March 18, 1885, Clara L., daughter of David 
and Mary (Schooley) Evans, of Litchfield, and located where he how lives and manu- 
factures cheese. They have one child, Mary E. 

Humphrey, B., German Flats, was born in Holland Patent in 1854. He was a 
farmer's son. His father was Griffith Humphrey, who died in 1890. Mr. Humphrey 
has been in the saloon busine.«s for several years. He formerly worked in the armory. 
He is a member of the Masonic order, the Red Men and the Odd Fellows, of the Mount 
Encampment and was chief of police for four years. In 1879 he married Miss Ehza 
Mahanna, and they have one daughter. Alberta. 

Harrison, Horace L., Litchfield, who has been justice of the peace for twenty years 
in succession, has also been postmaster of Norwich Corners for twelve years. He has 
been president of the Norwich Corners Cemetery Association for about ten years, since 
its organization. He was supervisor of this town for five years in succession. He 
taught school in this and adjoining towns twenty-four terms and holds a State certifi- 
cate. He is now a farmer, owning about 125 acres. He was born May 3, 1823, on the 
farm where he now lives. His father. Captain Josiah Harrison, came from North 
Brantford, Conn., about 1809. He was a captain of militia in the war of 1812 and was 
stationed at Sackett's Harbor. He died September 14, 18G4, aged seventy-eight. 
Horace L. Harrison married Mary N., daughter of James Groves, of New Hartford, 



188 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Oneida county, and they have four children : Jennie F., Hattie A., Henry E. and Gertie 
M. Lavina Harrison died October 20, 1870, aged eighty-seven years. 

Johnson, Horace M., Little Falls, was born in Schuyler. He received his education 
in the schools of this counly, and early commenced actively the life of a farmer. His 
father was engaged in teaching school in Little Falls for a number of years, afterwards 
becoming engaged in agricultural pursuits. The Johnson family are of New England 
descent, members of the family having served in the Revolutionary War, the great- 
grandfather of Horace M. having been at Sackett's Harbor. His father was born and 
reared at Eaton's Bush. The family now own considerable land at Schuyler, where 
nearly all of them are located. Mr. Jo'^nson's wife was Margaret Garry, and they have 
one daughter, who is the wife of Frank Robinson. 

Jackson, W. R., German Flats, is a native of Charlestown, Va., and was born November 
26, 1858. He came to Ilion in 1868 and attended the school here five years. He was 
for some lime a successful professional ball player and has been in the apiarist's busi- 
ness for several years. In 1882 he married Miss Helen E. Denel. He is a Republican. 
His father was John B. Jackson. 

Jones, Dennison S., Winfield, one of the representative farmers of Winfield, owns a 
dairy and hop farm of 212 acres. He was born in Litchfield March 8, 1832, and settled 
on this farm where he now lives in 1861. He is a son of William Jones, one of the 
first settlers in Litchfield, and his father was from Nova Scotia. Dennison S. Jones 
married, December 8, 1858, Alvira, daughter of Sewell Slade of Columbia, and after- 
wards Litchfield. Dennison S. and Alvira Jones have two children : Julius C, and 
Jessie E. • 

Jones. Henry D., Winfield, was the first manager of the milk station called Cedsr- 
ville, and started the business in 1889. They make both butter and cheese. The milk 
is bought here of the farmers and shipped to the proprietor in New York city. Henry 
D. Jones married Lillie C, daughter of Mrs. Eliza Hayes of Unadilla Forks. Henry 
Jones makes both butter and cheese. 

Jones, Hiram, Wnifield, was born on the farm where he now lives October 31, 1830, 
a son of Richard R. Jones, who was born in Danube, and died December 2, 1888, aged 
eighty-five years. His father was one of the first settlers of the town of Danube. 
Hiram Jones married, March 16, 1854, daughter of Conrad Folts of Frankfort. They 
have five children living: George C, Oliver R., Wallace H., Elva J. and Cora A. They 
have lost four children : James F., who died in infancy, October 7, 1857; Eva May^ 
died October 9, 1864, aged about two years; Edith E., died September 9, 1875, aged 
about three years, and Mary E., October 17, 1879, aged about twenty-four years. Mr. 
Jones has served as assessor of Winfield. 

Jones, William E., Schuyler, one of the leading farmers of Schuyler, was born on 
the farm he now owns July 18, 1845. His father was Richard Jones, a native of 
Wales. Mr. Jones has a large farm of 225 acres, under dairy and timber. He is a Re- 
publican in politics, and was commissioner of highways for six years. He is now serv- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 189 

ing his seventh year as assessor of the town. He has also been inspector of elections. 
Mr. Jones has two sisters living, Jennie Jones and Mrs. J. S. Davis. 

Joslin, Aaron V., Franlifort, was born in Franljfort March 11, 1836. He was one ot 
nine children of Lewis F. and Harriet C. (Vinton) Joslin, both natives of this town. 
The grandfather was Christopher Jos'in, was born in Rhode Island, as was also his 
wife, Abigail (Hall) Joslin. They were among the early settlers of Frankfort. Aaron 
Joslin married, March 20, 1859, Rachel, daughter of William and Maria (Pruyn) 
Bridenbecker of Schuyler. She died March 13, 1874, leaving two children, Nellie, wife 
of R. C. Strachan, and Lindley A. Mr. Joslin married second, September 16, 1875, 
Sarah Adams, of Frankfort. In 1858 he started in business as a merchant, keeping a 
general store, under the name of L. F. Joslin & Son. Since 1884 he has kept a dry 
goods and wall paper store. 

Stephens, Frank E., supervisor of Columbia and postmaster of Cedarville, is also 
dealer in general merchandise. He was born at Frankfort Hill April 5, 1862. He 
married Mamie E., daughter of Jeremiah Myers. His father was Stewart Stephens, a 
son of Roswell, a native of Stonington, Conn., who married Sophie Connable about 
1809 and came to Frankfort. He died in 1854. He served in the War of 1812, was 
wounded at Lundy's Lane July 12, 1814, and was discharged that year. 

Sibel, George F., blacksmith at Cedarville, was born in Mohawk in 1848, and settled 
here in 1871, where he has been in business since. He married Carrie Shafrock, and 
they have three children : Maude A., George L. and Charlie E., all living at hon e. 
George P. is a son of Charles Sibel, a native of Germany. He settled in Mohawk 
about 1847. Mrs. Carrie Sibel is a daughter of Robert Sharrock, who was a native 
of England, and settled in Cooperstown. Charles Sibel married Katie Countryman, a 
native of Minden, Montgomery county. She was a daughter of George Countryman, 
a descendant of one of the first settlers of that county. 

Wheeler, Clarence J., lives on the farm first settled by Daniel Devendorf, being a 
dairy and stock farm. He was born in Cedarville, April 20, 1849, and settled on this 
farm in 1868. He married Jane L. Smith, and they have two children, Clara M., and 
MaryL. Clarence J. is the only son of Moses H. Wheeler, born May 31, 1823, who was a 
son of Lewis Wheeler, whose children were : Marcus L., Moses H., Whitney, Gaylord, 
Phoebe, Cornelia, Maria and Eliza. Lewis was born in Massachusetts, a son of Moses 
Wheeler, one of the first settlers. He came from Massachusetts and had six children : 
Moses, Lewis, Humphrey, Prentis, Artemus and James. Mrs. Jane L. Wheeler 
was born in Winfield in December, 1845, a daughter of Ansel, son of Levi Smith. 
Levi Smith came from Connecticut and early settled in Winfield. He died 
April 5, 1855, aged eighty-nine years. His children were : Henry, William, Ansel, 
Levi, jr., Laura, Sally, Chloe, Deliverance and Anna. Ansel Smith married Araminta 
Burdick, and they have four children : Levi C, Ansel A., Jane L. and Sarah. Levi 
Smith, jr., was born in Winfield and settled on this farm, 1834, and lived here until his 
death, May 27. 1881, aged 91 years. He married Miss Elizabeth Howard of Winfield. 



190 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Ingersoll, Fred T., German Flats, was born in Ilion, June 2, 1860. His father was 
John D. Ingersoll and his grandfather John Ingersoll, who came from Brookline, Conn. 
Fred T. married Jennie Houghton, daughter of Richard Allen Houghton, in 1885, and 
they have a son. Palmer. Mr. Ingersoll is a prominent Mason, a member of the Chapter 
and Commandery, and is an active Republican. 

Jones. Hadley, Little Falls, was born in Danube, N. Y., and was educated in the 
Little Falls academy and the Albany Law school, from which latter institution he was 
graduated in the class of 1850, and at .once entered into active practice at Herkimer. 
He remained there until 1882, then removed to Little Falls and formed a co partner- 
ship with the late George F. Crumby, which firm was dissolved by the death of Mr. 
Crumby, in 1887. Mr. Jones holds high rank at tlie bar, is a Mason of high degree and 
is identified with leading social and political organizations. He married Henrietta 
Wilkinson, a niece of Judge Robert Earl of Herkimer, chief judge of the Court of Ap- 
peals of New York. Mr. Jones was elected supervisor in the spring of 18S9. He has 
been solicited to accept other and more important offices of public trust, but has so far 
declined. 

Johnson, Gilbert J., Ohio, was born in Watervliet, Albany county, September 23, 
1837, a son of Henry J., who was a son of Peter F. Johnson, a native of Long Island. 
The father of Peter F. came from Holland and settled on Long Island. Peter F. mar- 
ried Hannah Ball, a native of Long Island, by whom he had five sons and four daugh- 
ters. He was in the Revolutionary war. Early in life he moved to Kno.x, Albany 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson died at Knox. Henry I. Johnson was born in Knox, 
April 17, 1804. In 1834 he married Eliza Ferguson, a native of Watervliet, born 
March, 1811. They had seven sons and three daughters. April 2, 1850, Mr. Johnson 
went to Ohio and purchased a farm, where he remained until 1855. He then went to 
Ashtabula, Ohio. Here he resided until 1882, when he moved to Muncie, Ind , and 
died December 23, 1884. His wife is still living in Muncie, at the age of eighty. Gil- 
bert J. Johnson was educated in the common and select schools and at the age of 
nineteen went to California and remained thirty- eight years, when he returned to 
Ashtabula, Ohio. In 1868 he went to Ohio, N. Y., and took a contract mail route, 
which he followed twenty-four years. He owned the grist-mill and store at Grant 
four years. November 1, 1865, he married Emily, a daughter of Albert Abeel, of 
Ohio, and they have two children : Fred P. and Hattie M. Mr. Johnson is a Repub- 
lican, has been deputy sheriff nine years and was postmaster at Grant four years. He 
has been postmaster of Ohio City since January, 1892. He was assessor three years 
and notary public six years. He and his wife are Methodists. He is a member of 
Ohio Grange, No. 686. 

James, Philip, Russia, was born in South Wales, December 12, 1832, a son of Levi 
James, a native of Wales, born in 1802. The wife of Levi was Mary Evans, born in 
Wales in 1804, and by whom he had nine sons and four daughters. In 1840 
Mr. James came to Russia and settled at Prospect. He resided in Oneida 
county until his death, September 28, 1884. Philip was eight years old when 
his parents came to Oaeida county. For fourteen years he was engaged in the mer- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 191 

cantile business at Grant. In 1859 he married Harriet Flan.eburg, a native of Ohio, N. Y., 
by whom he had two daughters, Minnie and Harriet. Mrs. James died September 28, 
1865, and Mr. James married in 1881 Cynthia M. (Rust) Stone. Her first husband 
was George Stone, a native of Oneida county. He enlisted in the H7th N. Y. In- 
fantry, Company H. and was killed at the battle before Richmond, September 29, 18G4. 
Mr. Stone and wife had two children : Clarence, who is a farmer in Russia, and Jessie 
who resides on her farm in Russia. Mrs. James was a daughter of Hiram Ru.st, whose 
father, Abel Rust, was born in 1759, in Connecticut. He had eight children. Mr. 
Rust served seven years in the Revolutionary war. Abel Rust came to Russia in 1818 
and settled on the farm now owned by Jessie Stone. He died in 1842, at the age 
of ninety-three. Hiram Rust was born July 4, 1794, in Kent, Conn. October 11, 
1822, he married Mary Taylor, by whom he had four sons and four daughters. Hiram 
Rust was a farmer and geologist. He died February 3, 1886. He married Mary, 
daughter of Samuel and Cynthia Taylor, early settlers in Russia. Mrs. Rust died 
October 11, 1888. William P. Rust, the son of Hiram, was born in 1827 and was a 
brother-in-law of Charles Wolcott, of the IT. S. Geological department at Washington. 
He was also a geologist himself, having procured several of the best individual cabinets 
in Central New York. He sold a fine collection of fossils to the State and has sent a 
great many specimens to Washington. In politics he was a Republican. He was 
identified with all movements for the church and was a liberal and earnest Christian. 
Mr. Rust never married, but his niece. Miss Jessie Stone, has been mistress of his 
home for several years. 

Jackson, James 0., Little Falls, was born in this county. He was liberally educated 
in the Little Falls academy and the Academy at Fairfield, after which he engaged in 
farming in Fairfield and Manheim for several years, until the age of thirty-two years, 
when he sold his farm property and moved to Little Falls. After dealing in cattle 
for some time, he finally purchased the Grand Central Hotel property on Main street, 
which he conducted until 1887, when he disposed of it to Daniel Leahy and others. 
After this he purchased the Jackson House, which he has since conducted, on Albany 
street. Mr. Jackson married Emma Timmerman, and they have one son and two 
daughters. Mr. Jackson also conducts a livery and sale stable in connection with bis 
hotel. 

Elwood, David B. (deceased) was born May 3, 1831, a mile south of Starkville, 
son of David and Nancy (Baum) Elwood. He received a district school education, 
and was twice married, first, September 22, 1852, to Sarah, daughter of John and Eliza 
(Hall) Smith, who died October 1, 1855. November 11, 1857, he married, second, 
Martha Springer, of Stark, born March 4, 1836, a daughter of Jacob L. and Mary 
(Dater) Springer. The grandfather was Loadwick Springer. Jacob L. was born in 
Stark. In early days he was a colonel of militia, and an active Whig and Republican. 
He died in 1843. They had eight children : Louis H., Philip, Catharine, Hannah, Eliza- 
beth, Martha and Caroline. Mrs. Springer was born in Brunswick, a daughter of Henry 
and Christina (Fake) Dater. She died in 1884 in her eighty-sixth year. Subject's 
second wife bore him seven children : Edwin, who died, aged four : Sarah (Mrs. Hale 



l92 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

A. Mixer;, Willie E,, died, aged two; Ellis D., Mary E. (Mrs. Willis Davis), John S. 
and Carrie D. Subject and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. David 

B. lived and died where his widow now resides on 225 acres. His widow and son 
retain the homestead. 

Bellinger, P. E., is one of the old residents of Little Falls, and was born 
July 2, 1837. In 1860 he married Lana Catharine Uhle and has a family of six chil- 
dren, three sons and three daughters. He owns 223 acres of land utilized for dairying, 
hay and grain, and has a herd of thirty-six milch cows. In politics he is a liberal- 
minded Democrat; his sons sharing the same political faith. His youngest son, Peter 
A. ; his daughter, Mamie M., and youngest daughter, Ada G., are at home. His oldest 
daughter, Melissa A., and the two oldest sons, James H. and Frank E., are married. 

Tallman, W. Akins, is a native of Schuyler. His father, Ebenezer Tallman, came 
from Schenectady, and was drafted in the war of 1812. He hired a substitute and sent 
in his place. In 1871 W. A. Tallman married Esther Willis, and they have five chil- 
dren, four daughters and a son. Mr. Tallman is a Republican in politics, and is a repre- 
sentative citizen. He has been poormaster of the town two years. 

Lewis, David, Ilion, was born in Albany, July 5, 1835. He came to Herkimer county 
in 1853, and in August, 1856, he entered the Frankfort Bank as teller, and April 6, 
1868, was elected cashier and held the two positions twelve years in all ; and when 
that bank was closed the directors gave him a very flattering testimonial : Resolved, 
That said David Lewis, esq., the cashier of this bank, has, by his strict integrity and 
his careful and skillful management of the affairs of the bank for the past ten years.won 
the respect and esteem of the members of this board ; and they think it proper and fit- 
ting that at this, their last meeting, *hey should in this manner express their sentiments 
and feelings toward him, and tender him their best wishes for his future happiness and 
welfare. In 1872 Mr. Lewis became cashier of the Ilion National Bank and has held 
the position ever since. 

Miller, Alonzo P., Winfield, was born in Frankfort, January 21, 1837. He owns a 
grain and dairy farm of 183 acres. He enlisted in the late war in Company E, 1.52d 
N. y. Volunteers, September 11, 1862, was appointed corporal, September 21, 1862, 
and served as .such until he became sergeant, December 2, 1864; he also served in the 
regiment band about one year. He was discharged July 13, 1865, near Washington, 
D. C. His father was Riley Miller, who was born in Chatham, Columbia county, and 
early settled in this town. He was born May 6, 1805, and died October 6, 1874. He 
was a son of Nathaniel Miller, born July 8, 1775, and died July 24, 1856. Alonzo P. 
Miller married October 6, 1868, Hester A. Slade, and they have two children: 
Minnie E., who married James K. Armling, and Carrie L., a teacher at North Winfield. 
Hester A. Miller was a daughter of Samuel and Eliza Slade, of Litchfield. 

Salisbury, John E., Litchfield, was born in Wales, October 20, 1855, and settled in 
Frankfoit. He came to this town about 1870, and in 1883 settled on the Marshall farm 
of 123 acres. He commenced the manufacturing of lime here in 1886. The limestone 
is quarried on the farm, and the kiln now in use he built that year. He also carries on 



J 



i 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 193 

farming. He married Mary B., daughter of Henry Goodier, who was a son of Rev. 
Aaron Goodier. Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury have four children : Ethel M., Harry G., Elma 
M. and Grace E. John E. is a son of Robert and Mary Salisbury. The latter died 
January 1, 1892, aged sixty-nine years. 

Harris, William H., Middleville, was born m Fairfield, October 17, 1SI3, and learned 
the blacksmith's trade. His forefathers were prominent in the settlement of Rhode 
Island, with Roeer Williams. The subject has m his possession the first charter given 
by Charles II. to Roger Williams and others. The father of William H. Harris came 
on foot and alone from Rhode Island to Fairfield in 1780, at the age of sixteen ; at the 
age of thirty-two he married Rebecca Kimball, who bore him two sons and three 
daughters, as follows: John Harris, died in Newport in 18G2, aged forty; Olive, mar- 
ried Lewis Hall, of Newport ; Lydia, married B. J. Chassels, of Holland Patent ; Sarah 
who married Rev. G. O. Phelps, of Potsdam ; and William H., the subject, who married 
Miss M. E. Kellar. They have five children living. Mr. Harris owns 175 acres of dairy 
farm, stocked with thirty-seven cows. He is a Republican. 

Kenyon, Samuel P. (deceased), was born in Ira, Cayuga county, September 1, 1846, 
a son of H. B. and Betsey (Brown) Kenyon. Rev. H. B. Kenyon was a Baptist min- 
ister, and lived and died in Ira, Cayuga county. He raised a family of eleven children. 
Samuel P. received a district school education and began life as a clerk. He ran a store 
at Oriskany Falls, and traveled for Comstock Brothers, of Utica for two years. For 
one year he was with Fonda & Bagley, of Albany. In 1873 he came to Warren, where 
he engaged at farming until his death, June 14, 1884. He was an active Mason, and 
was serving as justice on his second term at his death. He was an active Repub- 
lican. In 1861 he enlisted in the Eighty-seventh Ohio Regiment and served four 
months. In 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-fourth N. Y. Cavaliy, as first 
sergeant, was wounded in the leg before Petersburg, and carried the ball to his 
o-rave. He was sent to Harwood Hospital, Washington, D. C. For a time after 
his recovery he acted as clerk in the quartermaster's department. He received a medal 
of honor voted by Congress, for bravery displayed on the field of battle, and was 
discharged with the regiment at the close of the war. He married January 2, 1873, 
Rebecca Marshall, born in Warren, where she resides, September 9, 1852, a daughter 
of Daniel and Lucy (Green) Marshall. Mr. Marshall was born April 11, 1784, in 
Connecticut, and died February 22, 1862. He came to Warren prior to the war of 
1812, and followed farming all his life. He had three children : Jeremiah, who died 
in childhood ; Webster, who was killed at twenty while coasting, and Rebecca. Mr. 
Marshall was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Subject and wife had four children : 
Darwin B., Florence, Marshall and Floyd. Mrs. Kenyon owns the homestead. She 
received her education in the district school and Richfield select school._ 

Kay, Artemas J., Litchfield, is one of the prominent farmers of Litchfield. He mar- 
ried Julia, daughter of Barnum Ball, who is a .son of Blias B. Ball, one of the leading 
farmers of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Kay have four sons: Francis R., Bertram J., Si- 
mon R. and Unie C. Kay. Artemas J. is a son of John Kay, a native of England, who 
came with his parents when ten years of age, and settled in Frankfort. He married 



194 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Elmira L. Matteson, of this town, and they had five children, two of whom survive : 
Laurence E. and Artemas J. Mrs. Emira L. Kay was a daughter of Stephen A. Matte- 
son, who came with his father, Jesse Matteson, from Rhode Island, and settled early in 
this town. John Kay, died March 28, 1863, aged forty-nine years. 

Klipple, George, Litchfield, operates a saw and grist-mill and conducts a farm. He 
was born in Germany March 19, 1845, came to America in 1855 and to Litchfield in 
1857. He came to his present place on the Gulf road in 1870. He bought the mill of 
William Jones, who had had it since about 1850. It was built here at a very early day by 
David Seals, one of the first settlers of this town. George Klipple married Alice Ring, 
born November 18, 1837, in Germany; she died June 9, 1883, leaving five children: 
Henry, Augustus, David, Frederick and John. For his second wife he married Clara 
Meadel, by whom he had the.se children : Katie, Clara, Elma George, jr., and Gustus. 
George Klipple is a son of George and Susanna Klipple, both deceased. George Klip 
pie, sr., died November 1, 1882, aged seventy-six years and Susanna Klipple died 
August 13, 1881, aged seventy-four years. 

Kenyon, V. S., Fairfield, is a native of Brooklyn, N. Y. When an infant his parents 
moved to Middleville. After filling various positions of trust and responsibility, Mr 
Kenyon was appointed general agent of tickets, freight and express in Middleville. In 
1883 he married Jennie Hancock, and they have one son. His grandfather was born 
in 1800 and his father in 1823, they being both of the same name, T. S. Kenyon, which 
is also the name of Mr. Kenyon's son. 

Krick, John, baggage-master on the New York Central Railroad at Frankfort, is a 
native of Germany and came to America in 1861. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, 
121st N. Y. Regt., and participated in many notable battles, among them the Wilder- 
ness, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and he was wounded and taken prisoner. 
He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and then took his present position, which 
he has held ever since. He is a charter member of Frank Mann Post, and has been 
commander for two years. He married Mary Molk, and they have three sons and four 
daughters, one of the sons and all of the daughters being married. 

Klock, Reuben, Danube, wag born in Danube August 11, 1818. His grandfather, 
George Klock, settled in this county early in the seventeenth century, and his father 
was John B. Klock, who lived to a good old age, reared a family and died in Danube. 
Reuben Klock married Barbara A. Bellinger, and has a family of nine children living, 
four sons and five daughters. Mr. Klock has given his children much land, and still 
owns about 607 acres. His children are as follows: Byron, Irving, Elinor, Emmett, 
Walter, lanthy, Maggie, Mary and Alice. Mr. Klock is a"member of the TIniversalist 
church and is a staunch Democrat. 

Knapp,' Wheeler, Dolgeville, was born in Greenfield, Saratoga county, January 25, 
1835. He was engaged in the lumber business in Stratford for thirty years, after 
which he was for two years in the same line in Lewis county. In 1883 he came to 
Dolgeville, where he established his present saw and planing-mills. He does contract- 
ing, building, etc., and owns the cheese factory, besides dealing in real estate. He 



I 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 195 

married Miss H. E. Crane, by whom he had five children. Some years after her death 
he married Marion E. Bliss, by whom he had three children. Mr. Knapp has served as 
assessor, commissioner of highway.?, in.«pector of election, and served on the board of 
supervisors five terms. Since coming to Dolgeville he has served as inspector of elec- 
tions twice. Mr. Kuapp is a high degree Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Knight Tem- 
plar, etc. 

Kirby, William, Herkimer, was born in the town of Herkimer and received his edu- 
cation in the schools of this vicinity. He has always followed farming. His farm con- 
sists of 200 acres of dairy land, upon which he keeps sixty head of stock, besides his 
own facilities for making cheese. He married Miss Rosalia Hall, of Herkimer, and has 
seven children. His farm is located on the Steuben road, near Herkimer village. Of 
Mr. Kirby's children, George, Richard and John are married, and one daughter. His 
mother, Mrs. Richard Kirby, is still living and makes her home with him. The family 
originally came from England in about 1835. 

Kingsley Brothers, Little Falls. John S. Kingsley was born at Cranberry Creek, 
Fulton county, September 31. 1858. He learned the business of shoe-peg working from 
his father, S. W. Kii i gsley , wha conducted this brauch of industry here for forty years 
prior to the Kingsley Brothers assuming charge about four years ago. John S. Kings- 
ley married Fanny Bloodaugh, and they have one son. E. B. Kingsley was born at 
Cranberry Creek, Fulton county, November 8, 1861, and also learned the business with 
his father, John S. E. B. Kingsley was born at Cranberry Creek, Fulton county, No- 
vember 8, 1861. He also learned the business with his father, and has been associated 
with his brother, John S., for the past four years. He married Carrie Brown, and thev 
have one daughter. The Kingsley Biothers turn out from 100 to 200 bu.shels of shoe 
pegs per day and give employment to thirteen hands. 

f Keller, Amos, Little Falls, was born in the town of Little Falls. He received his 
early education in the schools of the district, and afterwards attended the Little Falls 
Academy, from which institution he was graduated. He taught school for four sea- 
sons, and for the six years following he was engaged in dairy farming. In February, 
1858, he moved to the village of Little Falls and established a mercantile house and en- 
gaged in the sale of groceries and general provisions. This he conducted until 1883, 
when he retired from active business operations. Mr. Keller married Miss M. C. 
Goodell, of Fairfield, by whom he has two children, two daughters, one of whom mar- 
ried Mr. Gage, a prominent merchant of his village, and one is the wife of Glen P. Mun- 
son, of Herkim<»r, a merchant of that village. Mr. Keller has served four terms upon 
the board of trustees of the village and is an extensive real estate owner here. 

Leon, John, Little Falls, was born in the village of Little Falls December 19, 1861. 
He received an academic education, and at an early age entered the employ of Jacob 
Zoller, the well-known produce dealer. Here his services were soon appreciated, and 
he was advanced to more important departments, and soon developed characteristics 
which made his services very valuable to Mr. Zoller. Mr. Leon is now Mr. Zoller's 
right hand man and confidential clerk, and virtually manages the business. Mr. Leon 
married Sarah H. Cornell, and they have four children, three sons and a daughter: 
John, Harry, Irving and Sarah. 



196 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Legg, A. H., Russia, was born in Chenango county February 28, 1841, a son of Adna 
who was a son of Dewitt Legg, a native of MassaoViusetts, and a soldier in the Revo- 
hitionary War. Adna Legg was a native of Mendon, Mass. In 1828 he went to 
Chenango county and there spent the remainder of his life His wife was Catherine 
Vosbourgh, a native of Spraker's Basin Montgomery county, by whom he had three 
sons. He was a mason and cooper by trade. The father of Catherine Legg was Isaac 
Vosbourgh, one of the first settlers of Spraker's Basin. He and wife afterward moved 
to Chenango county where they died. They had eight daughters and two sons. A. 
H. Legg was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. ' September 29, 
1867, he married Josephine M. Brainard, a native of Norway, Herkimer county, by 
whom he had three children : Annie C, Charles D. and Edna. Annie E. is now Mrs. 
Jerome Wilt of Gray. She has one son and two daughters. Mr. Legg manufactured 
cheese for ten years and also followed farming a short time. In 1886 he went to Grant 
and purchased the Garlock House, of which he has since been proprietor. He is a Re- 
publican and has been deputy sheriff of county three years. He was also deputy sheriff 
of Chenango county. He is a member of Newport Lodge 577 I. 0. 0. F. He and wife 
are members of the Equitable Aid Union 327. In 1862, August 4, Mr. Legg enlisted 
in the 114th N. Y. Infantry Co. and served three years. He was at Fort Bisland, 
Franklin, Opelousas and the forty-one days fight at Port Hudson on the Mississippi, 
and his regiment was the first that weni into the works. April 7, 18G4, at Sabine Cross 
Roads Mr. Legg became a prisoner and was taken to Mansfield and held until July 28, 
when he was exchanged. March 7, 1865, he received his discharge. The parents of 
Mrs. Legg were Alanson and Maria Brainard, who had seven children, one of whom 
David L., was one of the six survivors of the Greeley Expedition. He was a native of 
Norway, N. Y., and she a native of Massachusetts. Alanson was a son of Joshua 
Brainard, a native of Connecticut, who was a son of Samuel Brainard, an early settler 
of Norway. ' 

Lyon, Elisha E., Russia, was born July 17, 182G, and is a son of Dr. Benjamin Lyon, 
who early settled in Oppenheim. About 1812 he came to Russia, where he practiced 
his profession and superintended a saw-mill. His wife died in Oppenheim and he 
married, second, Rosina, daughter of Elisha Hall, a native of Connecticut, and a Revo- 
lutionary soldier. He came to Russia and settled on ihe farm the subject now owns. 
He and two sons, Elisha and John, owned 500 acres of land. He had two sons and 
three daughters. The sons always resided with their parents. One daughter at present 
resides at Russia Corners. Dr. Lyon and wife had two sons and two daughters. He 
was a Whig and died in 1826, and his wife died in 1866. Elislia E. was reared on a 
farm and received a common school education. In 1857 he married Helen, daughter 
of Nicholas A. and Nancy Hills, farmers of Herkimer, N. Y., and later of Connecticut. 
Subject and wife have has four children : John, Emma, Cain and Bert, all of whom are 
living. Mr. Lyon has always been a farmer and now owns 900 acres of land. He is a 
Republican, a member of the Sons of Temperance, of Russia Grange 680. He and wife 
are members of the Regular Baptist Church of Russia. 

Livingston, J. C, Little Falls, a leading lumber dealer of Herkimer county, is a native 
of Columbia county, N. Y. He was formerly located in New York city, but eight 



FAMILY SKETCHES. I97 

years ago came to Little Falls to reside, and built a mill at Stratford back in the timber 
region of the county. Here he gives employment to a force of men ranging from forty 
to one hundred in number according to the season. He comes of an old and honorable 
American family, some of his ancestors participating in the Revolutionary War, while 
Senator John Livingston, embassador to France under President Taylor, was his grand- 
uncle. His ancestors had a large grant of land on the Hudson and one of them was a 
signer of the Declaration of Independence. He lives on Garden street in the old resi- 
dence of Judge Benton. 

Lally, Patrick, Little Falls, was born in Ireland March 10, 1837. He came to this 
country in May, 1855, and located at the Brockett's Bridge, now Dolgeville. After 
remaining here three years, Mr. Lally made a few changes and eventually located in 
Salisbury upon 280 acres of dairy land which he purchased. This farm he kept for five 
years, then sold. He continued to engage in farming in Salisbury and Manheim for 
several years. About four years ago he moved into Little Falls. In February, 1892, 
he was elected commissioner of highways upon the Democrat ticket. Mr. Lally married 
Mary Lally, and they have five children, as follows; John, James, Edward, Daniel and 
William. 

Ludden, Rev. A. P., Little Falls, was born in Ireland May 16, 1842, and studied at 
Castle Bar and St. Jarlath's College. In 1868 he was ordained priest for foreign 
missions, and was adopted by Cardinal McCloskey. His first church work was acting 
as assistant pastor in Little Falls for seven months. He then took charge of Mohawk, 
Herkimer, Ilion and Frankfort for a time, when he was sent to Hamilton where he re- 
mained eleven years and three months and built two churches and a parochial school 
and a fine cemetery. He came to Little Falls twelve years ago and has accomplished 
wonders for the Catholic cause there. He has paid off a debt of $51,000 with interest 
of $15,000 and has built a school costing $15,000 and a deanery that will cost $18,000 
when completed. 

Leahy, Dan M., Little Falls, is a native of Manheim, and is a moulder by trade, but 
has not followed this occupation for several years. He worked at it for ten years. He 
went into the saloon business and is still interested in the business conducted by his 
brother, John Leahy. He also is interested in real estate and has been for the past ten 
years. He has been prominently connected with the Hancock street property in Little 
Falls. Mr. Leahy was appointed port warden by Governor Flower July 20, 1892. 
He is a prominent and active Democrat in this county and is a charter member of the 
Elks, the Erena Chemical Co., etc. 

Long.shore, Miles, M. D., Russia, born in Depeyster, St. Lawrence county, N. T., 
September 3, 1847. He is a son of David Longshore, a native of Canajoharie, Mont- 
gomery county, N. Y. His father was Solomon Longshore, who came from Germany 
and settled in Buckland county, Pa., and later in life moved to Canajoharie, Mont- 
gomery county, N. Y., where he lived and died. He was a blacksmith by trade. In 
1823 he married Margaret House, a native of Canajoharie, N. Y. She was born June 6, 
1804, and bore him seven sons and five daughters. In later life Mr. Longshore became 



198 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

a farmer, and in 1837 he went to Depeyster, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and settled 
on a farm, where he lived until 1864, when he went to Canton, of the same county, 
where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a justice of the peace, and super- 
visor of the town. He was a Free Mason and one of the oldest in St. Lawrence county. 
He died June 2.5, 1886, and his wife February 22, 1892. Dr. Longshore was reared on 
a farm, was educated in the common schools, and in Canton Academy, from which he 
graduated. He afterwards spent one year in St. Lawrence University. He studied 
medicine in the Albany Medical College, and afterwards in the Burlington University, 
from which he graduated in 1879. The same year he came to Cold Brook, where he 
has eince been very successful in the practice of his profession. June 24, 1879, he 
married Mary B. Lovell, a native of Canton, N. Y. Her parents were Joseph and 
Samantha Lovell, natives of Utica. The father of Joseph Lovell was Horatio Lovell, a 
very early settler of Canton, N. Y. His wife was Fannie Makensie, by whom he had 
five children. The doctor and wife have one daughter, Florence, born March 31, 1880. 

Luther, Ira, Norway, was born in Norway, October 5, 1858. His father is Almond 
Luther, son of Simeon Luther. The latter was a native of Salisbury, and there lived 
and died. Almond Luther is a native of Salisbury, born in 1815. His wife was 
Catharine Tompkins, of Norway, and to them were born four sons and four daughters, 
six of whom are living. Mr. Luther is a farmer, and has spent most of his life in Nor- 
way. He attends and supports the M. E. Church. The subject was reared on a farm, 
and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and a Democrat. 

Lansing, Edward Ten Eyck, Little Falls, was born in Manheim. He received h's 
rudimentary education at the Little Falls Academy, and graduated from Union College 
with the degree of B. A. in 1881. He took a scientific course, and has followed civil 
engineering and surveying since his graduation. He has been engaged upon very im- 
portant work, such as the Mohawk & Richfield Springs Railroad, Little Falls & Dolge- 
ville Railroad, and many others. He is municipal engineer here also. Mr. Lansing is 
justice of the peace, having been elected to the office in 1882. He is identified with 
various local social and benevolent institutions. He is a member of the New England 
Water Works Association and Sigma Phi. 

Loomis, B. G., German Flats, is a native of Paine's Hollow, and clerked for some 
years before embarking in his present grocery enterprise in 1890. He is a young man, 
belongs to the Mason.s, Knights of Birmingham, and the A. 0. U. W. He is also 
treasurer of the village of Ilion. His father, Chester Loomis, is a farmer. 

Lotridge, Marlet, Little Falls is one of the substantial young farmers of Little Falls. 
His father was William L. Lotridge, and was a succes.sful and wealthy man. He died 
July 2, 1892. They own 212 acres of land, used for dairy purposes. His sister is Mrs. 
H. M. P. Uhlee, of Herkimer. His mother died in 18G2. The family is an old and 
historic one, his grandfather on his mother's side having participated in the Revolution 
and his father's father having been a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Lotridge is an 
adherent of the Universalist Church, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a Demo- 
crat. He has also been commissioner of highways. 



I 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 199 

Leary, Patrick, Little Falls, was born in Ireland in 1853. He came to this country 
when a youth, and six years ago, in February, established a liquor business in Little 
Falls, which has been a financial success. He married Mary Marion, and they have two 
children living. Mr. Leary is identified with the Hibernians, etc. 

Lints, W. E., Schuyler, is one of the young, enterprising and successful farmers in 
Schuyler. He was born January 11, 1861. His father, William H. Lints, was born in 
Schuyler, December 25, 1832. Mr. Lints owns 138 acres of land, used for dairying, 
raising also grass and grain. In 1863 Mi-. Lints married Dora Robbins, and they have 
one daughter, Gertie May Lints. Mr. Lints's grandfather was Peter Lints, one of the 
early settlers of this section. 

Lints, Simon, Schuyler, was born in Schuyler, April 19, 1832. He conducts a 
butter and dairy farm. His father was Jacob Lints, and his grandfather Peter Lints, 
who took part in the Revolutionary war. The family is descended from the old 
Mohawk Dutch. June 20, 1855, he married Mary Youngs. Mr. Lints is a Democrat, 
and a representative of one of the oldest and most honorable names in the county. 

Ladd, J. B., was born on the farm where he now resides in Schuyler, August 13, 
1821. He owns 150 acres of fine farm land. In 1846 he married Hariiet Richardson, 
and they have four sons and two daughters. Two of his sons are teachers, one in Iowa 
and one in Schuyler. One of his daughters, Mrs. Emma Buchannan, is also a teacher. 
Mr. Ladd has been school superintendent, town clerk, and was also supervisor of the 
town for the years 1858, 1871-2. His father was Elisha Ladd, who came from Rhode 
Island. 

Leach, Adelbert Aaron, Winfield, was born on the old homestead, on part of which he 
now lives, May 10, 1849. He has a grain and dairy farm of about 135 acres, which is 
one of the representative farms of the town. He was the third son of Jacob Leach, 
who was born on the same farm and in the same house, and he was a son of D. Jacob 
Leach, who came from Massachusetts and settled very early. Aaron Adelbert Leach 
married Ellen H. Brace September 28, 1875, and they have two children : Seward A. 
and Lena A., both living at home and attending the West Winfield Union School and 
Academy. Mrs. Ellen H. Leach is a daughter of Deacon Henry L. and Pamelia 
(Holmes) Brace. Her father was a son of Captain Asahel Brace, who was a son of 
Deacon Abel Brace, who came here in 1793. 

Lathrop, Charles M., Stark, was born in Plainfield, N. Y., December 22, 1840, a 
son of Anderson and Marinda (Keller) Lathrop. The grandfather, Ariel, was a son of 
Jedediah, who was a pioneer of Stark and settled on the farm where Charles M. resides. 
He had two children, Arial and Dyer. Arial came to Stark with his father, and resided 
on the farm until his death. He raised six children : James, Daniel, Addison, Maheta- 
ble, Almira and Mariah. Addison was born in Stark and died in 1883, aged seventy- 
two ; his widow survives him aged eighty. They had two children: Charles M. and 
Stanton D., deceased. Charles M. received a good education and resides at home with 
his parents. He married, January 31, 1862, Valence Potter, born in Herkimer county, 
daughter of Brastus and Jane Potter. They have three children : Anderson B., Hattie 



20() HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

E. and Mabel A. His wife is a TJniversalist. Mr. Lathrop is an active Democrat, and 
his mother is the cousin of the wife of Senator Stanford of Cahfornia. 

Moray, George C, M. D., Russia, was born in Eaton, Madison county, July 18, 
1843. His father was Dexter A., a son of George Morey, a native of Connecticut and 
of Scotch descent, who married Electa Morey, by whom he had nine children. Mr. 
Morey and family came to Madison county and here he and his wife lived and died. 
Dexter A. was born May 7, 1818. He married Annie Meyer, a native of Steuben, 
Oneida county, by whom he had a son and a daughter. In 1846 Mr. Morey went to 
Steuben and there lived and died. He was a Whig and voted for William Henry 
Harrison and a'so for his grandson, Benjamin Harrison. He died May i), 1892, 
and his wife is still living in Oneida county. George C. was reared on a farm 
and received a common school education, supplemented by several terms in an 
academy at Rome, N. Y. At the age of eighteen he began studying medicine 
with Dr. Alfred Gillette of Steuben. One year previous he taught school and fol- 
lowed that during winter for several years. August, 1862, he enlisted in Company 
B, One Hundred and Seventeenth New York Volunteer Infantry and was discharged 
in 1863. He then returned to the study of medicine, graduating from Vermont 
Medical College in 1865. He began practice in Grant and has since been very 
successful. In 1885 he married Lelia Vincent, a native of Cold Brook, a daughter 
of William and Jane Vincent. By a previous marriage Dr. Morey had two sons 
and one daughter. He is a Republican, a member of E. A. U., No. 327, of Grant, 
and G. A. R. Post Thomas, No. 39. 

Mullen, Joseph, Little Falls, was born in Utica, N. Y. He commenced business in 
Little Falls, on Bridge street, in the old Iron Clad Clothing Store, in August, 1868. In 
1883 he opened a store on Main street and built the Metropolitan Hotel and stores. 
In 1888 he built the Metropolitan Hotel in Utica, and since then has had branch stores 
in Albany, Troy, Syracuse, Watertown and all the principal cities of the State, having 
as high as eighteen stores running at a time. Mr. Mullen has al.so large interests in 
Jersey City, and New York. He is emphatically a self-made man, the architect of his 
own fortune and a man of great perception and executive abilities!. 

Moon, Clinton Abner, Newport, was born in the town of Russia, November 8, 1827, 
the oldest son of Abner and Emily (Millington; Moon, the latter a native of Russia, 
and a daughter of Jonathan and Susannah Millingtoii, who were members and active 
workers in the Methodist church. Our subject attended school and prepared for col- 
lege at Fairfield. He graduated from Union College at Schenectady, class of 1853. 
He then taught several terms and studied law in Newport with John A. Wooster. He 
married Frances M., daughter of Christopher Hawkins. Their two children are Jessie, 
wife of Frederick Holton, and Annie. Mrs. Moon died May 28, 1800, and he married 
second Harriet F. Gray of Rome, N. Y., a daughter of Col. Timothy Harvey Ferris 
and Eliza (Salisbury) Ferri.s, who were residents of Prospect, Oneida county, N. Y. 
Mr. Moon died May 11, 1892. He was a Universalist, and a Republican in politics. 
During the late war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment, Com- 
pany C, and was captain of his company, but received an honorable discharge on ac- 



I 



t"AMILY SKETCHES. 20l 

count of poor health. He held numerous offices in his town, including that of district 
attorney and supervisor. 

Moon, Erastus. Russia, is a native of Russia, born Fehrunry 14, 1835, a son of Jeffer- 
son and Martha Moon, mention' d elsewhere in this work. He was reared in Cold 
Brook, and educated in the public schools. In 1861 he married Catharine Hilton, a 
native of Ephratah, N. Y., and a daughter of Joseph and Betsey (Allen) Hilton, of 
Luzerne, N. Y., where Mr. Hilton was born. Mrs. Hilton was born in Rochester, N. 
Y. Mr. Hilton was an early settler of Fulton county, where he lived for many years. 
They had two sons and eleven daughters. Mrs. Hilton died in Ephratah, and for the 
last thirty years Mr. Hilton has resided with his daughter at Cold Brook. Two sons 
have been born to Mr. Moon and wife, William J. and Samuel E. , who during the last 
three years have been engaged in the grocery business at Cold Brook, the firm being 
known as Moon Bros. Mr. Moon has always been a Republican. 

Mark, Morris, Herkimer, was born in Germany and came to this country before the 
late war. After clerking for about a year in New York city he joined the French 
Regiment as private, which was organized in the city then and was sent immediately 
to the seat of war. This regiment was cut to pieces and the few survivors were trans-- 
ferred to the United States Regular Army, Light Battery Division (or Flying Artillery). 
During his service here he participated in forty-two actual battles. After the war he 
went to Amsterdam, N. Y. He engaged in mercantile pursuits and estabhshed a small 
hoop-skirt factory. In 1872 he moved to Herkimer on account of water power and in 
connection with the hoop-.«kirt factory started a small knitting mill. Business has 
grown to large proportions and now employs 327 hands and supplies the whole.sale 
trade through jobbers. The business is now a jomt stock concern, of which Mr. 
Marks is president. He married Miss Annie Sannet of Saratoga and has four children. 

Mabbett, John J., Herkimer, was born in Oneida county, September 8, 1838, He 
was educated in the schools of this vicinitv and Winfield Academy. After this he 
went to New York city and established a commission business on Forty-fourth street 
and Eighth avenue. After conducting this for nine years he moved to Mohawk, N. 
Y., and purchased the Mohawk House, which he conducted for twenty-th>-ee years. 
In 1884 he purchased the brick yards of Edward Hale, which he still conducts, giving 
employment to twenty men and several teams. Mr. Mabbett's ancestry located at 
Mabbettsville, Dutchess county, early in the seventeenth century, which locality re- 
ceived its name from his grandfather, who was chief justice of the Supreme Court of 
New York State. Mr. Mabbett's father was a prominent merchant of this county. 
J. J. Mabbett married Miss Elizabeth McChesney, by whom he has five children liv- 
ing, three boys and two girls. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, etc., and 
a staunch Republican in politics. 

McDougal, Richard, Dolgeville, was born in Montgomery county, now Fulton county, 
July 3, 1829. He was brought up on a farm and worked thereon until in his eight- 
eenth year, when he was apprenticed to the cabinet trade. After completing this 
trade and working at it for a few years, he commenced to do stove pattern-making, at 



202 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTlf. 

which he remained successfully for twenty-five years. About two years ago he 
started his present furniture and undertaking establishment in Dolgevil'e. Mr. Mc- 
Dougal is of Scotch descent, his great-grandfather settled in Fulton county early in 
the seventeenth century. His father also lived and died here, and. is buried in Strat- 
ford. His ancestors participated in the war of 1812. Mr. McDougal is identified with 
local social and benevolent institutions. 

Maeyer, Father I. H. W., Salisbury, is a native of Holland. He was educated in 
that country under the Jesuit Fathers, in Latin, Greek, and French. After spending 
seven years with the.se branches, he studied philosophy three years and theology six 
years. He then came to America and was ordained in 1853 by Bishop McCIoskey, at 
Albany, N. Y. He was stationed at St. Mary's, Troy, N. Y., for two years, after 
which he was at TJtica four years. Then under Bishop McFarland at Catskill for some 
time. Father Maeyer's health becoming much impaired, he returned to Holland, where 
he remained until 1870. He then returned to this country, and has been stationed at 
Salisbury Corners since that period. 

McWenie, William, Little Falls, was born in Whitesboro, Oneida county, in 1857. 
He received a good education in the schools of this place and about five years ago 
look charge of the Beattie House at Little Falls, which he has since conducted with 
success. Mr. McWenie married Emma Fenner, and has three children, two sons and 
a daughter. He is a member of the K. of H., Red Men, etc. He is identified with 
the local social, political and benevolent organizations of the town. In politics he is 
a Democrat. 

McLean, Simpson, Salisbury, was born in Ireland, March 1, 1845. His father, John 
C. McLean, came to this country when Simpson was a child. They settled first in 
Philadelphia, where the elder McLean followed the occupation of weaving. After 
three years they moved into Fairfield and took up land. Our subject was educated in 
the schools of the vicinity, and afterwards traveled for fifteen years for a well-known 
patent medicine house. About ten years ago he started a general store in Devereaux, 
which he has since successfully conducted. In 1861 Mr. McLean enlisted in the 
Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteers and served three years, participating in nineteen bat- 
tles. He was discharged at Atlanta, Ga. He was severely wounded three times. 
Mr. McLean married EHzabeth Smith, by whom he had one son, Nathan, now an 
engineer. Some time after his first wife's death our subject married Fanny Case, 
and they have had three children. Mr. McLean is a member of the G. A. R. Post 
at Salisbury Center. He owns the town hall, his store, and meat market, besides 
dwellings and lots in Devereaux. 

Murphy, James A., Newport, was born in Fairfield, May 10, 1857. He is a son of 
Cornelius, who was a .son of Cornelius and Margaret Murphy, natives of Ireland, who 
came to America in 1852. Cornelius, jr., was married in Fairfield, N. Y., to Mary 
Foran, a native of Ireland, by whom he had six children. Mr. Murphy purchased 
the Coe farm in Norway, and there resided twenty-six years Mrs. Murphy died in 
1865, and Mr. Murphy's second wife, Mary Butler, died in 1890. He is a Democrat, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 203 

has been highway commissioner and insnector of elections. He now resides with his 
son, James A. The latter was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. 
He is a farmer by occupation. In 1884 he married Mary Maxwell, a native of New- 
port, who was born September 25, 1867, a daughter of James and Mary Maxwell, na- 
tives of Ireland, who came to America about 1862. Mr. Murphy is a Democrat and 
has held the offices of commissioner of highways and inspector of elections. He and 
wife are Catholics. 

Merry, Seward, German Flats, was born in Mohawk, January 7, 1846, and from 1860 
to 1864 was a clerk in the post-office. He was subsequently American Express asent 
for twenty-three years. He went into the grocery business with his father when 
twenty-eight years of age, a business which he still continues. He was president of 
the Republican Club of Tlion for some time and is a Knight Templar in the Masonic 
order. In 1872 he married Miss Mary C. Myers, and they have three children, Flora 
R., Margaret L., and Lawrence L. 

Morey, L. A., Newport, was born in Fairfield, N. Y., November 14, 1845, a son of 
William B., who was one of twelve children of David and Annie (Parkhurst) Morey. 
natives respectively of Stephentown and Fairfield, N. Y. In 1793 Mr. Morey settled 
on a farm in Fairfield, and became an extensive land-owner. He died in 1860. 
William E. Morey was born in Fairfield, N. Y., May 4, 1817. He married Eliza, 
daughter of Low Carpenter, of Norway. The children of William E. Morey are: L. A., 
and Emogene F. The latter married C. G-. Verney, who resides in Norway. In 1852 
Mr. Morey purchased the farm where his son now resides, and here spent the remainder 
of his days. He was a Republican, and was assessor and excise commissioner. He 
was a member of Newport Lodge No. 455, F. & A. M., and died January 20, 1892, 
His wife resides with her daughter. L. A. Morey was educated in the Fairfield Semin- 
ary, and in Eastman's Business College, graduating from the latter in 1867. In 1868 
he married Maria H., daughter of Henry D. and Clarissa A. Parkhurst, the former of 
Fairfield, and the latter of Norway. Mrs. Morey was born March 21, 1849, a native 
of Fairfield. Their children are: Fannie B., Will H., Anna B., and Clara E. Mr. 
Morey is a Republican, and a member of Newport Lodge No. 455, F. & A. M. 

Morey, Milo, Newport, was born in Fairfield, N. Y., August 7, 1847, a son of David 
H., who was a son of David Morey. David H. Morey was born in Fairfield, October 
27 1812, and on September 8, 1813, he married Elsie Buchanan, born October 10, 
1813, a native of Little Falls. She is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Churchill) 
Buchanan, who reared eleven children. Thomas Buchanan was a native of Little 
Britain, N. Y., and when six years of age came to Little Falls with his parents. The 
children of Mr. and Mrs. Morey are. Newel, Mary, Ui\o, and Annie Mr. Morey was 
a farmer. In 1859 he came to Newport, but died the same year on December 10th. 
He was a Whig, afterwards a Republican, and held minor offices in the town. Milo 
Morey was educated in the common schools, in Fairfield Academy, and in the Clinton 
Liberal Institute. He is a farmer, and for the past thirty years has resided on the farm 
which he now owns. On the 21st of May, 1873, he married Kittie Averill, a native of 
Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, born March 28, 1856. She is a daughter of Theodore 



204 HISTORY OF HERKIMER CODNTT. 

and Catherine Davis. Mr. and Mr.^. Milo Morey have had two children, Grove and 
Belle. He is a Republican, and has been assessor five years, and a member of the 
school board eleven years. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, of Newport, 
No. 596. 

Mang, Geo. L., Dolgeville, was born in Herkimer, January 22, 18Gr>. He received 
a good education in the schools of Dolgeville and Salisbury, and on October C, 1886, 
established his present grocery and drug establishment. Geo. L. Mang is one of a 
family of twelve children. His father is a man of sterling worth, and one of his 
brothers is engaged in business next door to Geo. L.'s establishment. His wife was 
Bertha Delamater, a daughter of Jerome Delamater. Mr. Mang is a member of the 
Masonic brotherhood, R. A., etc. 

Morey, Newell, Newport, was born in Fairfield, October 5, 1836, a son of David H. 
and Elsie A. (Buchanan) Morey. David was a son of David and Mary (Parkhurst) 
Morey, who came originally from Rhode Island. David H. was born in Fairfield, and 
his wife's father was a soldier in the war of 1812. The family are of the Universalist 
faith. The subject of this sketch started in at farming and cattle raising at the age of 
twenty-one years, which business he has followed since. He built the first chee.ie 
factory in the town, called the Babcock Factory. He is also interested in the firm of 
Morey & Kimball (meat market and merchandise). He was elected sheriff of Herkimer 
county from January I, 1889, to January 1, 1892, and during that time resided in 
Herkimer. He owns a farm of 280 acres. He married, March 11, 1857, Mary H., 
daughter of George K. and Delia (KnifTen) Hawkins, of the town of Newport. 

More, Miles, Russia, was born in Russia, August 8, 1839, a son of Orson and Thirza 
More. He was educated in the common schools, supplemented by several terms in the 
Fairfield and Fulton Academies. He married, in 1864, Sarah Beecher, a native of 
Russia, and the only daughter of Isaac Beecher. Mr. Beecher was born in Russia, in 
1810, a son of Almond and Elizabeth Beecher, who were among the first settlers of the 
town. Thev came from Connecticut about 1805, and had three sons and one daughter. 
Mr. Beecher ivas a Whig, and for many years he was overseer of the poor. February 
22, 1835, he married Orlina, daughter of Elislia Smith, of Russia. She died October 12, 
1878, and Mr. Beecher is still living on the old homestead. For some time Mr. More 
studied music in Rome, N. T., under Prof. A. N. Johnson, of Boston, and for sixteen 
years he taught music in Herkimer county. He afterwards engaged in farming and 
in the manufacture of cheese, and for a number of years has bought and sold cheese. 
He is a Republican, and he and family are members of the Regular Baptist Church- of 
Russia. 

Moyer, Peter, Stark, was born where he now resides, in Stark, September 4, 1816, 
a son of Jacob S. and Elizabeth (Moyer) Moyer. The grandfather, Solomon Moyer, 
settled in Minden, Montgomery county, prior to the Revolution, where he died during 
that war. He had four children: Andrew, Solomon S, Jacob S., and Nancy, all of 
whom raised families, and lived to old age. Jacob S. was born December 18, 1781. in 
Minden, Montgomery county, and served in the war of 1812. He was also at Sackett's 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 205 

Harbor. He served in various town offices as a Democrat. He was a leading Mason. 
He married in 1805, and immediately afterwards settled on 170 acres in the town of 
Stark. He died June 30, 1871, aged eighty-eight years ; and his wife, (born December 
23, 1782), June 30, 1861, aged seventy-seven. They had ten children, raising eight : 
Nancy. Katie, David I., So'omon W. (a twin), Betsy, Peter, Ann Eliza, and Lucinda. 
Peter Moy*r received a common school education, and at the age of twenty-eight 
leased the homestead, which he worked until his father's death. He bought the home- 
stead and paid off the heirs. He has since boue-ht three other farms, two in Stark and 
one in Little Falls, conjprising 368 acres. He has served two terms as supervisor on 
the Democratic ticket, is a Granger, and a member of the Universalist Church. 

Morse, Alex L., Dolgeville, was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., October 12, 1832. 
After receiving a good education he learned the trade of saddlery and harness making 
before his twentieth year, after which he worked as a furrier for a number of years, 
finally establishing an enterprise in Boston, which he conducted for fifteen years, and 
where he married Miss Ruth McClean. In the spring of 1865 he went to the oil 
country ar.d established himself in his line, but eventually branched out into the oil 
business, in which he was signally successful, amassing a fortune of over $65,000, but 
which, unfortunately, through misfortune in the business, he lost. After again suc- 
ceeding in a limited degree through contracting, he again dropped his savings in oil, 
and four years ago came to Dolgeville and inaugurated a business in his old line of 
harness and horse supplies. Mr. Morse has two children, both girls. 

Mang. Frank S.. Dolgeville, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y , August 4, 1863. 
He started to learn the butcher and meat business when seventeen years of age, and 
when twenty-two years of age, started for himself in this business, and now has the 
finest establishment engaged in this business in Dolgeville. Mr. Mang enjoys a large 
and lucrative trade, and is a popular and upright citizen. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, and of other associations. 

Mnrphy, James B., Salisbury Corners, was born in Salisbury in 1865, July 27. His 
father, Patrick Murphy, is engaged in agricultural pursuits in this township, owning a 
fine farm here. James B. is one of eight children. He married Miss Mary Starrs, and 
they have no children. In July, 1890, he purchased the hotel at Salisbury Corners, 
which he has since most successfully conducted. 

Minott, W. v., Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, where he lived until recently, and 
where he still owns his farm. He was born November 25, 1845. His father was 
Thomas Minott, and his grandfather, A. Wood Minott, was one of the early settlers of 
this locality, coming from New England. In 1865 Mr. Minott married Sarah M. 
Lewis, and they have two daughters. November 26, 1863, Mr. Minott enlisted in 
Company L, Second N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served to the close of the war, par- 
ticipating in many battles, and being wounded at Petersburg. He was supervisor of 
Schuyler in 1884 and 1885, and has filled many other important offices. 

McGraw, H., Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler, and was born March 13, 1843. He 
has been a farmer all his life. His father, Hiram McGraw, was also a native of this 



206 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

town. Mr. McGraw owns fifty-nine acres of land and follows general farming. In 
1864 he married Evaline Durst. He is a Democrat in politics, and has lived twenty- 
seven years on this farm. 

Montgomery, E. D., was born in Winfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., and received a 
good education in the ,=!chools of that vicinity. In 1890 he took charge of the Park 
house, between Mohawk and Herkimer, where he does a regular hotel traffic. He is 
a pushing and thorough hotel proprietor and is very popular with the travelins; public 
and his house is largely patronized by a large class of the residents of Mohawk and 
Herkimer, as well as by the general public. 

Mann, Daniel, Winfield, has a custom grist-mill and also a saw-mill. He was born 
in Frey's Bush, Monteomery county, and has worked in a gristmill since seventeen 
years of age. He came to West Winfield in 1878, and worked in the grist-mill there, 
went to Milliner's mills in October, 1885. He came to Chepachet in April, 1891, and 
bought these mills, which he now operates. He enlisted in the late war. Company M., 
Second N. Y. Heavy Artillery, under Captain Halstead, but was under Captain Hulser. 
He enlisted December 26, 1861, at Utica. He was in all engagements of his company 
until the battle of Cold Harbor, when he was taken sick. His last battle was the 
charge of Hatcher's Run, December 9, 1864, and he was discharged December 29, 
1864. Mr. Mann has never married. 

Metzger, Jacob H., Litchfield, was born in Winfield, January 23, 1860, and settled 
in this town February 6, 1867. He is one of the best farmers of Litchfield. He mar- 
ried Clara Fix, who died April 12, 1891. She was a daughter of Frederick W. and 
Rate Fix, of Syracuse. Jacob H. Metzger is a son of David and Charlotte Metzger, 
who have four children: Jacob H., Susan C, Mate and David G. jr., also a half 
brother, Leonard Kimm. The father, David Metzger, is a native of Wurtemberg, 
Germany, who came to this country about 1857. 

Mathews, Chauncey, Litchfield, was born here January 12, 1837. He resigned the 
office of loan commissioner to accept that of supervisor of Litchfield, which he held for 
six years. He served as chairman of the hoard of supervisors during his firs* term. 
While acting as supervisor he was nominated for member of Assembly for the Herki- 
mer district and was defeated by Myron A. McKee. He was a son of Samuel Mathews, 
born in this town October 31, 1802. He died on the same farm where he was born 
which was settled by his father, Samuel, a native of North Brookfield, Mass., who 
settled about 1795 in Cedarville. 

Moors, Joseph, Winfield, was born October 13, 1761, and was the first justice of the 
peace in West Winfield. His father was a soldier in the French War and was at the 
capture of Louisburg. He was a captain of militia in the Revolution. The news of 
the Declaration of Independence was received at Fort Washington while Captain Moors 
was there. Isaac L. Moors was born in Winfield, Herkimer county, October 22, 1805, 
a son of Joseph, who settled in Winfield about 1800, one of the first settlers of that 
town. Isaac L. married in 1830 Mary Simms, and they have two children living. Dr. 
Alfred A. and Mrs. M. Delaue Walker, widow of Dwight Walker. He lost one daugh- 



Family sketches. 20? 

ter, Ruth, born September 1, 1830, wife of Charles J. Hester, of Memphis, Tenn., who 
died March 29, 1853. 

Morgan, Charles E., Winfield, son of Sewell, was born in West Winfield May 27, 
1854, and was educated at West Winfield Academy. He married May 5, 1880, Julia 
E., daughter of Dr. Nathan and Sophronia Spencer, and they have three children : Clara 
E., George A. and Mary Adelle. They lost one son, Herbert S.. who died March 13, 
1892, aged nine years. Mr. Morgan has been in the omnibus freight and express busi- 
ness for the last ten years. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and has been high- 
way commi.ssioner of this town for five years. Sewell S. Morgan, who was an attor- 
ney, died January 19, 1885, aged fifty-seven. He was born in Litchfield December 12, 
1827, and moved with his parents to Winfield, at the age of two years. He received 
his education at the common and select schools of West Winfield. His mother died 
when he was eight years old, and he then commenced life for himself. He began 
teaching school at the old Hemlock School House at North Winfield when fourteen 
years old. At the age of twelve he began reading law, borrowing books from 
Hamilton Burdick. He commenced the practice of law in the justice's court at fifteen 
years of age and at eighteen in the county court before Judge Ezra Graves He was 
admitted to the bar of this State at the age of twenty-one and in the United States 
Court at twenty-eight. Mr. Morgan married Julia A., daughter of Anson P. Fair- 
child, one of the first settlers of this town. Mr. Morgan had five children, three of 
whom survive : Mina M. Palmer, Charles E. Morgan and Lina E.Jones. Two have 
died: George A. and Fred J., both attorneys at law. Mr. Morgan was a radical tem- 
perance man, and during 1878 he spoke 117 times for the cause. He was postmaster 
of West Wmfleld eight years, supervisor seven years and district attorney three years. 
He was president of the board of education of West Winfield for many years, and was 
a prominent Mason and member of Winfield Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 581, in which he 
was past master. 

Mason, Amos T., Warren, was born in Warren May 27, 1870, a son of Joseph W. and 
Harriet (Tiadale) Mason. Amos T. received a district and academic education at Ilion 
and ilohawk. He married May 21, 1889, Florence E., daughter of William and Lydia 
(McDonald) Hardy, and they had two children, Maria L. and Josie. Mr. Mason is a 
Democrat in politics. He lived a year in Richfield Springs, running a livery, and was 
also a dealer in stock. After farming for a year in Mohawk he located where he now 
resides in the spring of 1891. His farm is composed of 130 acres, and he also owns one 
of eighty-six acres. 

McCredy, David W., Warren, was born where he resides April 14, 1823. son of David 
and Welthy (Merry) MoCredy. The grandfather was a son of Robert, who came from 
Scotland to America prior to the Revolution on the Hudson, where he died. Subject's 
grandfather was born in Scotland, and died December 18, 1842, aged seventy-seven, 
and was twice married. His first wife bore him one son ; his second wife, Mariani Earl, 
bore him one son and ten girl.s. Subject's father was born in Warren January 20, 1799, 
and died January 30, 1890. He served as deputy sherifif, lived in Stark six years, wlien 
he returned in 1843. He owned 150 acres, his father's homestead. He was a Demo- 



268 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

crat. His wife died in June, 1881. Subject and wife had these children: David W., 
Mary V., Thurlow W., Charles W. and George S. Subject was born where he lives, 
and has resided here all his life, except twelve years. He received a limited education, 
and lived and cared for his parents on the old homestead. 

Newth, Walter S., Litchfi'»ld, owns a grain, dairy and fruit farm of 100 acres, and is 
one of the representative farmers of the town. lie was born on his present farm June 
13, 1848, and married Clara P., daughter of Roderick H. Smith, a native of Frankfort, 
and a son of Asel Smith, who came from Connecticut. Walter S. is a son of John 
Newth, a native of England, who settled on this farm irL.1837. lie died September 8, 
1881. Walter S. and Clara P. Newth have one son, Fred H., who Uvea at home. 

Neely, Reuben, Fairfield, is one of the oldest residents of Fairfield. He was born 
December 22, 1825, and has lived in this county ever since. He owns 107 acres of 
land and a herd of thirty cows. His father settled in this place on a farm, which is now 
the present homestead. Captain Abram Neely of Revolutionary fame was an ancestor 
of his. In 1864 Mr. Neely married Mary R. E. Thompson, and they have two daugh- 
ters, both married. Mr. Neely is a Mason and liberal in politics, and has been com- 
missioner of highways and assessor. He is also a member of the Episcopal church. 

Nellis, James K., Ohio, was born in Yonker's Bush, Oppenheim, Fulton county, N. 
Y., May 29, 1848. His father was Christopher Nellis, a native of Palatine township, 
Montgomery county, N. Y., born 1807. He was reared as a tanner, which was his 
principal occupation in life. He married Margaret Myres, a native of Stone Arabia, N. 
Y., a daughter of John Mj'res, a native of Holland, who, with his parents in an early 
day, came to America and settled in Montgomery county, N. Y. The mother of John 
Myres was Elizabeth Myres, who lived to the -remarkable age of ninety-three years. 
Her husband was in the Revolutionary War. Christopher Nellis and wife had thirteen 
children. He was a Democrat and justice of the peace a number of years. He moved 
to Salisbury, Herkimer county, in 1852. He died in 18G3, His wife is now livmg at 
the age of eighty-six years in Little Falls. The subject of this sketch was educated in 
the common schools and early in life was a teamster for his father and afterwards 
worked in the tannery for Story & La Due, of Salisbury Center, N. Y. For three years 
he traveled and was a rider of running horses. In 1869 he married Sarah A. Moon, a 
daughter of Dr. Moon, of Dolgeville, N. Y. Mr. Nellis and wife have four children : 
James P., John E., Maria and Mattie E. In 1882 Mr. Nellis came to Ohio, where he 
has since been successful in the mercantile business. He carries boots and shoes, dry 
good.s, groceries and drugs. He is a Democrat and has been constable in Ohio three 
years, and was postmaster under Cleveland four years. Mr. Nellis attends and supports 
the M. E. church. 

Odit, Augustus, Russia, was born in Switzerland, March 29, 1846, a son of Augustus, 
who was a son of Franklin Odit, a native of Switzerland, who had two sons and four 
daughters. He died in Switzerland. Augustus Odit was born in Switzerland in 1812. 
He married Josephine, a daughter of Nicholas and Marj' I. Floray, of Switzerland, and 
they had two sons and three daughters. In 1854 Mr. Floray and wife and Mr. Odit 



1 



FAMILY SKETCHES. ' 209 

and family came to America. Mr. Floray died in 1871 and his wife in 1889. Augus- 
tus Odit was eight years old when he came with his parents to the United States. 
He has always followed lumbering. In 1877 he married Nellie B. Bullock, a native 
of Norway, born 1854, and a daughter of Ira Bullock, born in 1813, who had seven 
children. During the last six years Mr. Odit has been engaged in the general mer- 
cantile business at Northwood, N. Y. He is a Democrat and has been postmaster for 
the last six years. 

Owen, B. J., Frankfort, one of three children of Hugh and Winnie (Charles) Owen 
of Frankfort, was born in Newport October 16, 1868. Hugh, the father, was born in 
Wales. He came to this country in early life and settled in Frankfort about 1874. He 
was a butcher and shipper of cattle for several years, when he bought the fine farm 
where his family now lives and developed it into a fine dairy farm. He died July 27, 
1892, and his son, B. J. Owen is developing the enterprise. They have a herd of from 
eighty to one hundred cows and are engaged in butter-making and supplying several 
milk routes. Mr. Owen employs seven men the year round. The buildings are exten- 
sive and suppHed with modern improvements, among which are ten silos which have an 
average capacity of 100 tons each, and steam power for handling the contents. 

Oyer, 0. W., Schuyler, is one of the enterprising and progressive young farmers of 
Schuyler. He was born December 28, 18.^9. His father was Daniel Oyer, who died 
April 28, 1883. In 1882 Mr. Oyer married Annie Weldon, and they have a son and a 
daughter. Mr. Oyer owns a farm of 158 acres, a ''heese-factory and a saw-mill. 

Ostrander, Smith, Herkimer, was born in Danube December 5, 1851. He was edu- 
cated in the Little Falls Academy and Fort Plain Seminary, after which he taught 
school for two years. After this he was engaged with B. Butterick & Company of 
New York city, and also upon the Herkimer St. R. R. as conductor. His health fail- 
ing he was compelled to return to the farm. After a few years he engaged with Morris 
Mark, and in 1887 formed a joint stock company for the manufacture of knit goods. 
This corporation is the Mohawk Valley Knitting Company, which since that period 
has grown to large proportions. Later another stock company was formed, another 
management offered him. In both these concerns he is a large stock holder and super- 
intendent. He now devotes half his time to each corporat'on and has made both a 
decided success. Mr. Ostrander is a .son of John Ostrander, of Ostrander's Corners. 
He married Miss Emma C. Dayger of Herkimer, in 1878. They have no family. 

Palmer, Nathan, Warren, was born April 22, 1838, in Richfield, Otsego county, a son 
of Nathan and Mary (Ames) Palmer. The grandfather, Benjamin E., came from Con- 
necticut in colonial days and settled in Richfield. His wife was a Miss Layton, by 
whom he had nine children : Nathan, Esquire, Layton, Alonzo, Harriet, Mary, Esther, 
Lucy and Emily. Nathan was born in Richfield in 1798, and married Mary, daughter 
of Abner Ames. He was in the war of 1812 as a sutler. He served as supervisor for 
many years, was a Whig and died in 1854. His wife died in 1878, aged eighty-one. 
They had eleven sons, and raised seven : Benjamin, George, Qtis, Alonzo, Menzo, 
Nathan and Delos. Nathan Palmer received a common school education and at nine- 



216 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTS. 

teen began for himself. At twenty he bought 162 acres in Richfield, where he lived 
five years, then sold and lived three years on another farm. In 1859 he bought 162 
acres in Columbia, which he sold three years later, and located on another farm. He was 
one year in Richfield Springs in the grocery business. In 1874 he bought and located 
on seventy-five acres, where he now resides, in Warren. He has served as justice and 
is an active Democrat. Mr. Palmer married, December 25, 1856, Margaret Stern- 
berg, born one mile east of Richfield Spring.^, a daughter of James and Eve (Shaver) 
Sternberg. The grandfather. Marquis Sternberg, came from Dutchess county to 
Warren. He was a public-spirited citizen and gave the land where the present M. E. 
church stands in Richfield. His wife was Nancy Maby, who bore him these children : 
David, Lambert, James D., Sarah, Catherine, Christina, Polly and Betsey. James 
Sternberg was born and lived in Warren, and died, December 29, 1887, aged eighty- 
three, in Schoharie. His wife died January 26, 1887, aged eighty. They had 
four children : Marcus, Sarah A. Browman, Margaret and Alonzo W.. who enlisted and 
served in the navy during the war, and died at Pensacola, Fla. Nathan Palmer and 
wife have one child, Curtis B., a farmer. The family are Universalists. 

Palmer, Luther M., Winfield, was born on the farm where he now lives, July 26, 
1853. He married Ida A., daughter of Julius A. Morgan, of Winfield. They have 
five children : Willie E., George W., Bertha E., Mary C, Harry L. Luther M. Palmer 
is a son of Walter, a son of Vose Palmer, who came from Connecticut, and settled 
here in an early day. 

Prior, Louis R., Litchfield, lives on what is known as the Crosby farm, 125 acres of 
dairy and grain land. He was born in the brick house on the farm adjoining this, No- 
vember 14, 1867, and married Minnie C. Fish, August 27, 1890. They have one 
daughter, Veta Estelle. Mrs. Prior was born October 1, 1866, and is a daughter of 
Samuel Fish, of Frankfort, where he now lives, and he was a son of Elias Fish, one of 
the first settlers in the Gulf, which was named after him and called Fish's Gulf. Philo 
Prior owns a farm of 147 acres, devoted to dairying and grain. It is very productive 
and has excellent buildings. The house was built by Samuel Rider, one of the first settlers 
of the town. Philo Prior married Caroline E., daughter of Wakeman Rider, and he 
was a son of Samuel Rider, the first settler on this farm, and one of the first of the 
town. Philo Prior was born in Oneida county, November 26, 1839, a son of Lyman, 
who was a son of Daniel Prior, one of the first settlers of Oneida county. Philo and 
Caroline E. Prior have two children : Xenia V. Goodier and Louis R., both residents 
of this town. When Daniel Prior came from Connecticut there was but one house in 
what is now Utica. 

Putman, John, Litchfield, is a farmer owing a farm of about 200 acres, which was 
settled by his father Jacob Putman, in 1837. The latter was a native of this county, 
and he came from a farm near Cedarville, where he was one of the first settlers. He 
was a son of Isaac Putman, one of the first settlers at Mohawk. John Putman was 
born on the farm where he now lives, June 24, 1837. His father, Jacob Putman, was 
drafted into the army in the war of 1812, stationed at Sackett's Harbor, and he was 
one of the soldiers who drew IGO acres. John Putman married Ada J., a daughter of 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 211 

Daniel Wilcox, of this town. She had eight children : Samuel, Milla, Alida, Lncy, 
Anna B., Kate J., John J. and Philena, all living. 

Palmer, Nathaniel Budlong, Litchfield, is a farmer and cheese manufacturer, and 
owns the Cold Springs cheese faetory ; the same building in which he commenced 
making cheese, was built for and used as a chair factory. It was used as a cheese 
factory by Chester Northrup, who was succeeded by a stoclc company of the farmers, 
They sold out to James Ashpole, and he sold to the present owner, N. B. Palmer, who 
has owned it up to the present time. He owns a dairy and grain farm of ninety-five 
acres, formerly owned and occupied by Erastus Miller. It is a very productive and 
well managed farm. N. B. Palmer was born May 30, 1843, in this town. He married 
Harriet Smith, and they have two children : Lena M. and Earl N. They have lost one 
son, Benjamin R., who died October 27, 1876, aged two years and six months. N. B. 
Palmer is a son of Solon L. He was a son of Leonard Palmer, all of this town. 

Phillips, V. 0., Fairfield, is a native of Fairfield. His father was Vernon Phillips 
and liis grandfather Roland P. Phillips, both of this town. Roland P. came from 
Rhode Island. ' V. 0. Phillips owns a large farm of 210 acres and a smaller one of 
eighteen acres, on which he lives. He is one of the large dairy farmers of Fairfield. 
In 1865 he married Amy R. Harris. He is a Republican and a leading man in his 
party. He is fifty- four years of age, and is a member of the Grange at Middleville. 
His mother is still living at the age of ninety years. 

Perrine, A., Little Falls, is a native of Little Falls, and one of the most enterprising 
men of the village. He first learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for 
twelve years. He then took up painting and has been twenty years in this line of busi- 
ness. He does the major part of the painting in the village and employs about ten men. 
He is a member of the A. 0. U. W., the Iron Hall and the People's Benefit Association. 
In politics he is a Republican, and is an adherent of the Presbyterian church. He mar- 
ried Nettie A. Schuyler, December 22, 1869, and they have three children, two daugh- 
ters and one son. The latter is a book-keeper in the MacKinnon Mills. Mr. Perrine 
was one of the prime movers in the projection of the Dolgeville railroad, and is in- 
terested in the development of the fine ore beds in this county, owning a large farm 
besides these beds. 

Pike J. W., proprietor of the Pike Knitting Machine Company, Little Falls, is a na- 
tive of Vermont. After a preliminary education and a course in a polytechnic school, 
he traveled on the road as salesman in the canned goods line for some time. Abandon- 
in" this he went to Philadelphia and engaged in the manufacture of machinery for knit 
goods etc. This was about eleven years ago. In 1887 he came to Little Falls and 
established his present enterprise, which is the manufacture of Pike's patent latch 
needle, knitting machines, hosiery winders and general mill machinery. Mr. Pike is an 
expert in his business, and goes out and .sets up his own machines. He is a member of 
the Royal Arcanum, the Elks, the Commercial Travelers' Association, etc. His father 
also was a manufacture and had works at Chelmsford, Mass. The Pike Knitting Ma- 
chine Company employs thirty-eight hands, and turns out standard machines in every 
case. 



212 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTr. 

Pfhals, Chris. J , Frankfort, was born in Utica, February 15, 1850. He was a son of 
Chri.'itian and Louisa (Hornung) Pfbals, of Utica. He learned the trade of carpenter 
when young, working at his trade in Iljon for several years and at the Reiriington 
Agricultural Works two year.s. He came to Frankfort in 1881 and worked at his 
trade and ran livery business until 1885, when he became owner of the bus route 
to the West Shore and Central depots, also express delivery and mail carrying, 
which he still continues. He married, in 1881, Marion M. Watson, one of six children 
of Oliver W. and Lucinda (Ca.sler) Watson, b^th of Frankfort. Robert Watson, the 
grandfather, was a native of Massachusetts, and came to Frankfort in the winter of 1777. 

Prescott, C. W., Herkimer, is a native of Mohawk and was educated in the Clinton 
Liberal Institute, now Fort Plain. He then entered his father's office to study law, 
but never sought for admission to the bar. His father, Amos H. Prescott, was a 
leading man, and county judge for sixteen years Mr. C. W. Prescott has, for many 
years, done considerable newspaper work and still keeps up his connection in that 
way. He is a prominent justice of the peace in Herkimer and much of his time is de- 
voted to the duties of his office. He is a member of the Fort Dayton Hose Company, 
the Fort Dayton Council of United Friends, the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fel- 
lows. He is a Republican. 

Pelton, Justin B., German Flats, was born in Litch6eld, September 12, 1836, and re- 
mained on his father's farm till twenty- four years of age. He then came to Ilion and 
started in the hardware business, which he has since conducted with great success. 
Mr. Pelton married Julia E., daughter of Julius C. Warren, in 1861, and they have a 
family of four children : Gilbert Brace, May L., Sarah L. and Jessie L. Mr. J. C. War- 
ren was, for many years, ju.stice of the peace in Litchfield, and Mr. Pelton has held that 
office in Ilion for eight years. He has a'so been trustee of the village, and was super- 
visor of the town in 1872. He is a Mason and one of the most highly esteemed citizens 
in Ilion. His father was Brace Pelton and his grandfather, Seth Pelton. He came 
from Connecticut, and was one of the early settlers of Litchfield. 

Pelton, G. B., German Flats, was born in Ilion, March 11, 1864, and was educated in 
the Ilion Academy and Cornell University. He has been in business for four years 
with his father, and is one of the leading young men of the town. In addition to col- 
lege clubs, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and outside of the hardware line 
does an insurance business. He is president of the Republican League in Ilion. Mr. 
Pelton has taken an active interest in the new library building project and is one of the 
literary committee. 

Powers, John F., German Flats, is a nalive of Utica and has been in Ilion since 1882. 
He was a carriagemaker by trade, but has been in the wet goods business for several 
years. He is quite active in politics, is a member of the town committee and has been 
delegate to Democratic conventions several times. He is an Elk and a member of the 
Knights of Honor. 

Petrie, Jacob H., of Herkimer, farmer, was born in this township in 1823, and has 
been identified with this part of the country ever since. He has been a farmer all his 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 213 

life, and has been twenty-five years on his present place. He owns 275 acres, and 
milks thirty-two cows. His father was a son of Dr. Wm. Petrie, of Revolutionary 
fame. In 1852 Mr. Petrie married Miss Jemima Woliver, and they have two sons, 
Oliver and Henry. Oliver married Miss Lillie Grill. Mr. Petrie is a member of the 
Grange, and has been assessor three years. Dr. Wm. Petrie was in the Prussian army 
under Frederick the Great. 

Paine, Seth, Warren, a descendant of a Paine who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620, 
was born in Connecticut about 1750, and settled in Paine's Hollow, on about 1,000 
acres, where he died. His wife was a Swift, who bore him five sons, Thomas, William, 
James, Seth and Chester, and five daughters. Seth Paine, jr., was born and lived and 
died in Paine's Hollow. His wife was a Miss Filer, who bore him two children, Seth 
J. and Jane. After Mr. Paine's death, his widow married John Sage, and died in 
Buffalo in 1858. Seth B. Paine was born in Paine's Hollow in 1805. He was a cabi- 
net maker. He married Loretta Averill, who bore him two children, Charles and 
Byron. He went to Ohio to look up a location, and died there. Mrs. Paine returned 
to her parents. Dr. Jonathan and Anna (Watkins) Averill, where Byron Paine now 
lives, and where Mr. Averill died in 1833. Byron Paine was born in Bridgewater, 
Oneida county, December 26, 1830, and after his father's death came to where he now 
resides. He learned the carpenter trade, and also carried on wagon making. He and 
his brother own two farm=. He has held several town offices, and is an active Repub- 
hcan. He is unmarried. Chas. Paine was horn in Warren ; is a wagon maker and 
farmer. He married Calferna, daughter of John and Hannah (Yule) De Voe, who has 
borne him two children, John and Frank. Byron Paine is a leading and influential 
Mason. 

Perry, William H., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls. January 3, 1844. He re- 
ceived a good common school education, after which he worked in a spinning mill, and 
attended locks for about four years. For the next eighteen years he clerked for Chris 
Lee, and upon the death of the latter, opened up business for himself at Lock 37 on 
the Erie canal. In 1861 he was the leader in the movement to organize a company to 
participate in the civil war. They desired to elect him captain, which office he refused 
on account of his age, being only eighteen at that time, but he enlisted in the Thirty- 
Fourth New York Volunteers, under Col. William La Due, and participated in every 
battle from the beginning of the war to the battle of Antietam. In 1864 he married 
Jane Ann Flansbnrg, and of their nine children, six are now living. Mr. Perry is a 
prominent member of the " G. A. R.," and has held several local public offices. 

Putnam, John M., Russia, was born in Newport, March 17, 1837, a son of George 
Putnam, whose father lived and died in Canajoharie. George was born in Canajoharie 
in 1813. He married Margaret Yerdon, of Montgomery county, by whom he had three 
sons and two daughters. Mrs. Putnam died in 1845, and he married second, Elsie 
Smith, by whom he has five sons. Mr. Putnam served a short time in the late war. 
He is a member of the M. E. church. John M. Putnam at the age of fourteen started 
in life for himself, at first working on a farm, but later learning the painter's trade. 
At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the regular army, Second United States Cavalry, and 



214 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

served five years. When the war broke out he went to Washington and served until 
its close as a sutler. In 1865 Mr. Putnam married Emma Vincent, of Norway, wlio 
was born 1844, a daughter of Samuel R. and Hulda (Aller) Vincent, of Norway, and 
they have two children : Kingson B., who is engaged with Warner Bros., corset manu- 
facturer.s of New York city ; and Allie G. At the close of the war Mr. Putnam 
engaged in farming at Norway. In 1872 he came to Poland, bought a grist-mill, and 
has since engaged in the manufacture of flour. He is a Democrat, and is a member of 
Newport Lodge No. 455, F. & A. M. 

Prass Brothers, Manheim, grocers, are located within the corpora'e limits of Little 
Falls, but are in the town of Manheim. The firm is composed of J. M. and J. F. Prass, 
sons of G. A. Prass. Both members of the firm were educated in the schools of Fair- 
field, and prior to establishing their business in Manheim were located on Main street. 
Little Falls. They have only occupied their present new store a few months. They 
are thoroughly representative business men, doing a large trade, and are identified with 
local social and benevolent institutions. 

Rice, Albert M., Winfield, cattle dealer and farmer, was born in Pompey, Onondaga 
county, September 10, 1863, and settled in Winfield in 1856. He was in the store in 
West Winfield, with Russell Huntley, four year.s. He then came to East Winfield, 
and engaged in farming and cattle dealing, which he continues. He is a son of Isaiah 
H. and Almira Rice, the latter a native of Onondaga county, and the former of Massa- 
chusetts. Albert M. Rice married Luna A., daughter of Theron T. Morgan, who was 
born in this town, a son of John Morgan. Her mother was Harriet M. Rice, daughter 
of Matthew Keith. Albert M. Rice has three children : Harriet A., Franklin A., and 
George M. 

Rising, James G., Litchfield, a farmer, was born in this town, and married Emma 
Gallup. They have one daughter, Julia, who married Frank Woodbury, and have a 
daughter, Nina. James G. is a son of Moses and Polly Hewett Rising. There are five 
of the children now living, all farmers: Lovina, Mary, William, James G., and Milo M. 
Moses was a son of Abner Rising, a native of Massachu.setts, one of the first settlers of 
Litchfield. He married Abigail Devotion, they had seven children : Abner, jr., Oliver, 
Moses, Harry, Desire, Rowena and Abigail. Mrs. Emma Rising is a daughter of Dan- 
iel and Amy Gallup. 

Rider, Emerson D., Litchfield, one of the prominent farmers of Litchfield, was a 
son of Harlow D. Rider, a native of this town, who was the youngest son of Ezra 
Rider, who died November 10, 1870, aged eighty-six years. Harlow D. died February 
20, 1879, aged 65 years. He married Emeransa Wilcox, March 22, 1879. They had 
two children: Emerson D. and Lillie A. Emerson D. married, February 4, 1885, 
Amelia Vosburg, and they have two children living: Erwin H. and Will H. They have 
lost one son, Earnest, who died September 6, 1886, aged six months. Lillie Rider 
married, March 22, 1884, Zetto Brewer, a son of Jacob Brewer. Emeransa Wilcox 
was a daughter of Daniel Wilcox, a native of Litchfield. Amelia Vosburg is a daughter 
of Henry Vosburg, who was a native of Germantown, Chenango county, and his father, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 215 

Peter Vosburg, is a native of this county. The following is a copy of the oldest fam- 
ily record found in the town of Litchfield, of a family who came to this town in 1787 : 
"Christopher Rider, born Sept. 8, 1761; married April 3, 1783, to Miss Johanna 
Baughton, who was born Dec. 21, 1762. She died Dec. 21, 1845. He died May 23, 
1839. Ezra Rider, died : Nov. 10, 1870, aged 86 years. Lewis Rider, died : Feb. 22, 
1829, aged 43 years. Justus Rider died : Sept. 18, 1859, aged 70 years. William Rider, 
died: May 15, 1821, aged 31 years. John P. Rider, died: Oct. 6, 1825. aged 30 years. 
Mathew C, died : March 10, 1885, aged 85 years." 

Rank Lewis, Ohio, was born in Ohio township, March 22, 1861. His father was Adam 
Rank, a native of Germany, born October 23, 180- . Adam Rank was married in Ger- 
many to Barbara (Herl) Rank, and to them twelve children were born, nine of whom 
are living. In 1854 Mr. Rank and family came to America and settled in Ohio 
township. There Mr. Rank's death occurred in 1871. His wife survives him. Mr. 
Rank was a Democrat in politics. He and wife were members of the Lutheran 
church. Subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He 
was ten years old when his father died and at the age of thirteen started in life 
for himself, working by the month. In 1885 he married Alice R. Gibson, born 
May, 1861. She is a daughter of Samuel and Susan Gibson, whom we have men- 
tioned elsewhere. Subject and wife have one daughter, Marcia. Mr. Rank is a Re- 
puljlican. His brother, John, served three years in the late war. 

Richards, La Fayette, Schuyler, was born July 6, 1831, and has always been a farmer. 
December 26, 1855, he married Sarah H. Haskill, and they have two children, Dr. Sey- 
mour S. Richards of Frankfort, and Frank J. Richards who has been mail clerk in 
Frankfort for the past ten years. Mr. Richards's father was John Richards, a native of 
Wales, who came to America in 1801. The family have resided in Schuyler since 
1870. 

Rees, M. A., is a native of Fairfield and was born on the farm on which he resides. 
He was educated at Fairfield in the early days of the academy. He owns a fine farm 
of 200 acres and a herd of forty cows. Mr. Rees's great-grandfather came from 
Germany. He was a clergyman and physician and settled in Palatine and ofilci- 
ated in New Jersey for many years. Some of the grandfather's brothers took part 
in the war of 1812. Mr. Rees married Miss Sarah Johnson of Salisbury in 1858. 
Their only son, C. H., died in 1890. Mr. Rees is a Mason and a member of the 
Grange and other societies. 

Reese, Frank, German Flats, was born in Richfield, July 17, 1834. His father 
Matthew Reese, was a farmer, and the early years of his son were spent amid 
rural surroundings. Fifty years ago he came to Ilion, and his first business 
undertaking was on the canal, where he spent about nine seasons. He then em- 
barked in the trucking business and soon started a livery also. For twelve years 
he was engaged in the carting business in partnership with Sanford Getman. He 
has been in the bus business here since 1857, except for five or six years, and has 
carried the United States mail nearly all of these years. In 1861 Mr. Reese mar- 



il6 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

ried Elmira Piper, daughter of Nicholas Piper. Mr. Reese is one of the scions 
of the oldest and most honorable families of this section, and he has himself, by a 
long, honorable and successful business career won the highest respect and esteem 
of all classes. He is a staunch Democrat. 

Rankin, Horace, dealer in groceries and provisions, crockery, meals, etc., Ann street, 
Little Falls, is a native of this place and began his business career in his father's store, 
where he remained until the age of twenty-one. His father was a native of Scotland, 
emigrating to this country, where he died December 14, 1889. Horace Rankin estab- 
lished his present business in 1884, and has conducted it with marked success ever 
since, while he is still interested to some extent in farming. In 1869 he married Alice 
Dagert and they have one son, Harvey Rankin. Mr. Rankin is a Democrat in politics 
and was tai? collector of Little Falls in 1869. 

Rasback, Marcus, Herkimer, was born in 1832, on February 24, and has been a farm- 
er all his life. He owns 231 acres of land, raises annually 100 tons of hay, and keeps 
forty milch cows. His grandfather, John Rasback, took part in the Revolutionary 
War, and his father, Marcus Rasback, lived in this county all his life. In 1856 Mr. 
Rasback married Miss Mary N. Snell, and they have three children, all living at home. 
Mr. Rasback is one of the prominent farmers of the county and has been supervisor of 
the town for four terms. He has also been justice of the peace and is a member of the 
Grange, and is a prominent Mason, having passed to the Knight Templars. 

Rice, Ai, Herkimer, was born in Salisbury January 20, 1826. The family originally 
came from Connecticut and settled in Sahsbury in 1802, where they have since lived 
until Mr. Rice bought his present dairy farm of 218J acres in Herkimer on the 
Steuben road. Ai Rice married Miss Sarah Spencer of Herkimer, and has three sons 
and one daughter. He keeps sixty-five head of stock besides ten or twelve horses. 
His children are Fred A., Chauncey A. and Frank, and his daughter is Viola J. Mr. 
Rice is one of the successful farmers of this vicinity. 

Rhodes, W. H., Russia, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., May 4, 1852, a son of Ben- 
jamin F., a son of Jacob. Benjamin F. was born in Chesterfield, Mass., in 1825, and in 
1852 Mr. Rhodes went to Williamsburg, Mass., and there for five years he was tool- 
maker in the planing shops. He then became superintendent in the Button Mold 
Factory of 0. G. Spellman. In 1874 he began work for Woodard & Lyman and con- 
tinued two years. He then went to Russia and engaged in the manufacture of button 
molds until his death in 1879. His wife was Dolly F. White, a native of W^illiamsburg, 
Mass., born 1830, and daughter of John and Polly (Curtis) White. Mr. Rhodes had 
three sons and two daughters. W. H. Rhodes was reared in Williamsburg, educated in 
the common schools and Eastman's Business College, from which he graduated in 1870. 
In 1875 he married Annie E. V. Tower, born in 1852, a daughter of Lorin and Sophronia 
(Bates) Tower of Chesterfield and Westford, respectively. They had one son and six 
daughters. He was representative of Hampden county, Massachusetts, and was 
selectman twenty years. His father, Luther F., was in the War of 1812. Mr. Rhodes 
worked in the silk-mills of Shimerville, Williamsburg, and then became superintendent 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 217 

of the Winstead Silk-mills until 1877. He then worked in the silk-mills of Mount 
Carmel, Conn., and Hillsborough, N. H., until 1881, when he went to New York city 
and took charge of the New York office for one year. He then came to Cold Brook 
and engaged in the manufacture of button molds, which he now follows. Since 1884, 
Mr. Rhodes has been a Democrat. He is a member of the Hampshire Lodge F. & A. 
M. of Massachusetts, and the Iroquois Chapter of Ilion 236, also a member of Little 
Falls Commandery 26. In New Hampshire he was a member of the Valley Lodge 43, 
I. O. 0. F. He is a member of the Khorassan Grotto 2, M. 0. V. P. E. R. at Ilion, N. 
Y., and also belongs to the K. of P. at the same place. 

Robinson, Joseph, Warren, was born at Northamptonshire, England, and came to the 
United States in 1836 and settled in Richfield. He married Maria, daughter of Asa 
and Lucy Brown, and had four children : George W., Albert D., John G. and Lucy M. 
John G. Robinson was born in Richfield November 26, 1846. At the age of fourteen 
he began for himself buying cattle; at twenty-one he bought the first farm and now 
owns 502 acres and handles 500 to 600 head of cattle every year. He is a Republican 
and a member of the Baptist church. He married, September 20, 1871, Alice, daughter 
of Richard and Martha (Preston) Schooley, who has borne him nine children : Anna 
B., Carrie A., Josie M., Mabel M., George G., Irwin D., William S., Alice A. and 
Baby. 

Rank, Henry, Ohio, was born in Germany July 5, 1842. He is a son of Adam and 
Barbara (Herl) Rank, mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared on a farm 
and educated in the common schools. In 1865 he married Henrietta Herpy, a native 
of Ohio township, born in 1847. Her parents were John and Christina (Stork) Herpy, 
natives of Germany, who had five children. In 1844 Mr. Herpy came to Ohio town- 
ship, and there lived until his death in 1882. Mrs. Herpy is still living at the age of 
seventy-five years. Mr. Rank is a farmer and a Republican. His wife is a member of 
the Lutheran church. 

Smith, William H., was born on the farm where he now lives in Litchfield August 9, 
1816. He was justice of this town eight years, town clerk two years, and has held 
other minor oflSces. He manied in April, 1874, Janette M. Wheelock of this town. 
He was a son of Richard Smith, second, who came from New Jersey and settled here 
about 1798. He was born September 25, 1774, and married, April 3, 1794. He died 
January 25, 1840. He was one of the first settlers of this town, and traveled to mill 
at Herkimer by marked trees. He was justice of Litchfield for about twenty years, and 
received his first appointment from governor of New York State. He was a member of 
Assembly m 1825 from Herkimer county. He was a son of Abner Smith of New 
Jersey. 

Spencer, Herbert J., was born in Winfield February 15, 1847. a son of Dr. Nathan 
and Saphronia (Bailey) Spencer. Herbert J. was educated in the West Winfield 
Academy and Seminary at Fulton. He read with his father, Nathan Spencer, and 
graduated from the Homeopathic Medical College of New York city. He commenced 
practice in Winfield in 1870. In 1883 he went to Newton, Kan., where he practiced 



218 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

until 1886, then went to Greene, Chenango county, and in 1892 returned to West Win- 
field. He married in 1872, Nelhe, daughter of Seymour and Amelia (Beach) Bailey. 
They have three children : Mary B., Ruth A. and Ralph H. 

Stephens, John H., M. D.. was born in Frankfort October 28, 1859, a son of Stewart 
and Margaret (Taylor) Stephens. He was educated at the Whitestown Seminary, read 
medicine with Dr. William H. Brown of Cedarville, N. Y., graduated at the Albany 
Medical College in 1883, and remained wilh Dr. William H. Brown of Cedarville, N.Y., 
his preceptor, two years, then practiced by him.oelf in Cedarville two years. He came 
to West Winfield in 1889, and is still in practice there. He married May L., daughter 
of Clayton T., and Sarah (Kershaw) Wheelock. They have one daughter, Edna J. 
Stephens. 

Shaul, Samuel, was born on the farm where he now resides, in Stark, March 7, 1819, 
a son of Daniel and Rachael (Smith) Shaul. His grandfather, John, was born in Her- 
kimer county, and his father was one of the pioneers of Stark. John was taken pris- 
oner by the Indians during the Revolution, remaining seven years. Two brothers, 
Bastian and Matthia.s, were taken with him. The latter being tender hearted was home 
sick, and owing to his constant crying they sent him home and the two others were 
kept. John married a Miss Bonner, and had seven children : Christian, John, Bastian, 
Jacob, Daniel, George and Betsey. He and wife died in Stark at an advanced age. 
Daniel was born in Stark, and served in the war of 1812. He held several town offices 
and wai? a Whig. He had nine children : John D., who enlisted in the war from 
Cherry Valley, and was made colonel of his regiment. He died about 1887 ; Garshau 
of Bridgewater, Daniel, deceased, who left four children ; Cornelius of Richfield 
Springs, Samuel, Clark, who died aged seven, Laura M., Rachael, Betsey A., who died 
young. Samuel Shaul has served in various town offices. He was a Democrat up to 
the war, but changed and became a Republican. He married Lucinda Yule, born in 
Warren, a daughter of Nicholas and Hannah (Hayes) Yule, and they had seven chil- 
dren : Willard, who died young ; Daniel, aged ten ; John E., Charles F., Ellen J., and 
Mariah, wife of Nelson Wolfe of Springfield. Samuel owns the homestead of 250 
acres, and they attend the M. E. church. 

Smith, George M., was born in Herkimer November 28, 1825, and is one of the old 
residents and a scion of one of the old historic families of the county. His ancestors 
on both sides took part in the Revolutionary war and his grandmother was scalped, 
yet lived forty years afterwards. ' A bloody massacre took place on this farm, and the 
old house in which his grandparents lived forms a part of his abode. He married in 
1847, and has two children : Charles S. and Mary Ann. Charles S. is married to Miss 
Libby Bacon. Mr. Smith has ninety-six acres of fine dairy land. 

Sheridan, Thomas, Little Falls, was born in Little Falls September 5, 1842. He re- 
ceived a good education in the village schools, and learned the trade of a moulder in 
the Reddy foundry, which trade he followed for thirty years, in diflTerent parts of the 
country. About seven years ago he took charge of the Smith hotel, which he has since 
successfully conducted. Mr. Sheridan married Mirah McCormick, and they have four 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 219 

children living. Mrs. Sheridan died January 2, 1891. Thomas Sheridan has served as 
trusteee of Little Palls for two terms, or four years, and is identified with local, social 
and benevolent affairs. His mother is still living. 

Seversen, C. W., superintendent of the MacKennon Mills, Little Falls, is a native of 
Deerfield, and at the age of fourteen began to work in a mill as a needle boy, with the 
Troy Manufacturing Company of Cohoes. He soon went to New Hartford,' and for a 
time also worked in a mill at Kingston, Canada. He then worked for J. C. Miller four 
and a half years at Baldwinsville, N. T. In December, 1890, he came to his present 
position. He had previously, on two occasions, worked for a short time with Mr. 
MacKennon, and his abilities and zeal were well known. He is thoroughly expert in 
every department of the manufacture of woolen good.". His family has long resided in 
New York State, and his father was formerly a brick manufacturer of Cohoes. 

Snell, Irving, Little Falls, was born in the town of Manheim. He received bis edu- 
cation in the common schools here and in the Little Falls Academy. After the com- 
pletion of his studies he taught school for two terms, and in 1857 inaugurated his 
present jewelry and musical merchandise business, which he has successfully conducted 
since that period. Mr. Snell's ancestors located upon a tract of land (3,000 acres) 
granted them by King George, near Little Falls, which is known as Snell's Bush, and 
upon w^ich five generations have since hved. During the Revolution nine members of 
the Snell family participated in the battle of Oriskany, seven of whom were slain. 
Irving Snell's grandfather was in the war of 1812. Mr. Snell married Cloa Richmond, 
a daughter of Alvan Richmond. They have one daughter, Annie. 

Selcer, John, Little Falls, succeeded his father, John Selcer, sr., who had conducted 
the leading merchant tailoring establishment at Little Falls for many years. The 
Selcers are of German de.scent, having settled in this country early in this present cent- 
ury. John Selcer, sr., married Agnes M. Lowrie of New York State, and they reared 
a family of seven children. John Selcer; jr., has successfully conducted the merchant 
tailoring establishment since his father's death, being now the accredited leader in this 
line of industry in this village, and town. He married Josephine Boyer. Mr. Selcer is 
identified with local social institutions, such as the Masonic Fraternity, Royal Arcanum, 
American Mechanics, etc. 

Schuyler, John E., Little Falls, was born in Danube. His father, Lester Schuyler, is 
a prominent farmer of that town. After leaving home, John E. was employed on the 
railroad for about three years, after which for one year he was with the Warren Mower 
Company of Little Falls. About eight years ago he established his liquor business, 
which has been a success since its inception. Mr. Schuyler married Rose Fogarty. 
They have one child, a boy, Charles E. Schuyler. 

Sellman, J., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls in 1861. He received bis education 
in the schools of this village, and has been conducting his present liquor establishment 
for the past six years. His residence is 57 Loomis street. Mr. Sellman is a thorough- 
going business man and enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens in a marked 
degree. He has two brothers : Emil and John Sellman, who are engaged in the 
grocery business upon Main street, conducting a prosperous establishment. 



220 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Seeley, Horatio E., Little Falls, was born in Stratford, March 3, 1857. He received 
an excellent education in the schools of that vicinity, and came to Little Falls about 
1881. Here he at first engaged in the saloon busine.'^s for a few years, disposing of 
this he entered the employ of the Baileys as a master machinist, where he continued 
for four years and seven months. Then in September, 1891, he established his present 
business, which is one of the largest and best livery concerns in the village. Mr. 
Seeley married Catharine Shall, and they have one daughter. His ancestors partici- 
pated in the Revolutionary war and also that of 1812. Mr. Seeley is identified with 
various local social and benevolent institutions, such as the Odd Fellows, etc. 

Shant, B. J., of Little Falls, is a native of this town and has lived here all his life. 
He was a farmer's son. Thirteen years ago he and his brother, William H., began 
business together and the partnership lasted eight years. Five years ago they dissolved 
and each has conducted a business of his own since. He is a Republican in politics 
and is a prominent Mason belonging to the Commandery. His family have lived in this 
part for several generations and his great-grandfather took part in the Revolution. In 
1890 he married Ida Uhle and both are adherents of the Universalist church. 

Spence & Armstrong, Little Falls, established their meat and provision business near 
the Garvin house, September 26, 1892. Prior to this time Mr. W. E. Armstrong was 
for several years connected with the fast mail service. J, G. Spence is a native of 
Scotland. He was engaged in the hotel business there, which he disposed of to .settle 
in this country, a few weeks since. This firm undoubtedly has a very bright future 
ahead, as both members are thoroughly upright, popular and energetic business men, 
who will make a success of any legitimate undertaking. 

Spellman, M., Russia, was born August 11, 1858. in Beloit, Wis. Hjs father was 
Patrick Spellman, a native of Ireland, who came to America about 1852 and settled in 
Herkimer county, N. Y. After a short time he went to Wisconsin and remained there 
several years. He afterwards returned east and now resides in Newport township. 
He reared eight children. His mother died when siibject was eleven years of age, and 
at the age of tvi'elve he started in life for himself, working on a farm by the month 
for thirteen years, and for himself three years. He has since been in the hotel business. 
October 6, 1883 he married Carrie, daughter of William and Lorina (Stillman) Harri.s, 
natives of Newport. To Mr. Spellman and wife have been horn two children: Ray- 
mond H., born April 5, 1887, in Cold Brook, and Glenn N., deceased, born September 
16, 1891, in Dolgeville. In 1886 Mr. Spellman became proprietor of the hotel in Cold 
Brook and remained there three years. Then went to Dolgeville and was proprietor 
of the Cottage hotel at that place until 1892, then returning to Cold Brook, where he 
has since been proprietor of the Cold Brook hotel. 

Shoemaker, Nicholas N., was born where he now lives ni Warren, January 1, 1821, 
and IS a son of Nicholas and Lana (Passage) Shoemaker. His grandfather was Thomas 
Shoemaker, a native of Germany, who settled at Fort Herkimer ; his wife was a Miss 
Harter, who bore him five children. The subject's father was born at Fort Herkimer, 
August 18, 1779. In 1799 he settled where the subject now lives. He was an active 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 221 

and influential man in town and church affairs. His first wife died in March, 1839, 
and he married Rebecca Barrenger By his first wife he had five children : Elizabeth, 
Margaret, John, Thomas and Nicholas N. The latter at nineteen took charge of the 
homestead and has carried it on since. He has been engaged in stock dealing and 
shipping ; is a Republican and has held town offices. He married in September, 1854, 
Angeline Ayres, of South Columbia, and they had three children : Orville, Carrie, wife 
of Clifton Miller, and Emma, wife of George Davis. Mrs. Shoemaker died June 30, 
1889 ; she was a member of the Reformed church. 

Swift, Timothy C, Warren, was born in Warren, March 25, 1845, and is a son of 
John and Eliza (Green) Swift. His grandfather, William Swift, came from Massa- 
chusetts and died in Warren. John Swift was born in Massachusetts; his wife was 
born in Warren and is a daughter of William and Mary (Biggs) Green. They had three 
children, two survive: Thomas A and Timothy C. The latter was raised on a farm 
and at the age of twelve began working for himself by the day and month. In 1871 
he began cheese making at Grain's Corners, where he has since lived, carrying on both 
cheese-making and farming. He also operates two other factories and owns a half 
interest in 190 acres of land, besides seven acres where he lives. He is a Republican 
and a Mason. He married in January, 1867, Catherine, daughter of John Wagner, of 
Danube. They have one child, Eugene C. 

Smith, A. J., attorney at law, Herkimer, is a native of this village and studied law 
with Brown and Mitchell until his admission to the bar in June, 1881. In November 
of the same year he entered into partnership with Mr. I. R. Devendorf, which still 
subsists. He is an able counselor and good pleader, and was elected supervisor of the 
town of Herkimer twice, in 1888 and 1889. He was chairman of the Democratic 
county committee in 1885, and is a thorough exponent of Democracy. Mr. Smith 
comes of an old and honored family, his great-grandfather having been born in this 
State and the family being old Mohawk settlers on both father's and mother's sides. 

Smith, C. Cutler, L. D. S., German Flats, was born in Otsego county, October 9, 
1847, and studied dentistry in Brooklyn after a literary course in Madison University. 
In 1869 he opened his office in Ilion. Dr. Smith has been president of the village and 
both president and vice-president of the Fifth District Dental Society of New York 
State. His father was Alonzo Smith. In 1878 Dr. Smith married Miss Maude E. 
Stern, a daughter of Lawrence Stern. The mother's father was D .vid Cutler, a Bap- 
tist minister of Vermont. 

Smith, Dr. Fletcher N., Little Falls, who is associated in the practice of dentistry 
with Dr.' J. V. Hemstreet, is a native of Oswego, N. Y., and began the study of his 
profession there with his father, who is one of the oldest practicing dentists in the 
State, having had an office in that place for the past thirty years. After leaving his 
father's office Dr. F. W. Smith was connected with J. L. Curtis, of Syracuse, for three 
years. He then came to Little Falls seven years ago and associated himself with Dr. 
Hemstreet, and their offices are the leading ones in this place. Dr. Smith is very pop- 



222 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

ular socially, and is a member of the Elks and the Royal Arcanum. He comes of an 
old and honorable family, his ancestors having lived in this State for many generations. 

Stannard, Peter, was born in Colchester, Conn., and came to Springfield, Otsego 
county, about 1800. His wife was a Miss Corter, who bore him five children, namely : 
Peter, Ezra, Gilbert, Charles and Betsy. Charles, named above, came with his parents 
from Connecticut, and was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He married Esther Bige- 
low, who bore him two children, Lorinda and Elisha W. He died in December, 1820. 
Elisha W. Stannard was born in his grandfather Bigelow's house, October 27, 1819. 
He received a good education and learned the carpenter trade, at which he has worked 
more or less. He owns 212 acres of land. He is a Republican and ha.'; been super- 
visor four terms and justice of the peace sixteen years. He married Julia, daughter of 
Jabez and Ann (Burnham) Percival, who has borne him five children : Anna V., Charles 
P., William E., Carrie J., and Albert L. Subject and wife are prominent members of 
the Presbyterian church. She is a graduate of the Albany Normal school. 

Spellman, Joseph, Newport, was born in Ireland in 1824, a son of Edward and Anna 
(Rourk) Spellman, who had a family of three sons and a daughter. Mrs. Spellman 
died in Ireland, and in 1860 Mr. Spellman came to America, where he lived until his 
death in 1882. Joseph was reared on a farm, and when a young man left his native 
land and came to America. He married Anna O'Conner, a native of Ireland, by whom 
he has had the following children : Aurora, Edward, Dennis, Minnie, James and Annie. 
Mr. Spellman is a farmer and owns 135 acres of land in Newport. In politics he is a 
Democrat, and in religion he and family are Catholics. 

Stauring, E., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls, January 11, 1857. Receiving an 
excellent education in the schools of his native town, he was then associated with his 
father in the grocery business for several years. In 1880 he established his present 
liquor business, which he has since conducted most successfully. Mr. Stauring married 
Mary Cronkhite, and they have one daughter. Mr. Stauring is identified with local 
social and benevolent institutions, including the Elks, Odd Fellows, etc. 

Schmidt, John, German Flats, was born in Germany and came to America in 1854 
and to Ilion in 1861. He has been a contractor for the Remington Gun Works for 
thirty-one years. Mr. Schmidt is a Mason and a liberal contributor to church societies. 
He was president of the village for two years and a trustee for eight years. In 1860 
he married Miss Catherine Seibert, and they have eight children. 

Spoffard, C. J., Dolgeville, was born in Dolgeville, and received a good education in 
the schools of this village. At the outbreak of the late war he served in the Ninety- 
seventh New York Volunteers under his father, Brigadier-General Spoffard. After 
being mustered out he took up the study of dentistry under Dr. Chatfield, of Herkimer, 
and has now been practicing this profession for the past fifteen years. He married 
Nellie Faville. Dr. Spoffard is a high degree Mason, and is organizing a G. A. R. post 
in this village, which will be named Spoffard Post, in honor of his father, who com- 
manded the regiment from this vicinity. 

Sharp, James, a leading farmer of Little Falls, is a native of this town. He was born 
in August, 1822, and has lived an honorable and successful life. He owns 207 acres of 



E-AMILY SKETCSES. 223 

land and raises on an aTerage of 80 to 100 tons of hay, and has a herd of forty-six 
milch cows. His father purchased the farm on which Mr. Sharp lives. He has reared 
a family of eight children, of whom seven are still living. One of his sons, Jacob E. 
Sharp, is a farmer on the River road to Little Falls. Mr. Sharp has given no attention 
to public affairs, although he always votes the Democratic ticket. 

Small, Matthew, is one of the leading farmers between .Little Falls and Herkimer. 
He was born in the town of German Flats and came to his present farm in 1847, his 
fathT having purchased the place. In 1859 he married Jesse Klock and they have one 
son, Matthew. Mr. Small has spent most of his life farming, but was in the hotel busi- 
ness for a short time. His grandfather, Jacob Small, was a German and one of the 
early settlers along the Mohawk. Mr. Small has an attractive farm, and is one of the 
substantial men of the town. 

Snell, Seffrenus Clarence, was born in Sneli's Bush, May 17, 1853. He received a 
liberal education in the Little Falls Academy, Fairfield Academy and Clinton Liberal 
Institute, after which he attended the Adams Hungerford Military College. Upon the 
completion of his studies, Mr. Snell assumed the active management of his extensive 
dairy farm of 162 acres. Mr. Snell is assessor of the town of Alanheim, has been trus- 
tee two terms and collector of the town two years. He is a member of the R. A. and 
Grange. His wife was Miss Eugene Helmer, a daughter of Samuel Helmer. They 
have three children. Mr. Sneli's ancestors participated in the Revolution, and also the 
war of 1812. 

Spinner, J. W., German Flats, was born in Herkimer, October 27, 1808, and is a 
brother of F. E. Spinner, once Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. Mr. J. 
W. Spinner was a painter and a blacksmith by trade and never sought political prefer- 
ment. In 1876 he married Miss Mary Johnson and they live quietly in Mohawk. 

Shedd, Orlando B., Dolgeville, was born in Salisbury, Herkimer county, N. Y., Feb- 
ruary 8, 1860. He received a sood education in the common schools, after which he 
attended the Fairfield Academy, and eventually graduated from the Philadelphia Den- 
tal College in 1877, immediately thereafter settling in Dolgeville and commencing the 
practice of his profession. Prior to commencing the study of dentistry, Mr. Shedd 
taught school for a few years. His wife was Miss Agnes Colhns, of Middleville. They 
have no children. Dr. Shedd is identified with local social and benevolent institutions, 
and has his dental parlors in the Faville block, Dolgeville, N. Y. 

Spencer, Howard, Dolgeville. Nathaniel Spencer, grandfather of Howard Spencer, 
moved from Vermont into Herkimer county and settled at Brockett's Bridge, now 
Dolgeville, in 1790. He purchased land and followed farming until his death and was 
succeeded by his son, Thomas Spencer, who was the father of the subject of this brief 
sketch, who lived an honorable and respected life, was engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
died and is buried here. Howard Spencer was born on the old farm. New Dolgeville, 
on the 4th of December, 1847. He received an academic education, and has always 
followed farming. He married Miss Emma Salisbury, of Norway, and has two chil- 
dren, both girls. Howard Spencer has lately disposed of part of the old farm for 



224 HISTORt OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

building lots, but retained the old homestead, which is probably the oldest building 
standing in Manheim. Mr. Spencer is a thoroughly representative citizen and much 
respected. 

Snell, Milton, Manheim, was born at Snell's Bush, January 17, 1839. When four 
years of age his fathec, Simeon Snell, moved on his present farm of 233 acres, which 
Milton Snell now owns. His ancestors participated in the Revolutionary War, and also 
the war of 1812. Nine of the family were at Oriskany with General Herkimer, 
seven of whom were slain. Milton Snell married Miss M. A. A'edder, and they have 
two daughters. His farm is located a mile from Ingham's Mills, and is one of the 
finest dairy farms in Manheim. He keeps sixty-five head of stock. 

Stewart, John H., Herkimer, was born in Johnstown, July 6, 1816. He learned his 
trade of wagon-maker in this town and has worked at bis trade since. He during the 
war was employed at the arsenal at Troy. Mr. Stewart came to Herkimer in 1849, 
and formed a co-partnership with Geo. Lake, which continued for eight years, until at 
the death of Mr. Lake, Mr. Stewart assumed complete charge, and has since conducted 
the business on his own account, ilr. Stewart has been married twice, and has three 
children living. Mr. Stewart has served as assessor, postmaster, etc., and is one of 
Herkimer's most reputable and representative citizens. 

Slade, Samuel, Litchfield, is a farmer, and was born on the same farm where he now 
lives. He is a son of Anthony Slade, one of the first settlers here, who married first 
Mary Bufiington, who died in July, 1811, leaving three children: Phoebe, Sewell, and 
Samuel. The latter married Elsie Alford, by whom he has two children living: Esther 
Ann, and George S. Esther Ann married Alonzo P. Miller, and they have two chil- 
dren: Minnie E. and Carrie L. George S. Slade married Mary E. Wilcox. They have 
one son, Clyde W. Anthony Slade was born in Massachusetts, October 18, 1779, and 
died February 19, 1853. 

Shaul, Andrew G., Stark, was born November 16, 1859, in Springfield, Otsego county; 
a son of Harvey and Paulina (Frost) Shaul. The grandfather, Andrew, was born in 
Stark, June 26, 1800, and died in Springfield, July 18, 1862. His wife >vas Martha 
Harns, who still survives. They had three children : Sally, William H., and Harvey. 
He was a Whig and a Republican. His father, Henry, came from Germany in colonial 
days, and settled in Stark. He was a soldier in Revolution. His wife was Catharine 
Bronner, who came from Germany. They raised five boys and two girls : Jacob, 
Sabastian, Peter, David, Andrew, Catharine and Mary. Harvey Shaul was born wheie 
his son resides in Stark. He was at one time assessor. Andrew was the only child, 
and was raised on the farm, received a district school education, and at nineteen began 
life on his father's farm, on shares, making hops and dairying specialties. He is a Re- 
publican, and an active member of V. M. C, and the Good Templars, being chief in 
the latter order. He married, August 28, 1876, Lillie Edick, born in Stark, daughter 
of Henry and Martha (Givets) Edick, hotel proprietors. Mr. Edick served in the 
One Hundred and Twenty-Second New York Infantry in the war. Mr. and Mrs. 
Edick have two children : Myron H. and Mirel, and are Universalists. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 225 

Spencer, D. D., I!ion, is a native of Illinois, and spent many years in the banking 
business in Chicago. About twelve years ago he went to Europe, and resided in 
difiFerent countries until recently, when he settled in Mohawk, and has started a large 
and flourishing stock farm. The house in which Mr. Spencer lives contains some rooms 
of much historic interest, for in them Washington passed some time over a century ago. 
The old house has been preserved as part of the new structure for this reason. 

Springer, Oliver H., was born where he now resides in Stark, September IG, 1840, a 
son of George and Christina (Eckles) Springer. The grandfather, Loadwick Springer, 
was born October 12, 1774, in Brunswick, N. Y., married Mariah Coons, and about 
1803 located in Stark; reared six sons and four daughters. He died in his eighty-fifth 
year. His wife died in 1820. Loadwick was ason of Jacob, who came from Germany, 
and had eight children : Henry, Loadwick, Fanny, Jacob, George, Mary, Martin and 
Katie. Subject's grandfather was one of the pioneers of Stark, and had four sons and 
four daughters. George Springer was born in Stark, in February, 1803. He located 
on 250 acres, where his son, 0. H., now resides. He died in Starkville in 1882, and 
was twice married. His first wife bore him two children: Martha Vedder and Oliver 
H. She died in September, 1865, aged fifty-six. His second wife was Juliet Gross. 
George was a Whig and a Republican, aod served as supervisor nine terms. In 1861 
he represented the company, and was very active in raising troops and money. Oliver 
H. was raised on a farm; was educated at a district school and the seminary. In 1863 
he took charge of homestead in addition to his own farm. He is a breeder of Holstem 
cattle, and is a hop grower; served four terms as supervisor, and is active in politics. 
He is a leadmg Mason, and a member of Utica Commandery. He married, October 
22, 1861, Elizabeth, daughter of Aleck and Jane (Mount) Hall. 

Springer, Frank, Warren, was born January 26, 1844, in Stark, a son of David H. 
and Sally (Acker) Springer. The grandfather, Loadwick, was born in Rensselaer county, 
and was a pioneer of Stark. He was captain of militia and took an active interest in 
politics, being a W^hig. His children were as follows : Nicholas, Jacob L , Martin L., 
David H., Polly, Betsey, Lana and Katie. David H. was born and always resided in 
Stark. His wife was Sally, daughter of William Acker of Stark, and they had four 
children : Loadwick, Franklin, George and Daniel. He is a Republican and an active 
and liberal supporter of the church. His son Frank received a district school education 
and at twenty-seven bought and located on 105 acres in Warren, where be now resides, 
owning at the present 240 acres. He has served as assessor and town auditor on the 
Republican ticket. December 15, 1869, he married Amelia Shaul, born in Stark, a 
daughter of Richard and Mary (Fetterly) Shaul of Stark, who raised six children: 
Diantha, vs-ho died leaving one daughter; Amelia, George, who died aged twenty-one; 
Ella and Marcella. Mr. and Mrs. Springer have three children : Lena M., Victor G. 
and David R. 

Smith, Gersham, Stark, son of Peter G. and Catherine (Kinter) Smith, came from 
New Jersey as a blacksmith and settled on 260 acres in Stark. He married Margaret 
(Reese), by whom he had these children : Samuel, John, Dan, William, Peter, Ann, 
Rachael and Margaret. Subject's father was born in Stark, and died at Richfield Springs 



226 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

about 1880. He was twice married, his first wife bore him five children: Elija, Mar- 
garet, Viola, John and Gersham. The latter was born where he now lives, June 20, 

1864, and married in February, 1875, Ella Shaul, a daughter of Richard and Mary 
(Fetterly) Shaul, and they have three children : Arthur G., Olin R., and Mabel E. Mr. 
Smith has served as supervisor two terms, is a Republican and a Mason. 

Springer, Loadwick Stark, was born in Stark September 17, 1842, a son of David H. 
and Sally W. (Eckler) Springer. The grandfather, Loadwick, was born in Rensselaer 
county, and of Holland parents. His father, Jacob, was taken prisoner by the Indians 
during the Revolution and was a prisoner seven years. Loadwick died in June, 1857, 
aged over eighty, a captain of militia and a Republican. His wife died in 1820. They 
had a large family : Betsey, Polly, Jacob, George, David, Martin, Nicholas, Philip and 
Daniel. David H. was born in Stark where he always lived. His wife survives him, 
and is of the Lutheran faith. They had four children : Loadwick, Franklin, George 
and Daniel, all living. Loadwick was raised on a farm, received a district school edu- 
cation, and lived with his father until after the war. He enlisted in August, 1864, in 
the navy and served on the Texas Coast. He was discharged at Brooklyn in June, 

1865. He lived with his father for a couple of years, where he and his brother Frank 
bought 104 acres in Warren. Later he came to Stark and bought eighty acres. He 
finally located where he now resides, on 187 acres, also owning another farm of 205 
arces in Stark. He has made his own way through life, has served in town offices and 
is a Republican. He married January 1, 1867, Diantha, daughter of Richard and Mary 
A. (Fetterly) Shaul of Stark, who had six children : Rose, Eltha, Ella, Amelia, Sallie, 
and George, who died at twenty. Subject and wife have three children: Ella, wife of 
Frank Harris : Carrie and Myrtia. They are of the Universalist faith. 

Shall, George W., Little Falls, was born in Danube, Herkimer county. He received 
his education in the schools of this vicinity, and worked upon his father's farm until 
twenty-four years of age. Then, after working at the carpenter's trade for two years, 
he started a restaurant in Little Falls in 1875, and in 1877 he went into the Hotel Rock- 
ton, which lie purchased and ran for eight years, and which property he still owns. 
While in the hotel Mr. Shall inaugurated a mercantile establishment here, devoted to 
sale of wagons, argicultural implements, hay, etc., at No. 536 Albany street. This 
proving a success he eventually rented the hotel property and devoted his time to the 
management of this enterprise. Mr. Shall's family are of Revolutionary antecedents 
and were also in the War of 1812. He married Mary C. Fox, and has one son. Mr. 
Shall lias been trustee of the village (1880-81), is an Odd Fellow, Elk, K. of P., etc. 
In politics he is a Democrat. 

Staring, Gilbert, Stark, was born in Danube April 10, 1848, son of John A. and 
Elizabeth (Cristman) Staring. The grandfather, John, was a pioneer of Manheim, served 
in the War of 1812, and died aged eighty-eight. He was twice married and had 
children by both wives. John A. was born in Manheim and lived there until about 
fifteen, when he came to Stark, and then married and moved to Danube. In 1855 he 
returned to Deck, where he died November 16, 1887. He served in Company A, 152d 
N. Y, Volunteers three years, participating in twenty-six battles. He was wounded 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 227 

in left arm in the battle of the Wilderness, and had a sixty days' furlough, which was 
the only time he was off duty. He and his wife had eleven children : Lucinda Vedder 
of Nebraska ; Menzo, who enlisted in Company F, 121st N. Y. Infantry, and was killed 
in the battle of the Wilderness ; Gilbert, Mary Christman of Herkimer; Amanda Cas- 
ler of Frankfort ; Minerva Brown of Mohawk; Dan, of Huntington, Quebec; Henry, 
died aged four; John, died aged two; Ellen Wells of Leipsic, and Ervin E. Gilbert 
was raised on a farm and received a dictrict school education, and at fourteen began for 
himself, working on a farm at $4.00 per month. At twenty-one be began cheese man- 
ufacture in Stark, and was for thirteen years in Richfield. In 1890 he located on 150 
acres of land where he now lives. He is a Democrat. September 15, 1875, he married 
Hattie, daughter of John and Margaret (Mowers) France, and they have one child : 
Lela. 

Snider, John R., Stark, was born June 12, 1854, in Stark, a son of Moges and Anna 
Maria (Kinter) Snider. He was raised on a farm, received a district school education 
and academic, and at twenty-one began life for himself on the farm, working by the 
month. In the spring of 1879 he bought and located on 160 acres where he now lives. 
He also owns a store and residence. He is a Democrat in politics, and has lived in Stark 
all his life. He married, February 12, 1878, Rosa E. Shaul, born in Columbia, a daugh- 
ter of David and Amanda (Bronner) Shaul of Stark. They have one child, Maud. 

Snyder, Lewis, Ohio, was born in Germany August 10, 1827. His father was George 
L. Snyder, born October 10, 1799. The latter was educated in Germany and was a 
police officer therefor many years. He afterward became a civil engineer. He married 
Mary Stephens, and had five sons and three daughters. Mrs. Snyder died in 1857, and 
in 1861 George L. came to America and lived with his son Lewis. He then went to 
California where he resided with his daughter until his death in 1881. Lewis Snyder 
was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was twenty one years 
old when he came to America and settled in Ohio, where he has since lived with the 
exception of two years in Rus.sla. He was a poor boy and has made his own property. 
He now owns 503 acres of land and keeps a large dairy. In 1853 he married Mary A. 
Sickles, a daughter of Philip and Magdeline Sickles, who came from Germany when 
their daughter was eight years old. To subject and wife one child was born, Olin L. 
He resides near his father on a farm. His wife is Annie E., daughter of Patrick Wal- 
lace. They have three children : Bertha L., Charles O. and Perry L. He is now sales- 
man for No. 35 State Brand Cheese-factory of Ohio, which position he has held many 
years. He is a member of the North Star Grange No. 686, and with his wife attends 
the M. E. Church of Ohio. 

Snyder, John, Salisbury, was born in Germany October 28, 1831. He came to this 
country in 1858, and has been engaged in Salisbury Corners in blacksmithing ever since. 
He married Rachel Grisnol, and they have one daughter. Mr. Snyder owns a wagon 
shop, blacksmith shop, residence and ten acres of land. He employs help in his busi- 
ness, and is a thorough and reliable mechanic and citizen. 

Snyder, Moses, Stark, was born in Stark January 26, 1825, a son of Daniel and Catha- 
rine (Backus) Snyder. The grandfather, John, was a pioneer of Minden, Montgomery 



228 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

county, served in the War of the Revolution and was in the battle of Oriskany. He 
died in Minden. His wife was Catharine Countryman, by whom he had five sons: 
Abram, Benjamin, Jacob, Daniel and John, and several daughters. Daniel Snyder was 
born in Minden and located near Starkville on GOO acres, which he cleared. He died \n 
Stark before the war, aged eighty-three. He served in minor town offices as a Demo- 
crat. He had thirteen children : William, Daniel, Moses, Joseph, Catharine, Lana, Mar- 
garet, Susan, Lucinda, Elizabeth and Mary A. ; two sons, John and Solomon, died in 
childhood. Moses received a common school education, and at twenty-five years of age 
began for himself, working a farm on shares. He bought 100 acres of .land, which he 
has improved with substantial buildings, and owns another farm of 120 acres. He is a 
Democrat and has served as assessor. He married January 1, 1850, Anna M., daughter 
of John and Anna M. (Warren) Kinter, of Stark. Her father served in the war of 
1812, and her grandfather, Richard Kinter, was a pioneer of Stark, and served in the 
Revolution. He married first, Elizabeth Barringer, who bore him three children, and 
second, to Rachael Cooper, who bore him nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have 

had four children: Ellen E., died, aged four; John R., , wife of George W. 

Fikes, and Eugene. 

Turner, E. M., Mohawk, was born in Exeter, Otsego county, N. Y., January 19, 1851. 
He received an academic education, after which he engaged in farming for a few years. 
Then for four years ran a grocery in Moharwk, after this he was manager of a flour and 
feed establishment in Utica for a time, and also identified with the Getman Manufac- 
turing Company of Ilion for three years. In September, 1892, Mr. Turner established 
a wholesale and retail bakery concern in Mohawk. He is doing a good business. Mr. 
Turner is identified with the board of education, etc. 

Taylor, Joseph, German Flats, was born in Dutchess county, August 18, 1838, and 
learned the trade of wagonmaker. He enlisted in November, 1861, in the Thirteenth 
Connecticut Volunteer?, and served under General Butler until 1866. In 1867 he came 
to Ilion and has been a contractor in the armory up to the present time. He is a 
Mason, having passed up to the command of a member of the G. A. R. In 1884 he 
married Amelia F. Myers. His father was Warren Taylor, a native of Middletown, 
Conn. 

Timmerman, Ira, Manheim, was born in the town of Manheim, April 26, 1828. He 
received a good education in the schools here and has always followed farming, although 
in connection with his farm he has been engaged in other lines. He now owns a fine 
dairy farm of 120 acres. Mr. Timmerman erected a hotel at the "Corners," opposite 
his residence, which he and his son conducted for some time. He has been largely 
identified with the material progress of this community. His children are as follows: 
Ella, George H., William, Jeremiah, Izora, Melvin, Ida, Lester and Kittle, all living. 
Mr. Timmerman's ancestry for four generations have lived here, looatmgin Snell's Bush 
about 1709. Mr. Timmerman has served as assessor and held other offices, and is a 
representative farmer. 

Taber, Frederick Frank, Newport, was a son of Walter M. and Elizabeth (Frank) 
Taber. His father was a son of Peleg Taber, a native of Herkimer county, who had 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 229 

five children : Adelaide, Frederick Frank, Louise, wife of Charles White ; George R. 
and Charles W. The mother, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Frederick Frank, who was 
a resident of Fort Herkimer. Frederick Frank was born in the town of Herkimer, 
December 22, 1837. At the age of twenty-two he began for himself, following farm- 
ing and teaming for sever^ years, then began the manufacture of chairs, and in 1887 
he purchased the hotel which he now keeps. He married Harriet C, daughter of Wal- 
ter P. and Harriet W. Griswold, and they have two children : Linda, wife of Charles 
Parkhurst, and Walter G. 

Turner, George R., Ohio, was born in Ohio, September 23, 1834. His father was 
Cornelius Turner, son of John Turner. The latter was a native of Massachusetts, and 
early in Hfe went to Greenbush, Westchester county. He afterwards went to Ohioi 
where he died. Cornelius Turner was a native of Greenbush, born January 17, 1794. 
He was reared a blacksmith and followed his trade fifty years. His wife was Deborah 
Ames, a native of St. Lawrence county, born November 18, 1798. They had four sons 
and three daughters. In November, 1819, Mr. Turner and family came to Ohio and 
settled on the farm now owned by George R. and there lived until his death, Novem- 
ber 5, 1875. His wife died September 2, 1879. They were members of the M. E. 
church. George R. Turner was reared on a farm and educated in the common school. 
March 7, 1857, he married Eliza E. Paul, born July 22, 1841, a daughter of Franklin 
and Rachael (Vinton) Paul. Mr. Paul died in 1841 and Mrs. Paul resides in Illinois at 
the age of seventy-three years. Mr. Turner and wife had six children : Louisa, 
Deborah, Franklin B., Millard F., and George and Ada, deceased. Mr. Turner is a 
farmer, a Democrat and has been town collector two terms, assessor two terms and 
overseer of the poor two terms. He is a member of North Star Lodge, No. 686, of 
Ohio, and he and his wife are Methodists. 

Tunniclift, George E., Warren, was born on the farm adjoining the one on which he 
now lives, July 11, 1858, and is a son of Horatio N. and Augusta L. (Rathbun) Tunni- 
clift. His grandfather, George, was born in 1790 and came to Warren when he was 
three years old, and there lived until he died at the age of seventy-three. His wife 
was Marinda Tilden, whose father was a cousin of Samuel J. Tilden. They had four 
children : Horatio N., Oran N., Mary B. and Damon G. Horatio N. Tunniclift was 
born October 11, 1820, and died November 5, ■*«»-; his wife is still living. They had x /SZq 
four children : Mary M. (deceased), Augusta L., George E., and Nelson H. George E. was 
educated at Richfield Springs Seminary and taught school one term. He operates his 
mother's farm of fifty-two acres and is a breeder of Hambletonian horses. He is a 
Republican. 

Farber, Christopher, Ohio, was born in Germany, March 2, 1850, a son of John Farber, 
who married Annie Fisher, a native of Germany, and to them were born five children. 
In 1874, Mr. Farber came to Ohio, N. Y., where he lived until his death in 1885. His 
wife died in 1881. The father of John was Albert Farber, a native of Germany. Chris- 
topher Farber was reared on a farm in Germany and was seventeen years old when he 
and his brother John came to America. John settled in Russia where he still resides 
and Christopher .settled in Ohio, where he has since made his home. Subject was a 



230 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

poor boy when he came to America and worked on a farm by the month for six years. 
He then purchased the farm where he now resides. In 1875 he married Rachel Hoff- 
man, a native of Ohio, born in 1851. Her parents were Peter and Sophia (Hafer) 
Hoffman, who reared eleven children. Mr. Hoffman and family reside at Washington 
Mills, N. Y. To Mr. Farber and wife have been born four children : Albert E., Amelia 
A., Mary E., and Edward all of whom are living. Mr. Farber is a Democrat. 

Thomas. George H., is a native of Middleville and was educated in the private schools 
of Connecticut. He first began business as a clerk in the employ of the State at Albany 
and was next in the employ of the United States. He subsequently came home and 
took charge of this bu.siness, which he has owned since his father's death m 18G5. This 
tannery business is one of the oldest in the country, having been started by Mr. 
Thomas's grandfather in 1814. Mr. Thomas now employs seventy hands in the produc- 
tion of calf-skin leather. He is president of the National Bank at Newport and has 
been since 1874. In 1867 he married Miss Mary Kenyon and they have one child. 
Mr. Edward M. Burns is a partner of Mr. Thomas. 

Thompson, James W., Fairfield, is one of the bright young men of Herkimer county. 
He is a native of Salisbury and his father, W. J. Thompson, was one of the substantial 
farmers of that township. Mr. Thompson owns 165 acres of land and a dairy of forty- 
five cows. His father died in 1885 and his mother in 1891, the former at the time of 
his death being the owner of seven farms. 

Tibbetts, William, M. D., Danube, was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., October 4, 
1837. He received an academic education and eventually graduated in medicine from 
Bellevue Hospital Col'ege, New York, in 18G7. He immediately thereafter located at 
Newville, Danube township, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice 
of his profession. Dr. Tibbetts married Elizabeth Houpt ; they have two children liv- 
ing, both of whom are sons. The doctor has served Danube as supervisor for the past 
two terms. He is a member of the County Medical Society and in a very skilled and 
thorough medical practitioner. 

Van Slyke, William, is a native of Fairfield, and one of the oldest residents of the 
place. He was born in 1822 and has been a farmer all his life, though of late years he 
has retired from active work, and his son manages the farm, which consists of eighty- 
six acres of dairy land. Mr. Van Slyke married in 1847, and has a family of two 
children, a son and a daughter. He is a Democrat in politics, as is also his son. His 
grandfathers on both sides took part in the war of the Revolution. 

Uhle, Jerome, Little Falls, was born in 1828, near the village of Little Falls and has 
been a farmer all his life. He has been successful and now owns 105 acres of land, 
having inherited twenty-five acres from bis father. Mr. Uhle's grandfather came from 
Germany and his grandmother was a relative of General Herkimer. Mr. Uhle uses his 
farm entirely for dairy purposes, and has a herd of forty-eight milch cows. Mr. Uhle 
has one daughter, the wife of B. J. Shaut of Little Falls. In politics he has always 
been a Democrat, and has held the office of commissioner of highways. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 231 

Van Slyke, D. C, is a native of Little FaDs, and has teen a resident farmer all his 
life. His father, James Van Slyke, is still living and resides with him. The family is 
descended from the old Mohawk Dutch, and they were among the earliest settler m 
that part of the State. D. C. Van Slyke is a prominent and successful Prohibition 
worker, and is county deputy of the Good Templars. He also belongs to the Royal 
Arcanum, the People's Benefit Society and the Grange. He married Anna A. Border. 
He works 176 acres of land and has forty cows. He formerly dealt extensively in hay 
and supplied the Seventh and Eighth Avenue Railway Company of New York for 
seven years. He brought to the town the first hay press used this side of Albany. 

Van Alstyne, Calvin, Little Falls, was born March 9, 1829, in the town of Danube- 
He received a good education in the schools of this vicinity, and was an assistant in his 
father's grocery store until twenty-one years of age, when he was admitted to a part- 
nership at the same time the business was removed from Shall's Lot to Jacksonburg, 
Two years later he married Miss C. E. Eysaman, dissolving partnership with his father 
in the grocery establishment and entering the employ of J. J. Gilbert of Little Falls, 
with whom he has been for the past twenty years. He was elected tax collector last 
charter election, which office he now holds most acceptably to the public. Mr. Van 
Alstyne has a family of four sons living. He is a staunch Republican in politics. 

Uebler, Conrad, Schuyler, is one of the successful men of Herkimer county, is a 
German by birth, but came to America in 1870. He was born September 15, 183G. 
He has been on his present farm of 180 acres for eleven years, and has put up five 
buildings and started a charcoal enterprise and a hop plantation. In 1872 he married 
Josephine Sohn, and they have four children, three sons and a daughter. 

Van Vechten, William P., Norway, was born October 27, 1843. He is a son of 
Hamlen and Roxy H. Van Vechten, mentioned in Charles Van A^echten's sketch. 
William P. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He married 
Annie Stratton of Utica, a daughter of George and Hannah Stratton. Their children 
are George, Anna and Ada, deceased. Mr. Van Vechten owns 170 acres of land and 
keeps a large dairy. He is a Democrat and has been supervisor three years, assessor 
several years, and inspector of elections. 

Van Dewalker, Nicholas, Warren, was born in Sharon September 14, 1857, and is a 
son of Jacob and Lavinia Van Dewalker. His grandfather, Peter, was a pioneer of 
Schoharie county, and owned about 1.000 acres of land. Jacob Van Dewalker was 
born in Schoharie county, and died about 1880, aged sixty years. His wife, who was 
the mother of three children and a member of the Methodist church, died earlier. 
Nicholas Van Dewalker was educated in the common schools, and at eighteen began 
business for himself by working on a farm. In the spring of 1890 he bought and set- 
tled on 300 acres east of Little Lakes. He is a Democrat. He married in May, 1883^ 
Fannie, daughter of Albert and Fatima (Flint; Clyde of Montgomery county. They 
have one child, Ina E. 

Van Allen, Edward G., Little Falls, was born in Little Falls June 24, 1853. He re- 
ceived a good common school education, after which for years he was engaged on a 



232 HISTORY OF HERKIMEK COUNTY. 

farm. During the next three years he was brakeman on the Central Railroad, after 
which he was promoted to the position of conductor. This he held for eleven years. 
When the great strike occurred, about two years ago, he with others, lost his position, 
since which time he has been engaged in the grocery and bottling businef<s in the old 
stand at Lock thirty-eight (the Van Allen lock), and which his father conducted before 
him. His goods go all over the country, with perhaps the exception of the town of 
Herkimer. He married Maggie Ward, and they have six children, five sons and two 
daughters. Mr. Van Allen's father and two of his uncles participated in the late war. 

Vagts, Christ, is proprietor of the milk station at West Winfield. He buys milk 
from the farmers and ships to the New York city market, the product being from about 
3,000 cows. He ships about 130 cans a day, each can containing forty quarts. It is 
taken in and cooled by water from a flowing well. The cans returned from New York 
are first cleaned by washing and then steamed. He commenced this business in Janu- 
ary, 1889. About 1,200 cans required to run the business, and all the surplus milk is 
made up into butter and cheese, the farmers being paid as if it were all shipped to New 
York. The building is 156 feet long, 30 feet wide and two stories high. 

Van Deusen, B. B., German Flats, was born in Pennsylvania, October 29, 1841. He 
served one year in the United States army during the civil war and afterwards gradu- 
ated a civil engineer. After following his profe.ssion for twenty years, largely mining 
engineering in the West, he entered manufacturing, and is now manager of the Rem- 
ington Standard Typewriter Works at Ilion. In 1872 he married Miss Ellen F. Bollard, 
by whom he has two daughters. His father, Benjamin Van Deusen, and family have a 
history in this State extending back two centuries. Mr. Van Deusen's grandfathers 
and granduncles took part as patriots in the Revolutionary War. 

Van Benschoten, Elias, was born where he now resides in Warren, December 20, 
1848, a son of Mathew and Julia Ann (Wykoft) Van Benschoten. The grandfather, 
Elias, was a pioneer of Otsego county. Their children were : Melviua, Colman, Mr.s. 
General Holt, Catharine Hicks, Mrs. Helen Gould, Cordela, Mathew and Elias. Mathew 
was born in Otsego county, where he had a farm of two hundred acres, and ran a hotel 
on the west side of Otsego Lake. About 1830 he located where his son now resides, 
where he died in 1859, aged fifty-nine. His wife died January 17, 1890, aged eighty- 
five. She was born January 8, 1805, in Cherry Valley, a daughter of Grant Wykofl", 
of New Jersey. They had twelve children, and raised two : Chester, of Michigan, and 
Elias. Tlie latter had a district school education, and at fourteen began for himself on 
the home farm which he now owns, lie is a Republican. In 1870 he married Martha 
J. Storing, born in Otsego county, N. Y., a daughter of Jacob and Elisabeth (Weldon) 
Storing, and they have three children : Don E., Bruce P., and Lula. Subject's mother's 
parents raised nine children : John, William, Eliza Paine, Sally Fisli, Julia A., Emily 
Springer, Elenor Eckler. 

Vickerman, James, German Flats, was born in England, February 19, 1829, but has 
lived in this country all his life. His father and he farmed and contracted together for 
several years. After continuing the contracting some time he went into the plaster 
business, in which he has been for thirty years. His father was CoUingwood Vicker- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. - 233 

man. Mr. Vickerman has always been prominent politically and has been supervisor 
of the town. In 1852 he married Harriet E. Ingram, and they have two daughters, 
Mrs. Lester and Mrs. Rasback, both living in Ilion. 

Weeks, Hiram, Stark, was born in Amsterdam, May 23, 1825, a son of Levi and 
Jane (Hollenbeck) Weeks. The grandfather, Levi Weeks, was born on Long Island, 
and died at Stark. He married Anna Arnold, a sister of Benedict Arnold. Subject's 
father was born in Montgomery county, and in early life was a carpenter. In 1833 
he came to Stark, and bought 140 acres, later added 140 acres more. Served as super- 
visor and justice. Had fourteen children and raised thirteen : David, Louisa, Hiram, 
John, Jane, Ann, Solomon, Mariam, Benedict, Laura, Willard, Mariah and Albert. He 
died in February, 1890, aged over ninety-one. His wife died February, 1884, aged 
eighty-four. Subject's mother was born in Stark, daughter of Isaac Hollenbeck, who 
had four sons and five daughters. Hiram was raised on a farm, received a district 
school education, and at twenty began for himself as a carpenter, which he followed 
more or less all his life. He has kept hotel at Starkville, and located, where he now 
lives, about 1867, on five acres. He owned adjoining about 100 acres, his property 
now comprising three farms of about 400 acres. He served as commissioner on the 
Republican ticket. He married July 4, 1850, Margaret Lepper, who was born in Am- 
sterdam, a daughter of Jacob and Martha (Paddock) Lepper, natives of Warren and 
Amsterdam respectively. Her father was a soldier of 1812, and she was one of nine 
children: William. John, Mary A., Efta, Hannah, Deborah, Elisabeth, Martha A., and 
Margaret. Jacob, son of Frederick Lepper, was of Holland Dutch descent. His 
mother was taken prisoner, with two children, by Indians during the Revolution. Mr. 
and Mrs, Weeks have four children : Harlan, Jennie, died aged twenty-five, Charles 
and Edwm. They are attendants of M. E. church. 

Williams, Thomas, Ohio, was born in Remsen, Oneida county, in 1837, a son of Lewis 
R. Williams, a native of Oneida county, where his father was a very successful farmer. 
The wife of Lewis R. was Eleanor R., by whom he had eight children. He died in 
1877 and his wife is still living. Thomas was reared on a farm and at twenty-one 
years of age started in life for himself. For a number of years he worked for Gardner 
Hinckley. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York Infan- 
try, Company C, under Captain Moon, and served three years. He was in the battles 
of South Mountain, 2d Antietam, AVilderness, Gettysburg, Shenandoah Valley, etc., 
and at the Wilderness he was wounded in the breast, but remained with the regiment- 
While with Sheridan he was wounded in the left shoulder and was taken to Saterlee 
Hospital, Philadelphia, and remained four months, and was discharged. At the close 
of the war he returned to Gang Mills and worked for Gardner Hmckley. He then went 
to Ohio and purchased a farm, on which he remained three years and then returned to 
Gang Mills and worked for Hinckley & Ballou six years. In 1880 he returned to Ohio 
and has since lived on a farm. In 1872 he married Helen Hagadorn, a native of More- 
houseville, by whom he has had these children: Alida, Ella, Mary J., Annie and Ira, 
all of whom are liying. Mr. Williams is a Repubhcan and has been highway commis- 
sioner and justice of the peace two terms. He is a member of the G. A. R. Thomas 
Post at Prospect, N. Y. 



234 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COtlNTY. 

Windecker, Fred, is a native and resident of Fairfield, and a son of J. W. Windecker. 
He has a farm of 165 acres and keeps a dairy. He was four years in Danube, and was 
road commissioner in tliat town for some time. In 1872 Mr. Windecker married Sarah 
C. Neely, and they have two children. He is a member of the Grange and an active 
Democrat. 

Wadell, George C, Winfield, was born in Bridgewater, August 23, 1839, and came 
to this county to live in 1854. He enlisted July 29, 1862, in the 121st regiment. Com- 
pany B., and was in the battles of Cramplon Pass, Antietam and Fredericksburg, 
and was discharged for disability, March 10, 1863. He married, June 3, 1863, 
Sarah E. Bucklen. He is a son of Isaac E. and Jane Wadell, both natives 
of England. He has two children living: Charles R. and George S., and 
has lost two; Albert H. and Edward L. Robert Bucklen was born where he 
now lives, May 14, 1806, a son of Simeon, and Mary Bucklen, the first settlers on this 
farm, which came to Robert, his father, by buying out the other heirs. There were 
twelve children in his father's family, only three now living: Robert, Isaac and Han- 
nah. Robert married Luna, daughter of Dr. John Hackley, of Plainfield, Otsego 
county, and have an adopted daughter, Sarah E. 

William.s, Richard, a farmer, of Litchfield, was born in Wales, in November, 1845. 
He came to America in 1870. and settled in this town in 1880. He married Sarah 
Ann Lewis, and they have two children : William and Sarah Ann. Richard was a son 
of Robert and Mary Williams, residents of Wales. Mrs. Sarah Ann Williams, was a 
daughter of William Lewis, a native of Wales, who settled in this town on the Gulf 
road in 1853, and lived there until he died November 22, 1801, aged seventy-one years. 
William Lewis married Sarah Morris, and they had seven children : William, jr., 
Sarah Ann, William Henry, Mary Jane, Margaret E., Traphena A. and Florence 
P. Robert Williams married Mary Peters, by whom he had seven children : Margaret, 
William, Ann, Lewis, Richard, Robert, jr., and John Williams. 

Wood, B. W., assistant postmaster of West Schuyler, is a native of this town, and 
a son of Harvey Wood. His grandfather was Benjamin Wood, and his great-grand- 
father, Thomas Woo.', who came from Massachusetts in 1770. The family is one of 
the oldest in the town, and Mr. Harvey Wood was town clerk for many years. Mr. 
B. W. Wood conducts a general business in West Schuyler, and is assistant postmaster. 

Williams, Roger F. , was born on the farm where he now lives, in Winfield, Decem- 
ber, 18, 1840. He is a son of Anthony Williams, who was born in Rhode Island, in 
1799, and came to Columbia with his father, from Rhode Island. They came with an 
ox team all the way, and built a log house, and cleared the farm. Here he lived until 
his death. Anthony Williams settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Roger, 
about 1830, where he died in 1873, aged seventy-four years. Roger Williams married 
Nelia Gmbey, and they have two daughters: Emma J., who married S. B. Cruikshank, 
and Ida H. Roger F. Williams is one of the representative farmers of Winfield, and 
owns about 100 acres. 

Wholahan, John J., Winfield, who has been over overseer of the poor for three 
terms, was born in Clinton, Oneida county, November 26, 1854, and came to Winfield 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 235 

in June, 1879. He married Nellie L. Wilcox, by whom he has two children : Olive M. 
and John W. John J. is a son of Michael Wholahan, who settled in Clinton about 
1846. His wife is a daughter of Elijah Wilcox, a native of this town, who was a son 
of Hezekiah, one of the first settlers. 

Wilcox, Newton Peleg, Litchfield, was born on the farm adjoining this. May 27, 
1844. He is a son of Rodney, who was a native of Stonington, Conn., and settled in 
this town, where he died, February 22, 1883, aged seventy-five years. His wife, 
Emily Davis, was a native of Newark, and died, February 20, 1884. P. N. Wilcox 
married Mary E. Hull, a native of Noble county, Indiana, and a daughter of Noah 
I. Hull. They have four children : Glen Avery, Joe B., Mabel H. and Charles N. 

Weeks, George S., Winfield, is a dealer in lumber, lath and shingles, also runs a 
planing-mill and sash, door and blind factory, besides being an extensive farmer. He 
was born in West Winfield, May 3, 1836, a son of Charles Weeks, who came from 
Ashford, Conn., and settled m West Winfield, about 182.5. He died January 31, 1874, 
aged seventy-two years. His wife was Abigail Snow, who died July 31, 1870, aged 
sixty-four. They had ten children, of whom four are living : C. Delos, George S., 
Louisa M. and Emma R. George S. married Phoebe D., daughter of David Burton, 
now of Ilion, and they have one daughter living, Nellie L. Weeks. The business was 
commenced by Charles Weeks in 18.57 and continued until 1860, when it became 
Charles Weeks & Son, remaining so until 1868, when George S. went into the mer- 
cantile business in West Winfield, and he then pulled down the buildings and erected 
what is now known as the Wheeler block. The lumber business and manufactories 
were run by Charles Weeks until 1870, when George assumed control and has con- 
ducted it until the present time. 

Walrath, Henry, Litchfield, was born in Jefferson county, November 23, 1837, and 
settled in 1838 in the town of Danube. In October, 1870, he settled on the farm 
where he now lives in Litchfield. It is selected as one of the representative farms 
of the town, and he is an excellent farmer. He married Martha Jane Eygbroat, of 
Minden, Montgomery county, in November, 1859. They have five children : Esther, 
Hattie, Henry H., Milton and Lester. Henry Walrath is a son of David, of this 
county, who died in Danube in 1848. His wife, Barbara (Bort) Walrath, died August 
22, 1882. 

Walker, George A., Winfield, is a dealer in watches, clocks, silverware and jewelry, 
and makes watch repairing a specialty. He was born here and has been in business 
here since 1890. He is a son of the late Dwight B. Walker, a dealer in general mer- 
chandise, who was a son of Ira Walker, one of the first settlers of Winfield. 

Weldon, John F., is a native and resident of Schuyler, and was born October 1, 
1857. He was first a carpenter, but subsequently turned his attention to farming. 
His father was John J. Weldon, born in Newport, Herkimer county, and his grand- 
father was Abel Weldon. In 1883 John F. Weldon married Carrie E. Bridenbecker, 
and they have two children, Bertha M. and W. Raymond. 



236 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTT. 

Wood, Henry W., Frankfort, was born in Newport, K. Y., November 23, 1842. He 
was one of four cliiUiren of William H. anil Jane (PerkinsJ Wooti, of Herkimer county. 
His grandfather was George Wood, a native of Massachusetts. Henry W lived in 
the town of Fairfield until he enlis'ed September, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred 
and Fifty-Second New York Volunteers. He remained in the army until the close of 
the war in 1865, seeing service at Deep Bottom, Turkey Bend, The Wilderness, Spott- 
sylvania. Cold Harbor, Ream Station, Weldon Railroad, and Burgess Farm. He 
married March 24, 1866, Margaret Mixter, one of ten children of John and Margaret 
(Ackerman) Mixter, of Danube. In 1867 he engaged in the hotel business in Mohawk 
for one year; he was then a truckman for nine years ; was a presser and .ehippei of hay 
for five years, and in 1880 he went into the hotel business at Frankfort, where he has 
since remained as the popular landlord of the Central House. He was elected president 
of the village in 1887 and '88, and March, 1890, he was appointed superintendent of 
Section 4 of the Erie Canal (comprising thirty miles of canal, with twenty-two locks 
and fifty-two bridges). In the spring of 1892 he presented Frank Mann Post G. A. R. 
No. 604, with a Grand Army Memorial (costing $60), which act was deeply appreci- 
ated by the citizens of the town. 

Walliver, D. H., German Flats, was born in Herkimer county, September 11, 1847, 
and has been a farmer all his life. He owns 237 acres of dairy land, and sells a large 
quantity of milk. He takes an active part in Democratic politics. In 1884 he married 
Miss Johanna Conkling. He is a Mason, a member of Iroquois Chapter and the Little 
Falls Commandery. 

Walrath, Jacob, Danube, was born in Danube, August 16, 1822. His father, Moses 
Walrath, participated in the war of 1812, and was at Sackett's Harbor. Jacob Walrath 
married Mariah Green, daughter of Lyman Green ; they have five children, one son 
and four daughters. Mr. Walrath owns a valuable farm of 200 acres on the river road 
in Danube township, and is assisted in its management by his son. He has served as 
trustee, etc., and is one of Danube's most highly esteemed residents and property 
owners. 

Whipple, William, Fairfield, was born in Fairfield, February 6, 1833. He has always 
been a farmer and a successful one. He owns 149 acres of land and a dairy of thirty- 
seven cows, besides owning property in the village of Fairfield. His father also lived 
in Fairfield, and his grandfather came from Rhode Island. One of his ancestors, 
Thomas Whipple, lielped to throw the tea into Boston Harbor, and William Whipple 
signed the Declaration of Independence. These men were uncles of William Whipple's 
grandfather. Mr. William Whipple is a Mason, a member of the Grange, and a Demo- 
crat. He married Miss Margaret Alexander in 1862, and they have one daughter, 
Addie J., who is living at home with her parents. 

Whitney, H. P., is a native and resident of German Flats, and is one of the trustees 
of Ilion ; he was a farmer's son, and taught school for twelve terms before going into 
business. He was principal of the Ilion school for a year and a half, and has been 
school commissioner and excise commissioner. He went into the boot and shoe busi- 
ness May 1, 1891. Mr. Whitney is a Mason. In 1860 he married Miss Phila West, 
and they have one daughter, the wife of George D. Richardson. 



i 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 237 

Walker, Dr. D. B., German Flats, was born in Dolgeville, November 17, 1855. He 
graduated from Hamilton College in 1879, and then studied medicine in Buffalo. He 
came to Ilion in 1865, and is now taking a special course in the New York CoUefie of 
Physicians and Surgeons. Since 1889 he has been conducting the leading drug busi- 
ness of Ilion. He is a member of the Herkimer County Medical Society, and of the 
Sumraum Bonum Club. In 1888 he married Lizzie Heacook, and they have one 
daughter. 

Waters, S. J., jr., Little Falls, was born in the village of Little Falls, and received his 
education in the schools here, graduating fiom the academy. He is a son of S. J. 
Waters, who was for over thirty years an express agent here, but who has for some 
time been retired by the company with a substantial pension for faithful services. S. J. 
Waters, jr., after leaving school was associated for some time with his father in th« 
express office, which position he left to enter the National Herkimer County Bank. 
Commencing at the bottom, he has gradually worked up to the position of teller, which 
office he now most acceptably fills. He was elected county treasurer for three years, 
upon the Democratic ticket, and is the only Democrat ever elected for this position in 
Herkimer county. He is at present also trustee of the village, and a member of the 
Masons, Elks, Red Men, Knights Templar, and other social and benevolent institutions 
His father has served as supervisor, deputy sheriff, etc. 

Wilcox, Charles, farmer, near Little Falls, is a son of Benjamin Wilcox, one of the 
largest farmers of the township. He owns a magnificent farm of 250 acres, used for 
dairy purposes and has a herd of fifty-five cows. In 1878 Mr. Charles Wilcox married 
Alice Bcker, and they have two sons, Arthur and George. Mr. Wilcox has devoted 
all his lite to farming, and is a member of the Grange, and a Republican in politics. 

Whiting, A. L., Little Falls, was born in Middleville. He received his education in 
the schools of Ilion and Middlefield. After leaving school he was identified with 
mercantile transactions for some time, and in 1874 commenced with Victor Adams 
with whom he now holds the important position of general superintendent of the 
factory, Mr. Adams being also postmaster of the town, which requires considerable 
attention. Mr. Whiting is an Odd Fellow. K. of P., and a member of other social 
organizations. He married Miss Waldruff and they have three children. 

Wilcox, Herbert H., Winfield, was born in Winfield, November 23, 1853. He mar- 
ried Florence 0. Babcock ; they have one son, Felmer. Herbert H. Wilcox is a drug- 
gist. He was twelve years justice and has been town clerk two terms. W. Wilcox, 
of this town, who was a son of Hezekiah, native of Connecticut, was one of the first 
settlers of this town. 

Ward William B farmer, Eatonville, is a native of this town —Little Falls -and, 
.» excepting for a space of ten years, from 1875 to 1884. he has been engaged in farming 
here D^rincr these ten years he was on the Pacific coast mining, road buildmg, etc. 
He owns sixty- six acres of land, utilized for grass, hay and dairy purposes. In 1888 
Mr. Ward married Harriet P. Van Buren. He is a Democrat in politics, and is popular 
and much respected by all. 



238 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Wright, George A., Little Falls, was born upon the old Wright homestead, which has 
descended into his possession. It contains 116 acres of dairy land, upon which he 
keeps about twenty-five head of stock. His family are of Revolutionary antecedents, 
and have lived for many generations in this town, and have been identified with its best 
intere.sts, both political and social, ever since settling here. Mr. Wright has served as 
commissioner of highways, inspector of elections, etc. He married Julia Vedder, of 
Stark. They have one child, Dayton Wright. 

Wood, John, Schuyler, is a native of Schuyler and one of its best known citizens. 
He was born March 14, 1845. His father was Calvin Wood, also a native of Schuyler. 
His grandfather, Thomas Wood, came from New England. In 1867 Mr. Wood married 
G-ussie Horton, and they have three daughters, Fanny, Mary and Mrs. Lawren Rose. 
Mr. Wood is engaged in dairy farming, but is widely known as one of the leading 
horsemen of the State. 

Farmer, Woolcott G., a native of Newport, was born June 1, 1861, a son of James 
D. and Abbie (Wait) Farmer. He started as a clerk about 188.5 for V. S. Kenyon, 
grocer, in which business he continued until 1890, when he entered the employ of C. 
W. Palmer & Company, of Herkimer. January 1, 1892, he rented the grist and flour- 
ing-mill at Middleville. He was one of three children, the other two being Grace A. 
and Minnie, the latter deceased. James Farmer was a son of James and Lydia (Robin- 
son) Farmer, and he and his wife are active members of the Universalist church. 

Wallace, Peter, was born in Ohio May 19, 1843, a son of Patrick Wallace, who was 
a native of Ireland. The latter abou* 1828 came to Troy and married Ellen Riley, also 
of Ireland, and they had seven sons and four daughters, About 1842 Mr. Wallace 
moved to Ohio and settled on a farm, where he lived until his death in 1876. His wife 
is now living at Gray at the age of eighty-one .years. Peter Wallace is a farmer. 
His first marriage occurred August 4, 1867, to Emma Colwell, daughter of Samuel and 
Margaret (Atwood) Colwell, and they had two children, Annie and Maggie. In 1873 
Mrs. Wallace died, and in 1874 he married second Jennie Ely, of Norway, daughter of 
Horace and Harriet Ely. They had four children, Emma, Hattie, Walter and Arthur. 
Mr. Wallace is a Republican and has been assessor four years in Ohio. He is now 
serving his second term as justice of the peace of Wilmurt. He is a member of the G. 
A. R. of Poland, Johnson Post, No. 532, and a member of North Star Grange, No. 
686. In 1864 he enlisted in the 186th N. Y. Vols., Company K, and was discharged 
June 6, 1865. He was at the siege of Petersburg the assault on Petersburg, and was 
in the pursuit of Lee until his surrender. At the close of the war he returned to Ohio, 
where he resided until 1883, when he moved to Wilmurt. William, a brother of Peter, 
enlisted in 1861 in the Thirty-fourth N. Y. Vols., in which regiment he was lieutenant. 
At the expiration of his term of office in this regiment he re-enlisted in the Second Vet- 
eran Cavalry. He was then transferred to the 186th N. Y. Vols, and promoted to cap- 
tain. He was mortally wounded at Petersburg April 2, 1865. Thomas, another brother 
of Peter, enlisted in 1861 in the Eighty-first N. Y. Vols., and was killed at Fair Oaks 
May 31, 1862. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 239 

Western, Samuel J., Norway, was born in Norway November 8, 1830. He was a 
son of Joseph Western, a son of Samuel Western, one of the first settlers of Norway. 
Joseph Western spent most of his life in Norway as a carpenter and lumberman. His 
wife was Hannah Hall, of Norway, by whom he had seven children. Mr. Western was 
a Democrat. He held the offices of assessor and justice of the peace. He and his wife 
both died in Norway. Samuel J. Western married Ann Comstock, of Ohio, a daughter 
of Samuel and Sybil (Cummings) Comstock. Their children are Ella, William, Lillie 
and Frank. Mr. Western has always been a farmer and lumberman. 

Williamson, Norman J., was born on the farm adjoining the one which he now lives 
ill Warren April 5, 1S56, a son of Cyrus and Eliza C. (Dewey) Williamson. His grand- 
father was Garrett and his father Samuel Williamson. Cyrus Williamson was born 
where the subject now resides September 27, 1815. He died October 1, 1881. His 
widow survives. She is a daughter of Hubbard and Clarissa (Tanner) Dewey, of St. 
Lawrence county. N. J. Williamson received a seminary education, is a Republican 
and has been assessor. He owns the homestead of eighty-five acres. He married Jan- 
uary 16, 1879, Louisa E., daughter of Stephen and Mary (Lombard; Edgett. They 
have two children, Mabel E. and Bessie H. 

Wall, William R., Warren, was born in Utica, March 16, 1838, and is a son of Ed- 
ward and Caroline (Duell) Wall. His grandfather Wall came from England and set- 
tled in New Bedford, Mass. When a young man he came to Utica. He married Car- 
oline Duell and had one child, William R., the subject. After his death his wife married 
William Acers and had one son, Frank B. Her third husband was Levi Gray. 
She died at the age of sixty-eight. William R. Wall began business life by working on 
a farm by the month. In 1867 he settled on the farm, where he now lives, of twelve 
acres on which was a saw -mill. He now owns sixty acres, and is engaged in cattle 
dealing and butchering and hires several large farms. During the civil war he served 
as captain of Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-second New York Volunteers. He 
married, in January 1866, Cornelia, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Bloomfield) 
Loomis, and they have two children, Edwin H. and S. Louise. 

Walker Brothers, Little Falls ; this firm consists of Elon and Charles Walker, and was 
established in 1888 Charles Walker was born in 1860, and he married Nellie Blay. 
They have no children. Elon Walker was born in 1863 and is unmarried. The firm 
does a retail liquor business and enjoys a large trade, both members are very popular 
with the general public, and are enterprising and public spirited men. 

Zoller, Frederick, Stark, was born in Fairfield. His father was a pioneer of Herki- 
mer county, and died in German Flats, aged seventy-seven. The latter married Nancy 
Staring, by whom he had nine children : Benjamin, Solomon, Elizabeth, Jonas, Sallie, 
Isaac, William, Mary and Dolly. Solomon was in the war of 1812, captain of a com- 
pany. William Zoller was born August 2, 1818, in Little Falls. At seventeen be be- 
gan the trade of blacksmith. He married, August 2, 1840, Barbara, daughter of Jacob 
and Barbara (Soble.s) Everson of Herkimer county. Her father served in the war of 
1812 and had six children ; Katie, Jacob, Polly, Viancy, Phoebe and Barbara. He died 
at Fort Herkimer aged eighty- two. Frederick Zoller had seven children: Norman, 



240 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Harvey, Mary, wife of John Hall ; Charlie, Rollin, Elma, wife of 0. Slivemaker, and 
Alva. Rollin Zoller was born May 1, 1856, received a district school education, and 
has always lived where he now resides. He married in 1880 Katie Lepper, daughter of 
John and Mary Lepper, farmers near Amsterdam. Subject and wife have one child, 
Marcia. He served three years as poormaster of Stark on the Democratic ticket. 

Zoller, James, Little Falls, was born of German parentage in Herkimer county. 
After receiving an excellent education in the public schools, he started when eighteen 
years of age in farming operations. Some time afterwards he engaged in the produce 
business in New York city, then in the hotel business in Utica, N. Y., conducting the 
Dudley House and the St. James Hotel four years. After severing his connection with 
the St. James Hotel of Utica, he was engaged in stock-raising in Montana for some 
time. In 1890 he took charge of the Garvin House of Little Falls, which hotel he has 
made a successful establishment, with all modern improvements. Mr. Zoller owns 450 
acres of land near Richfield Springs, Herkimer county. Mr. Zoller's wife was Emily 
Casler, of Little Falls. They have one daughter. 

Rankins, J. M., is a native of Little Falls. He was educated in the Utica Commer- 
cial College, from which he graduated in 1885. Five years ago he entered tlie M'Kin- 
non Mills as bookkeeper, and recently changed to the Saxony Mills, filling a similar 
position. He comes of an old and honorable family, his ancestors having lived in this 
State for many generations. His great-grandfather participated in the Revolutionarj' 
war. In politics he is a Republican, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum. 

Clemens, Michael, East Schuyler, is one of the old and honored residents of Schuyler. 
He was born February 14, 1814, and has been a farmer all his life. His father was 
Michael Clemens, was in the war of 1812, and his grandfather, Jacob Clemens. The 
latter participated in the Revolutionary war, and came from Geimary over a century 
ago. Mr. Clemens married Rachael Oyer, a most estimable lady, who died July 26, 
1889. They had one daughter, now the wife of George Storms, who was in the last 
rebellion. 

Conklin, Silas H., Warren, was born near Little Lakes, March 10, 1863, a son of 
Hicks and Hannah (Weeks) Conklin. The grandfather, Harry W., was a son of Silas, 
who was a son of Jacob, who came from Wales, and settled at East Hampton, L. I. 
After the Revolution he came to Stark, Herkimer county. His wife was a Miss 
Skellinger. He died in Monroe county. Silas was born on Long Island, September 
15, 1872. After the war he came to Springfield, Otsego county, where he died. His 
wife was Emmiliza Hicks, born in 1770, by whom he had four sons and four daugh- 
ters. He died, aged eighty-three, and his wife died in 1857, aged eighty-two. Henry 
Conklin married Phoebe Cook, and their children were: Richard, Silas, Hicks, Cath- 
arine and Eliza. Hicks Conklin was born in Warren. He began life as a farmer. 
Later he kept a meal market at Little Lakes. He was two years in a hotel at Spring- 
field Centre, and died in 1882, his widow survives him, and was born in Warren, a 
daughter of James and Martha (McChesney) Weeks. Our subject was the only child. 
He received a district school education, also attended a seminary. At nineteen he 



Family sketches. 241 

began life as a clerk at Springfield Centre. February 15, 1886, he opened a general 
store at -Little Lakes, which he has operated successfully since. Has been twice elected 
clerk of Warren, as a Democrat. He has been deputy postmaster since 1886. Sep- 
tember 7, 1884, he married Edith, daughter of David and Anna (Dunn) Baird, and 
they have three children : Anna E., Silas H. and Thomas Ellis Conklin. 

Hall, John, Stark, was born in Stark, June 13, 1838, a son of Alex, and Jane (Mount) 
Hall. The grandfather, Thomas, was born in Ireland and came to the United States 
after the Revolution, and settled in Stark with a brother, Robert. Later he moved to 
Onondaga county, and thence to California in 1859, wher" he died, over eighty years 
of age. He served as justice many years and was a Mason. His wife was Louise 
Sprague. They raised four children: Alexander, John T., Nancy and Martha. His 
wife died in Onondaga county. Alexander was born in Springfield, Otsego county. 
About 1830 he moved to Stark, and engaged in mercantile business with his brother. 
In 1839 he moved where his son now resides, and bought and operated a grist and 
saw-mill, also growing hops largely. He served as supervisor, and died in the fall of 
1885, aged seventy-eight. His wife survives him. They had three children : Martha, 
John and Elizabeth. She was a daughter of John Mount, who came from New Jersey, 
and was an aid and captain under General Washington. At twenty-one John began 
farming where he now resides, also engaging in hop business until 1890. He is a 
Democrat and a leader, a member of Fort Plain lodge, No. 433, Hiram Union Chapter, 
No. 53, Royal Arch Masons, and Dtica Commandery, No. 30. He married August 7, 
1861, Marietta Springer, born in Columbia, daughter of Martin L. and Charlotte 
(Kinter) Springer, of Stark. Martin L. Springer was in the 142d N. Y. Volunteers, as 
a lieutenant. He was twice married, first wife had two children : Martha and Marietta. 
Martin L was a son of Lodawick, who came from Rensselaer county. Subject has had 
four children, two living: Oliver and Jennie L. Cora died aged thirteen, and one died 
in infancy. They attend the Universalist church. 

Eckler, Jeremiah, Warren, was born in Little Lakes, April 2, 1824, a son of Henry 
and Lydia (Conklin) Eckler. The grandfather was Peter, who came from Germany 
prior to the Revolution, and settled on Otsquago Creek, in Warren, and served in the 
war as captain. He had many an interesting experience wifh the Indians, once having 
a wrestle with one of their chiefs. He also served in the war of 1812. He has twice 
married and has a large family. One son, Henry, was born in Warren and .served in 
the war of 1812. He died February 28, 1862, aged sixty-five, during the Rebellion. 
She was born in August, 1803, and is still living, aged ninety-three, in excellent health. 
They had ten children, nine of whom survived: William, of Iowa; Hannah, deceased; 
Jerry, Henry, of Stark ; Jacob, of Otsego county ; Lydia, Nancy, deceased ; Thomas, 
Mary' deceased, Mahlon. Jeremiah was reared on a farm and received a district 
school education. At the age of twelve he began for himself on a farm and at the 
same time assisted his family. In 1851 he located where he now resides, and rented 
250 acres. In 1861 he bought the place, to which he has added many improvements 
and fine buildings, and he now owns 280 acres. In 1872 he built a cheese factory, 
which burned in 1882, which he rebuilt, and now makes about 2,500 pounds per week. 



242 HISTORY OP HERKIMER COUNTlT. 

He is a Democrat in politics His wife was Delia Osterhout, born in Warren, a 
daughter of Jacob and Polly M. (Devoe) Osterhout, who were early pioneers. Mr. 
and Mrs. Eckler have had six children, five of whom survive : Isaiah, of Mohawk ; 
Delilah, wife of Horatio Mayer ; Irvin, of Little Lakes ; AVilliam, of Springfie'd ; 
Esther, who died young, and Ilarvey. 

Lints, Simon, Schuyler, was born in Schuyler, April 9, 1832. He conducts the but- 
ter and dairy farm. His father was Jacob Lints, and his grandfather, Peter Lints, who 
took part in the Revolutionary war. The family is descended from the old Mohawk 
Dutch. June 20, ISRh, he married Jlary Young. Mr. Lints is a Democrat, and a 
representative of one of the oldest and most honorable names in the county. 

Woodard Brother, blacksmiths and wagon makers. This firm is composed of Oscar 
B. and Alonzo B. Woodard, the business having been under this name since 1861, at 
which time they succeeded their father, Lyman Woodard, who had conducted a shop 
here since 1841, when he came here from Augusta, The business has been run by this 
family over half a century. Lyman Woodard married Rachel Smith and they had 
nine children, of whom four are living, as follows : Oscar B , Alonzo B., Charles 0. 
and John N. Oscar married Clara Eckler, who died November 28, 1882. She left no 
children. Alonzo B. married Aurrilla A. Brockway, and they have no children. Rachel 
Smith Woodard was born May ?,. 1809. Lyman Woodard was born April 16, 1811, 
and died July 18, 18C9. Rachel Woodard, his wife, died February 18, 1890. 

Mason, Amos T,, Warren, was born in Warren, May 27, 1870, a son of Joseph W. 
and Harriet R. (Tisdale) Mason. Amos T. received a district and academic education 
at Ilion and Mohawk. He married May 21, 1889, Florence E., danghter of William 
and Lydia (McDonald) Hardy, and they had three children : Mira L. and Josie H., one 
boy (not named). Mr. Mason is a Democrat in politics. He lived a year in Rich- 
field Springs, running a livery, and has been also a dealer in cattle and sheep. After 
farming for a year in Mohawk he located on a farm near Jordanville, in the spring 
of 1891, a farm owned by his father, Joseph W. After farming two years he moved 
to the old homestead, where he now lives. His farm is composed of 216 acres. 

Hamlin, Dr. C. W., Fairfield, is a native of Holland Patent, Oneida county, where m 
youth he attended the district school, after which he attended school at Whitestown 
Seminary and at the State Normal School at Albany, where he graduated in the spring 
of 1861. After teaching one term he took up the study of medicine under the instruc- 
tion of Dr. D. A. Crane, of Holland Patent. In October of the same year he enlisted 
in Captain Throop's company of the Fifty-seventh Regiment, New York Volunteers, 
and was soon promoted to hospital steward of his regiment, and served three years, 
the last year in the First Division, Second Corps Hospital, Army of the Potomac 
After the war he resumed his medical studies under the instruction of Dr. S. G. Wol- 
cott, of Utica, and graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in the class of 
1866. In 18G8 he married Dora A. Varney, and they have two children, a son and a 
daughter. Dr. Hamlin is a member of the Herkimer County Medical Society, the 
New York State Medical Society, the Pan-American Medical Congress, and of several 
other societies, including the Masonic, in which he has taken the thirty-second degree, 
Scottish Rite. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 243 

Harter, Charles, German Flats, is a native of Herkimer, and was born March 20, 
1844. He was engaged in the banking business for seven years!, and then embarked in 
the lumber business for about thirty years, which he has recently disposed of. He is 
also interested in western real estate, particularly in Colorado. Mr. Harter is president 
of the Ilion National Bank, and his life has been entirely devoted to busines-s, in which 
he has been eminently successful. His father, Benjamin Harter, was a native of Her- 
kimer county. Mr. Charles Harter married Miss Ellen Brand in 18C8. 

Helmer, Hannibal, Dolgeville, was born on the old farm in Manheim, near Dolge- 
ville, May 30, 1847. His father, Samuel Helmer, is still living at the old homestead. 
Mr. Helmer, after leaving the farm in 1879, established a meat market in Dolgeville, 
where he has conducted a most -successful business for a number of years. In 1879 he 
married Alice Sullivan, who left him two sons and one daughter. He married second 
Sophia Englehardt, and they have one son. Mr. Helmer is one of Dolgeville's most 
esteemed citizens. 

Hicks, Robert H., Salisbury, was born in Norway July 14, 1858. He received an 
excellent education at the Fairfield Academy, from which he graduated in 1882. After 
this he taught school for seven years. He was also associated with his father, Robert 
Hicks, at Salisbury Corners in a general store. In 1889 he bought his present estab- 
lishment at Salisbury Center, where he does a thriving business in general merchandise. 
He is also postmaster of the village. Mr. Hicks married Ina Bli.s.s, of Salisbury, and is 
identified with the Odd Fellows. 

Hawkins, Keith, Newport, was born in Newport June 30, 182.5, a son of Thadius K., 
one of nine children of Uriah and Mary (Keith) Hawkins. Uriah was a native of 
Rhode Island and one of the first settlers of Newport, coming thence in 1802. He set- 
tled and cleared the farm which Keith now owns. He served seven years in the Rev- 
olutionary war and drew a pension until his death, February 19, 1840. His wife died 
October 17, 1837. Thadius K. Hawkins was born in Rhode Island February 12, 1800. 
He was a mason and a farmer. He marr'ed Sophrona, a daughter of David and Lydia 
Foster, natives of Connecticut, and early settlers of Norway, N. T. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hawkins had three sons and two daughters. He was a Republican and died in June, 
1875, and his wife March 9, 1872. In 1849 Keith Hawkins married Lucy Marcy, a 
native of Newport ; they had one child, Ellen, born November 15, 1849. Mrs. Hawkins 
died March 15, 1850. In 1852 Mr. Hawkins married Hannah Upright, of Newport, by 
whom he had four children, Frank M . Frederick U., Millard J. and George K. He is 
a mason by trade but for many years has followed farming. He is a Republican and 
has been highway commissioner and is also a member of Newport Lodge No. 455, F. 
and A. M. 

Hines, Charles F., Norway, was born in Newport in 1867. His father is Benjamin 
Hines, a son of Charles Hines. Charles Hines was an early settler of Newport, where 
he resided many years. He settled the farm of 222 acres now owned by subject. Mrs. 
Hines died about 1873. Benjamin Hines was horn in Newport in 1843. His wife is 
Harriet Holliday, by whom he has three sons and two daughters. In 1891 Mr. Hines 



244 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

moved on a farm in Oneida county, where lie now resides. Cliarles F. Hines was 
reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1890 he marrie'' Clara 
Hafer, of Newport, and they have one ch'ld, Grant. Mrs. Hines is one of thirteen 
childrerrof John and Johannah Hafer, natives of Germany, now residents of Newport. 
The subject is a farmer and a Republican, and he and wife are Methodists. 

Henderson, John Dryden, Herkimer, was born in Norway, N. Y., July 1.3, 1846. He 
received his early education in Fairfield Seminary, and graduated from Hamilton Col- 
lege in 18G8. He commenced the study of law with Benjamin Franklin, of Penn Yan, 
N. Y., and continued it, in the office of Robert and Samuel Earl, being admitted to the 
bar in 1869, and has, .^ince March, 1872, practiced his profession at Herkimer. He was 
elected president of the village in 1876, re-elected in 1883, was corporation counsel 
six years, and was a member of the State Assembly in 1890, and Democratic candidate 
for State Senator in 1891 for the district embracing Herkimer, Otsego and Madison 
counties. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and treasurer of the Herkimer Fire De- 
partment, president of the D. K. E. chapter of Hamilton College, president of Fhilo. 
Society of Fairfield Seminary, and author of the " Villas'e Charter," a work which ran 
through three edition.^. He was the poet at the Centennial Celebration of Norway, 
1887, and poet at the Pliilo. reunion at Fairfield, 1884. He married Miss Fannie Du- 
Bois, of Norway, August 20, 1874. They have two children. Mr. Henderson's ances- 
tors have been prominent in New York State for over two centuries. They have been 
legislators, soldiers, and men of affairs ; and the name stands high in the annals of the 
county and State. 

Halpin, Rev. James H., Herkimer, was born in Deposit, Broome county, N. Y., 
June 3, 1859. He received his early education in the St. Joseph Parochial School and 
finished at the High School in 1874, and graduated at the Niagara University in 1878, 
afterwards continuing his studies in the Grand Seminary at Montreal, P. Q. Father 
Halpin was ordained June 3, 1882. He immediately thereafter was stationed at De- 
posit, his home for three months, and from September of 1882 to December of 1885 
was assistant in St. John's church, Albany, N. Y. In December of 1885 he received 
the Herkimer appointment, which has materially increased in prosperity under his able 
management, the church having been increased to twice its capacity and a new par- 
ochial residence purchased. The cost of St. Peter and St. Paul's church at Frankfort, 
which he erected, was $18,000. This being formerly a part of his district, or an out- 
lying mission of Herkimer, was set apart as an independent mission in 1892. Father 
Halpin is of Irish-American parentage. 

Hunt, Mrs. Mary, German Flats, is a native of German Flats, and her maiden name 
was Mary Ingersoll. In 1842 she married Dr. I. J. Hunt, who died January 22, 1875. 
She has two sons, James G. and Laton S., who is United States consul to Guelph, 
Ontario, Canada. James G. Hunt is a physician. Mrs. Hunt's father was John Inger- 
soll, and her grandfather, John Ingersoll, came from Connecticut to this county. 

Hotaling, Reuben, German Flats, is a native of Albany county, and was born August 
31, 1850. His father was William Hotaling, one of the leading men of Ilion in his 
day. He died in 1889. Mr. Reuben Hotaling is a member of the Ilion Steamer and 



FAMILY SKBTCBES. 245 

Hose Company, and is a Democrat in politics. He married Miss Hattie M. Lawrence 
in 1879. Up to 1889 Mr. Hotaling was in partnership with his father, since which time 
he has conducted the business. 

Heacock, S. G., German Flats, was born in Buffalo, March 1, 1857. His father was 
Dr. Grosvenor W. Heacock, a Presbyterian clergyman, who died in 1877. S. G. Hea- 
cock studied in Hamilton and graduated from that college in 1880. He then took a 
two-years' theological course in Auburn Theological Seminary. Then he went to 
Mokawk and was in the drug business there and in Ilion for some time. He came to 
Ilion and was appointed postmaster there two years later. He is largely interested in 
the oil wells near Findlay, O. In 1880 Mr. Heacock married Ida, daughter of Dr. E. 
S. Walker of Ilion. 

Harter, Chauncey C. Frankfort, born in Herkimer June 18, 1859. He was one of 
three children (the others being Charles N. and John S. Harter) of Nicholas and Mary 
A. (Crosby) Harter. Nicholas, the father was born in Herkimer county, N. T. 
Chauncey C. married December 23, 1882, Nellie A. Watson, one of six children of 
Oliver and Lucinda (Casler) Watson of Frankfort. They have one son, James M. 
Harter. Mr. Harter came to Frankfort when seven years old. He was employed in 
a grocery store for several years during his early life, manufactured cigars for a few 
years, and afterwards did a fire insurance business. About seven years ago he en- 
gaged in the railroad business, serving three years as freight clerk at Frankfort for the 
West Shore Railroad. He was appointed storekeeper for the same company Novem- 
ber 1, 1888, having charge of all the supphes in the Motive Power and Car depart- 
ment of the West Shore Shops. He was elected president of the village of Frankfort 
in March 1892. 

Hurlburt, J. W., Little Falls, is a native of Vermont, and has been three years in 
Little Falls. He is bookkeeper of the paper mills of the Little Falls Paper Company^ 
and having spent all his life in the paper business, although but a young man, he is 
eminently qualified for the position. His family is an old one in New England, and 
his father was a well-known paper manufacturer in Vermont. Mr. Hurlburt is 
popular, both socially and commercially, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the 
Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a consistent Republican. 

Hayes.' Wilham E., M. D., Frankfort, was born in Frankfort, October 14, 1867. He 
is one of three children of Isaac and Emma (Parker) Hayes, the others being Lillie 
E. and Cora F. Hayes. Emma (Parker) Hayes, the mother, was born in New Hamp- 
shire. Jeremiah Hayes, the grandfather of WilUiam E., was of German descent, his 
wife, Jane (Harvey) Hayes, being of Scotch descent. William E. Hayes was married 
February 22, 1888, to Blanche A. Travis, of Canastota, she being one of seven children 
of John and Ellen (Brooks) Travis. They have two children, Lillie E. and Charles A. 
M. Hayes. His medical education was obtained at the University of the City of New 

■ The original name o£ the family is Hay, but through an error at some period the " es " has 
been attached, which is wrong. 



24G HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

York, where be graduated in March, 1891. After practicing in New York and Brook- 
lyn, he in February, 1892, established himself in his native town and engaged in the 
practice of hi.s profession. Benjamin Harvey, ancestor on the father's side, was a Rev- 
olutionary soldier, who fought under General Schuyler, and who died at the age of 
112 years. 

Hoefler, John, German Flats, is a native of Germany and came to America in 1849. 
He was an expert mechanic when he came, and for thirty-five years was a contractor 
in the gun works at Ihon. He is vice-president of the IHon National Bank and has 
been connected with it since its organization. In 1854 he married Miss Elizabeth Eller 
of Utica, by whom he has eight children living. Mr. Hoefler is also vice-president of 
the Gas Company, director of the knitting-mill and is president of the board of sewer 
commissioners. 

Hakes, Seward, German Flats, is a native of Ilion and a scion of one of the oldest 
families in America. His grandfather, Solomon Hakes, was a native of Little Falls and 
was born in 180G. His great-grandfatlier was one of the first settlers of the county. 
Mr. Seward Hakes married Miss Marion E. Irlam, December 10, 1884, and tliey have 
three daughters. Mr. Hakes was one of the trustees of the village from 1889 to 1893 
and conducts a large and prosperous floral business. 

House, H. A., German Flats, was born in Winfield January 2.5, 1858. In 1881 he 
came to Ilion and was with the Remingtons for four years. He then manufactured 
furniture for about four years. January 15, 1888, he established his present successful 
business. His premises have a floor space of over 10,000 square feet and his stock is 
ample and fine. He is a member of Ilion Lodge No. 591 F. & A. M., also of Iroquois 
Chapter 236 R. A. M. and Little Falls Commandery No. 2G K. T., and takes a great in- 
terest in all Masonic work. He is also a member of Khorassan Grotto No. 2 M. 0. V. 
P. E. R. and Damond Lodge No. 125 K. of P. Socially he is a pleasant and obliging 
gentleman to meet and in his business is fair, upright and honest, and enjoys the full 
confidence of all his numerous customer.?. 

Broat, Hiram, Manheim, was born in Manheim, July 21, 1819. He is of Mohawk 
Dutch descent. His grandfather, Henry Broat, settled here in 1798. His father, John 
Broat, was born at Stone Arabia, March 6, 1795, and participated in the War of 1812. 
Esquire Hiram Broat owns 248 acres of fine dairy land, on which he keeps fifty cows, 
and also has a half interest in a cedar swamp in Norway. He has been an important 
factor in political aflfairs for man}' years, having held the position of assessor two years, 
ju.stice of the peace forty years, supervisor nine years, justice of sessions three years, 
etc., and is one of the best informed men in Manheim. December 16, 1840, he married 
Marietta Snell, and has eight children living, three being deceased. 

Skinner, John W., is a farmer in Columbia, and a son of Gersham Skinner, also born 
here. He was a son of John Skinner, of this town, and his father was Gersham, a 
soldier of the Revolution. He was attacked by the Indians, receiving a number of 
wounds. He hid under the flume and was there while the Indians burned the mill. 
John W. married Sarah J. Skinner, who died in February, 1872. He married second 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 247 

Marv T. Casler, and they had three children : Leon C, Jacob W. and Ora B. Gershani 
Skinner married Jane E. Dygert/f and they had fix children : Mary E., Carmi M., 
Cornelia C, John W., Lucien F. and Lucins F. Mary T. Skinner is a daughter of Jacob 
F. Casler, born in Little Falls, and is still living in this town. He was a son of Fred- 
erick Casler, a native of this county, born the second year of the Revolution, in a house 
that was afterward a fort. 

Rising, James G., Litchfield, a farmer, was born in this town, and married Emma 
Gallup. They have one daughter, Julia, who married Frank Woodbury, and has a 
daughter. Nina. James G. is a son of Moses and Polly Hewett Rising. There are five 
of the children now living, all farmers : Lovina, Mary, William, James G. and Milo M. 
Moses was a son of Abner Rising, a native of Massachusetts, one of the first settlers of 
Litchfield. He married Abigail Devotion ; they had seven children : Abner, jr., Oliver, 
Moses, Harry, Desire, Rowena, and Abigail. Mrs. Emma Rising is a daughter of Daniel 
and Ama Gallup. 

Taber, Wm. L, was born in Herkimer, Herkimer county, in 1865. He received his 
education in the Utica schools graduating from Utica Academy in 1883. After teach- 
ing school for one winter, he entered the Herkimer Bank as clerk, and has passed 
through all departments, being appointed cashier in 1892. Mr. Taber is treasurer of 
the Light and Water Commission of Herkimer. He is also a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and is connected with the leading social and benevolent institutions of the 
village. His family is of Mohawk Dutch descent, and of Revolutionary antecedents of 
this State. They settled in New York during the seventeenth century. 

Spencer, D. D., Dion, is a native of Illinois, and spent many years in the banking 
business in Chicago. About twelve years ago he went to Europe and resided in difl'er- 
ent countries until recently when he settled in Mohawk, and has started a large and 
flourishing stock farm. The house in which Mr. Spencer lives contains some rooms of 
much historic interest, for in them Washington spent some time over a century ago. 
The old house has been preserved as part of the new. structure for this reason. 

Holmes, 0. Brainerd, Winfield, was born on the farm where he now lives April 26, 
1847. He is a son of Orange Holmes, born on the same farm of which this is a part, 
December 25, 1803, and died December 13, 1864. He married Henrietta Brainerd, 
January 15, 1829, who died March 28, 1891. Orange was a son of Elijah Holmes, who 
settled on this farm at an early date. The house is one of the oldest in Winfield. 0. 
B. Holmes married Mary J. Hadley, September 21, 1869, and have two children, 
Mabel M. and Harold B. Mrs. Mary J. Holmes was a daughter of Harry and Mary 
Hadley, residents and natives of Litchfield. Orange Holmes had six children : Pamela 
A., Leonidas B., Sarah A., Caroline E., Ellen C. and 0. Brainerd. Deacon Elijah 
Holmes, of Scotch descent, came from Connecticut and settled in Winfield about 1794. 
He was the first shoemaker in town, and tanned his own leather, grinding the bark by 
horse power, and the ruins of his tannery are still to be seen near North Winfield. 

Dudleston, Jos. J., jr., Frankfort, was born in England, July 25, 1842. He was one 
of six children of Joseph J. and Mary (Williams) Dudleston. They emigrated to this 



248 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

country in 1845 and settled in Oneida county in April, 1846. Joseph J., jr., was edu- 
cated in the common schools and at Whitestown Seminary. He read law in the office 
of S. & R. Earl, at Herkimer, at the same time engaged in teaching school. He was 
admitted to the bar in 1865, and since that time has been engaged in the practice of his 
profession in Frankfort. He was married in 1865 to Hattie N. Smith, of Schuyler. 
She died in July, 1876, leaving one daughter, H. Estella Dudleston. He subsequently 
married Cora A. William.s, of Herkimer. They have two children, Joseph J. and 
Gladis Dudleston. Mr. Dudleston has served the town as president of the village and 
school trustee, and was district attorney from 1876 to 1880. 

Green, Nelson K., Warren, was born in Danube, January 14, 1853, a son of Herkimer 
and Emily T. (Wolcott) Green. The grandfather, Dr. Felix Green, was a son of 
Ambrose, and was born in Rhode Island, a pioneer of Danube, where he lived nearly 
all his life. He married Elma Lester, and had seven children : John, William, Felix, 
Anna, Polly, Elizabeth and Ruth. He held various town offices. Felix lived on the 
Hudson River near Albany, in the town of Scodack, Rensselaer county, and early came 
to Danube. He was an active Whig and Republican, and served in nearly all the town 
offices. He was a Free Mason, and died July 18, 1857, aged eighty-one. His wife 
died in 1859. She was Lana Herkimer, (her sisters being Margaret, Alida, Catharine 
and Gertrude, her brothers, John and Joseph,) and was Vjorn in Danube, a daughter of 
George Herkimer, who was a brother of General Nicholas Herkimer, whose wife was 
a daughter of General Schuyler. Of thirteen children Felix reared ten : Alida, Jane, 
Mary, Helen, James, George, Charles, Herkimer, Augustus, John Herkimer Green 
was born in Danube, November 20, 1811. In 1870 he moved to Cayuga county, having 
sold the old homestead, a part of the Herkimer estate inherited by his mother, and in 
1882 removed to his present home in Warren, Herkimer county, on a farm of 250 acres. 
He has reared two children: John H., who was born in Danube August 11, 1846, 
married Nellie Wartman, daughter of Jacob and Mary Wartman, of Little Falls. Sub- 
ject's mother was born in Shoreham, Vermont, daughter of Seaman and Huldah 
(Kellogg) Wolcott. Nelson K. Green was reared on a farm, and received a common 
school education, supplemented by a course in the academy at Little Falls. He has 
followed farming, is an active Republican, and married Mary 0., daughter of John N. 
and Rebecca (Soule) Smith, of Sterhng, Cayuga county. They had three children : 
George H., Elraa R. and Emily E. John H. Green received his education at Little 
Falls Academy, and then at Hamilton College, graduating in the class of '74. He has 
taught school, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He has served in town offices as 
a Republican, and is now engaged in farming in Warren. He has the old lock of the 
door of General Herkimer's house, also a chair of his, and other pieces of furniture and 
relics which belonged to the general. George Green, brother of Herkimei', is a 
physician at St. Johnsville, and John Green is a prominent physician at Sharon Springs. 

Morey, Milo, Newport, was born in Fairfield, N. Y., August 7, 1847, a son of David 
H., who was a son of David Morey. David H. Morey was born in Fairfield October 
27, 1812, and on September 8th, 1835, he married Elsie Buchanan, born October 10, 
1813, a native of Little Falls. She is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Churchill) 
Buchanan, who reared eleven children. Thomas Buchanan was a native of Little 



FAMILY SKKTCHES. 240 

Britain, N. Y., and when six years of age came to Little Falls with his parents, The 
children of Mr. and Mrs. Morey are Newel, Mary, Milo and Annie. Mr. Morey was a 
farmer. In 1859 he came to Neport, but died the same year on December 10. He 
was a Whig, afterwards a Republican and held minor offices in the town. Milo Morey 
was educated in the common schools, in Fairfield Academy and in the Clinton Liberal 
Institute. He is a farmer and for the past thirty years has resided on the farm which 
he now owns. On the 21st of May, 187-3, he married Kittie B. Averill, a native of 
Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, born March 28, 1856. She is a daughter of Theodore 
and Catherine Averill. Mr. and Mrs. Milo Morey have had two children, Grove and 
Belle. He is a Republican and has been assessor five years, and a member of the 
school board eleven years. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry of Newport, 
No. 596. 

Ruddy, Henry, German Flats, was born in Ireland, and came to America in 1868. 
He worked in the armory for over twenty years, but is now proprietor of a grocery and 
confectionery store. He takes an active interest in politics, and was chief of police for 
four years; was also on the force in Utica. He is a Republican in politics, and an Odd 
Fellow. Mr. Ruddy has several times held positions on the town committee. 

Pelton, J. Rand, German Flats, was born in Winfield October 17, 1845. When of 
age he embarked in the sewing machine business. Seven years ago he started his 
present business, stoves, hardware, plumbing, and in the firm of Grimes & Pelton. In 
1870 Mr. Pelton married Miss Florence M. Caswell, and they have two children, Frank 
E. and Edwin C. Mr. Pelton is a Mason, and a member of the Royal Arcanum, and 
the A. 0. U. W. Grimes & Pelton own the fine new block in which their business is 
carried on. 

Petrie, Philo, a farmer of Little Falls, is a native of this town, born on the farm 
he now' works, in 1835. His father came to this part early in the century. 
Mr. Petrie works and owns 127 acres of land and devotes his farm almost entirely to 
dairy purposes and grass. In 1859 he married Jane Ann Snell, and they have two 
children, one son and one daughter, the latter being the wife of Eugene A. Garlock, of 
Gloversville. His son is Isaac L., a young man eighteen years of age. All the family 
are church members, the father being a Presbyterian and the mother and children 
Universalists. 

Moon Dr John, Dolgeville, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., November 6, 1825. 
He received a good education in the schools of this vicinity, and afterwards studied 
medicine with Dr. Hemstead at Poland. After attending lectures at Ann Arbor Dr. 
Moon commenced the practice of medicine at Grey.sville, where he remained four 
years About three years ago Dr. Moon went to Salisbury Centre, but only remamed 
there'two years. He has been a resident of Dolgeville for the past year, having retired 
from active practice. The doctor has taken charge of the Adirondack Hot,el here. His 
wife was Miss Adelia Hemstead. They have four children, one boy and three girls. 
His son John R. Moon, has charge of the doctor's hotel in Devereaux. 

Munson, F. E., Herkimer, a member of the firm of E. C. & F. E Munson, furniture 
manufacturers of Herkimer; E. C. being the father and F. E. the son. Ihe elder 



250 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTt. 

Munson inaugurated th's enterprise in 18G0, as a lumber business, and they gradually 
extended and enlarged it until now they employ twenty hands and do a large business. 
Mr. E. C. Mun.son was formerly trustee of the village, and is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. Both gentlemei; are Democrats, and Mr. F. E. Munson is at present a 
member of the town board, and is a justice of the peace. His grandfather Eaton was a 
justice of the peace for twenty years, and his great-grandfather Eaton was in the war 
of 1812. His great-grandmother was a sister of General Herkimer. The family is one 
of the oldest and most highly respected in the town. 

Lamberson, J. F., was born in Salisbury township June 30, 1844. He received a 
good education in the public schools of DolgeviUe, after which he attended the Falley 
Seminary at Fulton, Oswego county, N. Y. Mr. Lamberson was engaged in farming 
until about four years ago, when he rented his farm of 210 acres and moved into Dolge- 
viUe. He has invested in real estate here, and expects to soon, with others, inaugnra'e 
a coal and wood business. Mr. Lamberson has served as assessor for several years, 
and is a thorough business man. He married Miss Jessie Loucks. They have one 
child, a girl. 

Joslyn, George N., real estate dealer and farmer, was born in Plainfield, Otsego 
county, August 1, 1832. He came with his father and settled in this town in 1862. He 
is a son of Daniel and Eliza (Huntley) Joslyn, who both died in Richfield. George N. 
is one of the representative farmers of his locality, and one of the most extensive real 
estate dealers of this part of the country. 

Hayes, John L., was born in Otsego county, N. Y., March 3, 1850. He received a 
good education in the schools of that county, and was appointed to a position in the 
assembly chamber at Albany. About fourteen years ago he established his present 
liquor business here in Little Falls. Mr. Hayes has served as constable two years. 
His wife was Lida Upright, and they have two daughters and a son. 

Fitzgerald, James, was born in Ireland November 29, 1851. His father came to 
this country and settled in Little Falls in an early day, when James was a child. The 
latter received a common school education and after coming of age commenced life as 
an employee of the Central Railroad, with which corporation he remained seventeen 
years being promoted from brakeman to conductor. On the 21st of April, 1892, he 
established his present lucrative grocery business, which is at the corner of Ward 
and Burwell streets. His wife was Mary Hart, and they have three children, two 
daughters and a son. Mr. Fitzgerald has held the office of postmaster, and is identi- 
fied with local, social and benevolent institutions. 

Folnsbee, William, Norway, was born in Canada in May, 1837. His parents were 
Thadeus and Maria Folnsbee, natives of Scoliarie counlj', N. Y., to whom seven children 
were born. When a young man Mr. Folnsbee went to Canada. He returned to New 
York, where he married. Then again he spent several years in Canada, and then re- 
turned to Scoharie county He Cnally moved to Delaware county, N. Y., where he 
died in 1891. His wife still resides in Delaware county. William Folnsbee was reared 
on a farm, and received a common school education. In 18G0 he married Elizabeth 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 251 

Newman, a native of Bellinger, Oneida county, N. Y., born in 1838. She was a 
daughter of Isaac and Mary (Bellinger) Newman, who reared nine children. Mr. 
Folnsbee and wife have had five children : Charles, Ellen (deceased), William, Jessie, 
and John. He is a tanner and farmer, a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are 
members of the Methodist Church. 

Ellis, Thomas W., Warren, was born in Albany, August 16, 1841, and is a son of 
Thomas Ellis and wife. The latter were born in Yorkshire. England, and settled in 
Albany in 1841, where he followed carriage making. In 1844 he came to Little Lakes 
and carried on a shop, employing from five to sixteen men. They had twelve children. 
Thomas W. Ellis at the age of sixteen began his trade in his father's shop, and has 
followed it since. He is a Democrat, and has been town clerk. He married November 
17, 1889, Pauline Colyer, daughter of James and Corintha Armstrong. They have one 
child, Annetta. 

Fisher, J. H., Ohio, was born in Germany in 1827, a son of John and Barbara Fisher. 
He was reared on a farm and received a good common school education. At the age 
of twenty he came with his parents to this country, and in 18.54 he married Rachel 
Hafer, a native of Germany, and they had eight children : Celia, May, Christina, 
Amelia, Caroline, Frank, Ann and Emma. In 1851 Mr. Fisher made a trip to Cali- 
fornia, remaining three years. He is now one of the leading farmers of Herkimer 
county, and keeps one of the largest dairies. He is a Democrat in politics, and has 
been assessor twelve years, highway commissioner three years, and supervisor two 
terms. He and his wife are Lutherans. 

Ellsworth, Myron K., one of two children'of Myron and Martha (Kinney) Ellsworth, 
both of Litchfield, was born in that town June 22, 1845. The grandfather Thomas 
Ellsworth was a native of Vermont. The ancestry on both sides of the family is Eng- 
lish, Sir John Kinney having been an ancester on the mother's side. Myron K. married^ 
December 3, 1868, Mary E., a daughter of Wm. H. and Elizabeth (Flagg) Van Dusen 
of Frankfort. They have three children living, Minnie, Helen L. and Elmer M. Mr. 
Ellsworth was a soldier, enlisting in the 2d Regiment, Conjpany K, N. Y. Heavy Ar- 
tillery, taking part in the battles of the Wilderne.?s, Spotlsylvania Court House, Tolo- 
potomy Creek, North Ann River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, two raids across the James 
River and other engagements until the close of the war. In 1890, compelled by ill 
health to leave the farm, he moved to the village of Frankfort and engaged in the busi- 
ness of real estate and insurance. He was also a justice of the peace. 

Eckler, James, was born where he now resides October 2, 1813, a son of Christian 
and Hannah (Crine) Eckler. His grandfather John came from Germany in colonial 
days and settled on fifty acres, which he cleared and improved, and owned 100 acres 
before his death. His father, John, with three sons came to Warren. John Eckler 
married first a Miss Hoover, and they had these children : Peter, Jacob, Daniel, Henry 
and Christian, Betsey and Peggie. Christian was born on the homestead in 1790, 
where he died in 1841. His wife was a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Hoover) 
Grim, and they had eight children: James, Elizabeth deceased, Peggy deceased, Hannah, 



252 HISTORY OF HERKIMER COUNTY. 

Catharine, Lydia A., Eva and Angeline. Mrs. Hannah Eckler died June 20, 1876. 
James was raised on a farm and received a district school education. He has always 
resided on the homestead which he owns. He is an active Democrat. 

Lloyd, D. Frank, son of David J. Lloyd, of Frankfort, N. Y., was born in IJtica, N. Y., 
in 1859, and removed to Frankfort the following year, passed his boyhood days in that 
village and entered Hungerford Collegiate Institute, Adams, N. Y., as a student in 1873, 
from which he graduated with honors in 187G. In the following year he entered upon 
the study of law in New York city, and passed his final examinations and was admitted to 
practice in the year 1881. Immediately after his admission to the bar Mr. Lloyd was 
appointed by N. H. Decker, who was at that time the largest railroad contractor in the 
country, as his confidential adviser and attorney, and was placed in charge of all his 
railroad contract work, which was being carried on in this State as well as in the States 
of Illinois, Michigan and Indiana, and continuing with him until his death, about three 
years afterwards. Mr. Lloyd then resumed the practice of law in New York city, and 
became a member of the well known firm of Ingersoll, Carty & Lloyd ; the firm en- 
joys a large and lucrative practice, having offices in New York, Washington and Phil- 
adelphia, representing several large estates and corporations. Mr. Lloyd, while yet a 
young man, is identified with several large corporations, being secretary and treasurer 
of the New York Cable Railway Construction Company and the American Visual 
Telegraph Company, and is president of the Westchester Automatic Lighting Company, 
as well as director of several other corporations. Mr. Lloyd was married in 1800 to 
Miss Anita Heinemann, of Berlin, Germany. He is a member of several clubs of the 
metropolis, and is well known to New Yorkers, as well as throughout Herkimer 
county. 

Hose, Wallace, was born at the old homestead of his grandfather, Henry Hose, in 
Kring's Bush, a farming district north of St. Johnsville in Montgomery county, N. Y. 
His parents soon after located in St. Johnsville. After receiving a good education in the 
schools of that town, he took a commercial course in Cazenovia Seminary. His early 
business experience was in mercantile transactions, behaving been engaged in this line in 
St. Jolmsville' for two years, and at Fort Plain. In the year 187G he entered the employ 
of H. M. Burch & Company, with whom he remained seven years. He then accepted 
a position with Titus Sheard & Company as book-keeper, eventually being admitted a 
member of the concern, in which he now holds the position of secretary of the com- 
pany. Mr. Hose is a member of various local social and benevolent institutions. He 
married Edith I. Sheard, and they have one child. 

Elwood Families, the, of America, are believed to have descended from Richard El- 
wood, an Englishman, who, with his wife, came to this country in 1748. He built, on 
the turnpike a short distance east of the present site of St. Johnsville, a stone ho\ise 
which he occuiiied, and which was afterwards used as a fort. The house is still stand- 
ing. Ilis children were: Richard, Benjamin, Peter, Isaac, Mrs. Van Allen, and Mrs. 
Scouten. 

The son Peter was born March 5, 1754. He married Peggy Nellis and moved to 
Ilallsville, Montgomery county, where he rented a farm for the consideration of an ear 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 253 

of corn an acre. He was frozen to death in the winter of 1831, having lost his way in 
a blinding snowstorm. Nine children survive him : Henry, Nancy, Mary, Peggy, 
Elizabeth, Richard, David, Peter, and George. 

David Elwood, born January 6, 1794, married Nancy Baum and settled in Stark in 
1813, where he died in 1859. They had these children: Daniel, Nancy, Moses, Henry 
D., Sally, and David B. He was a man of influence in local affairs and a prominent 
man in the work of the church. Mrs. Polly Stringer Ecker, his second wife, now lives 
in Starkville. 

The son, Moses Elwood, was born June 11, 1817. The common schools and the 
library gave him his education. In 1842 he marrried Mary C. Springer, who came 
from Rensselaer county and settled in Warren. Married life began on the farm where 
he now resides and which has been enlarged and greatly improved. He has served as 
justice of the peace sixteen years, and as commissioner of highways He is a member 
and trustee of the M. E. church and has always been a liberal supporter of it. Mrs. 
Elwood died in 1887. They had eight chddren : Isaac N., who died at Flint, Mich., 
was a prominent and leading member of the Detroit M. E, Conference; Philip H. re- 
sides in Stark and is an extensive bee-keeper; Urias D. resides at home; Mary A. 
died at the age of nineteen ; Mrs. Elizabeth D. Baird, of Amsterdam; Chas. A. ; Jen- 
nie A., and Hattie F. now live at the old homestead. 

Charles A. Elwood was born March 18, 1857. He received the advantages of a com- 
mon school, and now has charge of the homestead. He is prominently concerned in 
church and Sunday school work. In 1888 he was an active and influential member of 
the board of supervisors. In politics he is a Republican, as have been all the Elwoods 
of this town. February 20, 1878, he married Sarah D. Krum, daughter of William and 
Eliza Shaut Krum. The joy of their home centers in the two children, Gertrude M., 
a girl of fourteen, and Arthur, a lively and thoughtful boy of eleven years. 



INDEX, 



(See Index to Family Sketches, page 267.) 



Academy, Little Palls, 281, 
Adirondack Knitting Mills, 410. 
Alexander, H, D., 193, 195. 
biography of, 467. 
portrait of, facing 194. 

H. P., 290, 291. 

Rev. Caleb, 306, 326, 342, 427. 

William, 250. 
Alford, Asahel, 363. 
Assemblymen, 113. 
Attainder act, the, 21. 
Ayer, Daniel, 283. 
Ayers, Jabez, 318. 

Babcock, Stephen E., 286. 
Backus, Anson, 381. 
Bailey, Charles, 286. 297. 
biography of, 466. 
portrait of, facing 466. 
Ball, Rev. W. R, 411, 
Bank Agricultural, Herkimer, 238. 

Bellinger, Herkimer, 238. 

Dairymen's, 409. 

First National, Herkimer, 238. 

Herkimer, 238. 

Ilion, 203. 

Ilion National, 203. 

Little Falls National, 291. 

National of Frankfort, 394. 

National Herkimer County, 290. 

National Mohawk Valley, 195. 

of Newport, 409. 

of Poland, 439. 
Bar, present members of the, 153. 
Barber, Rev. Virgil, 307. 
Barnet, Jonas S., 296. 

biography of, 529. 
portrait of, facing 530. 
Barry, Col. Standish, 407, 
Beardslee, Augustus, 331. 

John, 330. 



Beckvvith, Abijah, 363. 

Beggs, Rev. A. M., 210. 

Belknap, Dr. Daniel, 170. 

Bellinger (Pellinger) Family, the. 72. 

Frederick, 181, 194. 

Fenderick P., 135. 

General P. R, 118, 238. 
Bennett, John, 191. 

Benton, Nathaniel S., 24, 33, 42, 43, 44, 
58, 62, 71, 145, 180, 243, 246, 252, 254, 
255, 290, 300, 302, 315, 446. 
portrait of, facing, 24. 
Biography of Alexander, Henry Dwight, 
467. 

Bailey, Charles, 466. 

Barnet, Jonas S., 529. 

Brill, Addison, 48,5. 

Buell. Alexander H., 468. 

Carpenter, C. W., 493. 

Crisp, Morgan C, 520. 

Dolge, Alfred, 478. 

Earl, Robert, 454. 

Earl, Samuel, 455. 

Feeter Family, the, 456. 

Garlock, Dr. William D.. 516. 

Gilbert, Joshua J., 536. 

Graves, Ezra, 453. 

Hardin, George A., 53.5. 

Hinckley Family, the, .521. 

Jenne, William K., 476. 

King, Amos, 491. 

King, Charles, 491. 

Lansing, William F., 470. 

MacKinnon, Robert, 514. 

Marshall, Alphonzo D., 526, 

Martm, Celora E,, 499, 

Mather, Dr, William, 506. 

Miller, Warner, .542, 

Milligan, William G., 461, 

Milks, Albert M„ 524. 

Myers, Charles B., 501. 



INDEX. 



Biography of Nellis. Dr. Irving 0., 498. 

Palmer, Chester W., 499. 

Petree, Joram, 530. 

Phillips, Frederick Horton, 477. 

Prescott Family, the, 482. 

Rafter, James B., 513. 

Remington, Eliphalet, 475. 

Remington, Philo, 513. 

Richmond, Seth M., 489. 

Russell, Albert Newton, 487. 

Rust, Nelson, 538. 

Sheldon, Eugene E., 518. 

Shull, Josiah, 462. 

Small, Isaac, 472. 

Smith, RoUin H., 527. 

Southworth, Dr. M. A., 495. 

Spinner, Francis E., 462. 

Stanton, John W., 523. 

Steele, .•Vbram B., 479. 

Story, Albert, 460. 

Story, Albert G., 460. 

Vroman, John W., 531. 

Walrath. Rugene, 515. 

Warne, Dwight D., 539. 

Weller, Frederick U.. 492. 

Wheeler, William T., 529. 

Willard, F. H., 511. 

Wiilard, X. A., 510. 

Witherstine, C. C. 478. 

Wood, Alonzo, 512. 
Bleeckers, the, as agents of the Ellice es- 
tate, 252. 
Bookkeeping, specimen of early, 182. 
Boundaries, definitions of certain, 65. 

of Danube, 343. 

of Fairfield, 301. 

pf German Flats, 175. 
^f Herkimer, 213. 
'■■of Herkimer county, 18. 
■ of Manheim, 328. 

of Ohio. 445. 

of Salisbury, 315. 

of Warren, 354. 
Boyer, Johannes, 329. 
Brace Abel, 369. 
Brant's maraudings, 59. 
Brayton, Isaac, 215. 
Bridenbeckers, the, 400. 
Brill, Addison, 207. 

biography of, 485. 
portrait of, facing 484. 
Britton brothers, the, 250. 
Brockett, Zephi, 334. 
Broomhall Milling and Malting Company, 
193. 



Brown, Charles H., 370. 

Judge Henry, 353. 

Rev. S. W., 395. 
Budlong, Dr. Caleb, 390. 
Buell, Alexander H., 121, 304. 
biography of, 468. 
portrait of, facing 302. 
Burdick, Hamilton, 371. 
Burgess, Dean, 95. 
Burnet, G-overnor, and the Palatines, 33, 

39. 
Burnetsfield patent, 38. 
Burney, Ivan T., 283. 
Burrell, David H., 127, 286, 297. 

Harvey, 121, 265. 

Jonathan, 321. 
Burrell's Corners, 324. 
Burrows, Charles G., 370. 
Burton, Charles A., 149. 
Burvvell, Dudley, 142. 
Bury, Rev. Wm. H., 378. 
" Bush. The," Schuyler, 399. 
Butler, killing of, 03, 412. 
Butter-making, 128., 

Capron, E. S., 149. 

Carpenter, C. W., biography of, 493. 

portrait of, facing 492. 
Carrier, Col. David R., 370. 
Carryl, Lorenzo, 121, 285, 289. 
Cari'er, Benjamin, 189. 
Case, Elijah, 281. 
Casler, Philo W., 244, 298. 
Cedar Lake, 385. 
Cedarville, 366, 384. 
Champion, Daniel, 352. 
Chapman, Dan, 219. 
Chappie, W. R., 284. 
Chassell, Rev. David, 308. 
Cheese buyers, 120. 

dairying, 118 et seq. ^ 

factory system, introduction xjf, 123. 

makers, early, 119. 

making, improvements in, 122. 

market at Little Falls, 124. 

statistics, 127, 129. 
Chepachet, 381. 
Christman, Jfacob F., 135. 

John, 217. 

John J., 189. 

John Nicholas, 176. 
Church, Baptist, Frankfort, 394. 

Baptist, Ilion, 210. 

Baptist, Little Falls, 278. 



256 



INDEX. 



Church, Baptist, Mohawk, 197. 

Congregational, Litchfield, 385. 
Congregational, West Winfield, 376. 
Emanuel Protestant Episcopal, Little 

Falls, 278. 
First Baptist, Herkimer, 233. 
First Baptist, Litchfield, 385. 
first in Herkimer. 225. 
Free Methodist, Herkimer, 233. 
Freewill Baptist, Grant, 443. 
German Evangelical, Little Falls, 280. 
Grace Episcopal, Mohawk, 198. 
Methodist, Cold Brook, 442. 
Methodist, Columbia Center, 36.5. 
Methodist. Graves Corners, 386. 
Metliodist, Frankfort, 395. 
Methodist, Herkimer, 230. 
Methodist, liion, 209 
Methodist, Mohawk, 198. 
Methodist, West Winfield. 378. 
Methodist Episcopal, Cedar Lake, 

38G. 
Methodist Episcopal, Little Falls, 277. 
Millar's Mills, 306. 
Norwich Congregational, 386. 
of the Annunciation, Ilion, 211. 
oldest in Columbia, 367. 
Presbyterian, Ilion, 210. 
Presbyterian, Little Falls, 275. 
Protestant Episcopal, Herkimer, 231. 
Reformed, Herkimer, 228. 
Reformed, ilohawk, 197. 
St. Alban's Episcopal, Frankfort, 396. 
St, Augustine's Protestant Episcopal, 

Ilion, 212. 
St. Francis de Sales, Herkimer, 232. 
St. Joseph's Catholic, West Winfield, 

378. 
St. Mary's Roman Catholic, Little 

Falls, 280. 
St. Peter's and St. Paul's, Frankfort, 

396. 
Universalist, Frankfort, 395. 
Universalist, Mohawk, 198. 
Churches at Cedarville, 366. 
at Ingham's Mills, 341. 
at R\issia village, 445. 
of Danube, 347. 
of Dolgeville, 339. 
of Fairfield, 310. 
of MiddleviUe, 313. 
of Mewport, 410. 
of Norway, 427 et seq. 
of Ohio, 448. 
of Poland, 440. 



Churches of Salisbury, 326. 

of Schuyler, 404. 

of .Stark, 352. 

of Warren, 359. 

of West Winfield, 376. 
Churchill, Henry, 236, 238. 
Citizen Publishing Company, 209, 241. 
Clark, S.indford, 142, 
Cleland, Samuel. 356. 
Cold Brook, 441. 
Coleman Carriage and Wagon Company, 

208. 
Collins, Father Darius B., 378. 
Columbia, boundaries and topography of, 
361. 

Center, 364. 

first settlers of, 361. 

first town oflicers of, 363, 

hamlets in, 367. 

list of jurors in, in 1813, 362. 

oldest church in, 367. 

schools of, 364. 

supervisors of, 368. 
Comings, John M., 240. 
Committees of patriots, 49. 
Conant, Rev. Clarence M., 314. 
Congress, members of, 112. 
Cook. Atwater, 319, 323. 

James J,, 319. 

Rev. Wm. Mason, 212. 
Cooper, B. I., 293. 
Corse, Rev. Albert E., 208. 
Cory, Benjamin, 239. 
County buildings, 134 et seq. 

clerks, 113. 

treasurers, 113. 
Courts, early, 131 et seq. 
Cox, Rev. H. M., 227, 229. 
Crain, Dr. Rufus, 168, 356. 
Grain's Corners, 359, 384. 
Crim, A. B., 311. 

Paul, 357. 
Crist, Morgan C, biography of, 520. 

portrait of, facing 314. 
Cristman, Mrs. Margaret, description of 
stone house at Fort Herkimer by, 179. 
Crogin, George, 42. 
Cronkhitc, J. W., 127. 
Crouch, Henry G., 240. 
Crowley, jr., John, 284, 
Crumby, George F., 152. 
Cullen (Page's Corners), 358. 
Cunningham, Thomas., 199 

Dairy Board of Trade, 126. 



I 



INDEX. 



257 



Dairying stock, 117. 

Danube, boundaries and topography of,343. 
churclies of, 347. 
first school in, 347. 
first town officers of, 345. 
pioneers of, 346. 
supervisors of, 345. 
Dasey, Thomas, 152. 
Davidson, Rev. Wm. C, 230. 
Deck, 353. 
Deimel & Snell, 237. 
Dennison's Corners, 188. 
Devendorf, Rudolpli, 191, 193, 196. 
Devereaux, 325, 
District attorneys, 154. 
Dolge, Alfred, 333, 335-338, 340. 
biography of, 478. 
portrait of, facing 332. 
Henry 337. 
Hugo, 338. 
Dolgeviile, 333 et seq. 

beginning of recent grov^th of, 335. 
churches of, 339. 
early days of, 333. 
''earning sharing" at, 340. 
fire department of, 337. 
Herald, 338. 
incorporation of, 336. 
manufactories of, 329. 
schools of, 336. 
social institutions of, 338. 
Doohttle. Dr. H. W., 170. 
Doxtaders, the, 218. 
Draft of 1862, 109. 

1863, 110. 
Drake, Col. Jeremiah, 90. 
Du Bois, David, 433. 

Eagle, Tlie Mohawk, 197. 
Earl, Robert, 236. 

biography of, 454. 
portrait of, facing 48. 
Samuel, extract from papers of, 23, 
79, 176, 217, 218, 2_26, 231. 
biography of, 455. ^ 
portrait of, facing 72. 
East Wilmurt, 451. 
Winfield, 378. 
Easton, F. E., 241. 
Eckler, Henry, 356. 

Lewis, 352. 
Edich, John Michael, 181. 
Editch Family, the, 74. 
Edsall, Dr. Irving, 313. 
Edwards, Rev. Charles C, 232. 



Ellice, Alexander, 25. 

land titles of, 251, et seq. 
Edward, 252. 

titles, extinguishment of, 253. 
Ellison, Henry, 219. 
Elwood Family, the, 349. 
Erghemar (Herkimer) Famih', the, 75. 
Erie Canal, 67. 

Fairfield, boundaries and topograpliy of, 
301. 

churches of, 310. 
first town officers of, 303. 
Medical College, 171 et seq. 
Seminary, 306 et seq. 
settlers of, 302. 
supervisors of, 314. 
Farmer, G., 122. 
Faville, John, 317, 333. 
Feeter, Adam, 341. 
Col. William, 341. 
Family, the, biography of, 450. 
George H., 146, 252. 
James, 289-291. 

' portrait of, facing 456. 
J. D., 285. 
William, 251. 
Feller, Nicholas, 218. 
Fikes, Morris, 357. 
Fink, Andrew, 330. 
Fish, A. L., 118. 
Fisher, Rev. George, 430. 

Rev. T. C, 198. 
Fitch, Rev. Mr., 108. 
Flagg, A. C, 189. 
Fols (Folts) Family, the, 74. 
Folts, Jacob, 181, 203, 388. 
Joseph, 230^ 
Warner, 135. 
Ford, Isaac S., 135. 
Lauren, 146. 
Simeon, 139. 
William D., 147, 305. 
" Forge, The Old," 450. 
Fort Dayton, 214. 
Herkimer. 178. 

Herkimer, Brant's attack upon, 180. 
Herkimer, the stone church at, 177. 
Schuyler, investment of, 53. 
Fox, Captain Charles, 358. 

Family, the, 75. 
Frank, John, 140. 

John Conrad, 88. 
Frankfort, banks of, 393. 

boundaries and topography of, 387. 
Center, 396. 



258 



INDEX. 



Frankfort, churches of, 394 et seq. 

early development of, 390. 

fire department of, 392. 

first town meeting of, 389. 

incorporation of, 392. 

manufacture of matches at, 393. 

modern improvements in, 391. 

newspapers of, 394. 

post-offices in town of, 396. 

schools of, 393. 

settlers of, 388 et seq. 

supervisors of, 391. 

village, officers of. 396. 
Fredericksen, J. D., 297. 
French war, close of the, 45. 
Freund, John C, 338 

Gang Mills, 4.52. 

Gansevoort, Colonel, at Fort Schuyler, 57. 

Garlock, Adam, 330. 

Dr. William D., biography of, 516. 
portrait of, facing 160. 
Gates, Phineas, 215. 

William, 393. 
Geology, 25. 

George P. Folts Training School, 230. 
German Flats, boundaries and topograpliy 
of, 175. 

business enterprises of, at an early 
day, 184. 

early mills in, 176, 177. 

growth of, after the war of 1812, 189. 

land patents in, 175. 

settlement of, 176. 

supervisors of, 181. 

the stone church in, 177. 
Gilbert, Joshua J., 286, 289, 297, 299. 
biography of, 536. 
portrait of, facing 286. 

Nelson R., 290. 
Girvan, William, 250. 
Golden, David W., 140. 
Grant, 442. 
Graves, Ezra, 95, 141. 

biography of. 483. 
portrait of, facing 148. 

William, 443. 
Gravesville, 443. 
Gray, Charles, 135, 144. 
Grayville, 447. 
Green, Dr. Lester, 170. ' 
Greene, Benjamin F., 550. 
Griswold, Eiihu, 219. 

Gaylord, 139. 

Joab, 219. 



Griswold, Job, 219. 
Guller, Rev. J. G., 342. 

Hackley, jr., Aaron, 140, 220, 319, 323. 

Hackley, Philo M., 220. 

Hall, W. S., 282. 

Hallett, Major Jonathan, 318. 

Stephen, 304. 
Halpin Rev. J. H., 233. 
Hammond, Rev. J. B., 277. 
Hardin family, the, 380. 

George A., 9.5, 126, 285, 288, 291. 
biography of, 535. 
portrait of, facing 32. 
Harris, Earl W., 289. 
Hart, James, 151. 
Harter, Charles, 203, 207, 208. 
Hasenclever, Peter, 398. 
Haslehurst, A. W., 239, 394. 
Helmer Family, the, 75. 
Hemstreet, Dr. James, 171. 
Herfkins, Rev. Henry, 411. 
Herkimer and Mohawk Street Railroad, 190 
and Poland Narrow Guage Railroad, 

221. 
division of lots of, 215. 
effect upon, of the opening of canal 

and railroad, 221. 
first grist-mill at, 216. 
first town oflicers of, 214. 
land patents in, 213. 
name of, as applied to the town, 214. 
organization and boundaries of, 213. 
petition for relief of poor widows of, 

217. 
supervisors of, 221. 
County Agricultural Society, 70. 
assemblymen, 113. 
clerks, 113. 

during the French and Indian 
/ war, 40. 
/ early courts of, 134. 
I early settlement of, 27. 
Education Society and Teachers' 

Association, 93. 
erection of, 17. 
in the Civil War, 94. 
Member of Congress from, 112. 
natural characteristics of, 25. 
poor-hou.se, 91. 
population of, 111. 
presidential electors from, 115. 
reduction of, 65. 
separation of, from Montgomery 
65. 



INDEX. 



259 



Herkimer, State senators from, 112. 
treasurers, 113. 
Johan Joost, 24, 88. 

petition of, for permission to 
builfi a church, 177. 
General Nicholas, 76, 344. 
Nicholas, "chief commander," 52. 
Q-eneral, poem on the death of, 78. 
village banks of, 237. 

churches of, 225 et .seq. 
fire department of, 223. 
hotels of, 241. 
in 1814, 222. 
manufactures of : 

Gem Knitting Company, 237. 
Herkimer Manufacturing 

Company, 237. 
Manufacturing and Hydrau- 
lic Company, 235. 
Manuf aeturi ng Company, 

Herkimer, 236. 
Paper Company, 236. 
Standard Furniture Com- 
pany, Herkimer, 236. 
newspapers of, 239. 
officers of, 225. 
population of, 222. 
post-office, 242. 
presidents of, 222. 
proeress of, since the Civil W 

225. 
schools of, 233 et seq. 
water supply of, 225. 
Herreshoff, Charles P., 450. 
Herter Family, the, 79. 
Hess, Augustinus, 180. 

Family, the, 79. 
Hill, Capt.' David, 105. 
Hinckley Family, the, biography of, 521. 
Gardner, 452. 

portrait of, facing 452. 
Hoffman, Michael, 138. 
Holme.";, John A., 346. 
Holt, David, 139, 239. 
Hopkins, Henry, 220. 
Hopton, Alvarius, 321. 
Howard, Rev. William, 211, 233. 
Hunt, James B., 150. • ,^ 

Hunter, Governor, and the Palatmes, 30. 
Hurlburt, Elisha P., 148. 
Hyatt, Rev. Isaac, 441. 
Hyland, Rev. J. F., 211. 

Ilion, account of, by W. H. Page, 199. 
Bank, 203. 



Ilion, Baptist church at, 210. 

Church of the Annunciation at, 211. 

Citizm, 208. 

fire department, 202. 

incorporation and first officers of, 202. 

Manufacturing Company, 208. 

Methodist church at, 209. 

National Bank, 203. 

Ntius, 209. 

newspapers, 208. 

officers of, 212. 

Presbyterian church at, 210. 

remarkable growth of, 204. 

Remington industries at, 204. 

St. Augustine's Protestant Episcopal 
church at, 212. 

schools of, 203. 
Ingham, Alonzo, 341. 

Dr. S. A., 171. 

Harvey, 341. 
Ingham's Mills, 341. 
Jves, Amos, 319. 

John and James H., 320. 

Jenne, William K., biography of, 476. 

portrait of, facing 476. 
Johnson, James G., 236. 

Sir John and Guy, 48 et seq. 

Sir William, 2, 3, 46, 344. 
Jones, Hadley, 287. 
Jordanville, 358. 
Joslin, Sylvester, 388. 
Judd, Rev. Bethel, 306. 
Judges, County, 154. 

of Court of Common Pleas, 153. 
Judicial system, changes in, 131 et seq. 
Justices of Sessions. 154. 

Kast Family, the, 80. 
John Jurgh, 397. 
Kenyon, V. S., 121, 312, 409. 
Keslaer (Casler) Family, the, 73. 
King, Amos, 295. 

biography of, 491. 
portrait of, between 490-491. 
Charles, 295. 

biography of, 491. 
portrait of, between 490-491. 
Rev. R. E., 210. 
Kockerthal, Joshua. 29. 

Ladue, Col. WilliaVpC. 
Laflin, A. H., 95. 

Col. Byron, 97, 231. 
Lake, Jarvis N., 149. 



260 



INDEX. 



Lamberson, Cornelius, 317. 

W., 305. 
Land grants, 18. 

patents, details of, 19. 
patents in Herkimer, 213. 
Lansing, Sanders, 138. 
William F., 290, 313. 
biography of, 470. 
portrait of, facing, 470. 
Laphara, William, 305. 
Lee, Charles A., 237. 
Link, Henry, 151. 

Litchfield, boundaries and topography of, 
382. 

churches of, 385. 
first town officers of, 384. 
settlers of, 383. 
supervisors of, 387. 
Little Falls, boundaries and topography 
of, 242. 

dairying in, 244. 

Electric Light and Power Co., 290. 
first officers of, 243. 
Indians and tory attack upon, 64. 
mill, massacre at, 64. 
National Bank, 291. 
supervisors of, 244. 
village, account of, [by Arphaxed 
Loomis, 259. 

Baptist church at, 278. 

Board of Education of, 282. 

business men of, in 18.50, 269. 

charter of, 255. 

debt of, 1850, 268. 

destruction of, by Indians and 

tories, 246, 
early fire department of, 263. 
early lessees in, 253. 
early settlers of, 248. 
Emanuel Protestant Episcopal 

church at. 278. 
fire deoartment of, 287. 
first officers of, 257. 
flood in, in 1850, 268. 
freshet in, in 1842, 267. 
German Evangelical Church at, 

280. 
hotels of. 300. 

improvements in, 1840-60, 264. 
inland navigation at, 254. 
in 1816, 255. 
in 1824, 2.57. 
manufactures of: 

Asteronga Knitting Mills, 
299. 



Little Falls village, manufactures of: 

Hansen's Laboratory, 297. 
Henry Cheney Hammer 

Co., 292. 
J. S. Barnet & Co., 296. 
Little Falls Knitting Co 

297. 
Little Falls Paper Com- 
pany, 286. 
MacKinnon Knitting Mill, 

295. 
Pike Knitting Machine Com- 
pany, 297. 
pork packing, 296. 
Reddy's Machine Shop and 

Foundry, 298. 
Riverside Knitting Mills, 

295. 
Rock Island Paper Mill 

299. 
Rockton Knitting Mills, 293. 
sash and blind factory, 294. 
saw-mills and box factory, 

293, 294, 298. 
Saxony Woolen Mills, 295. 
shoddy and wool extract, 

300. 
stone mill, the, 292. 
Superior Furnace Com- 
pany, 298. 
Titus Sheard Company, 296. 
Valley Flouring Mills, 294. 
Warrior Mower Company, 
299. 
map of, 1810-20, 256. 
maps of, 245, 247, 249. 
Methodist Episcopal church at, 

277. 
National Herkimer County Bank 

at 290. 
newspapers of, 282. 
officers of, 273. 
police department of, 289. 
Presbyterian church at, 275. 
presidents of, 1828-1892, 273. 
prosperity of, 1845, 268. 
rapid development of, after 1840, 

263. 
Rev. Caleb Alexander's descrip- 
tion of, 251. 
St. Mary's Roman Catholic 

church at, 280. 
St. Paul's Universalist society at, 

279. 
schools of, 381. 



INDEX. 



Little Falls village, site of, 245. 

street improvements in, 262. 
street lighting in, 289. 
streets and sewers of, 289. 
trustees of, 1828-1882, 271. 
water works of, 28.5. 
Little Lakes (Warren post-otlice), 359. 
Livingston, Robert, .31. . 
Loomis, Arphaxed, 95, 135, 144, 281, 299. 
Sidney, 145. 

Watts, T., 127, 248, 285, 286, 290, 
203. 
Ludden, R v. A. P., 280. 
Rev. James M., 285. 
Lukens, Rev. W. D., 233. 

Maben. Dr. Hamblin B.. 171. 
McDonald, Rev. Daniel, 307. 
McGowansville (East Frankfort), 396. 
MacKinnon, Robert, 295. 
biography of, 514. 
portrait of, facing 294. 
McKoon, Merrit G., 281. 
Manheim, boundaries and topography of, 
328. 

early settlers of, 329 et seq. 
first town officers of, 332. 
supervisors of, 322. 
Manion, John T., 225. 
Manly, Thomas, 414. 
Mann, jr., Abijah, 143. 
Map, showing Ellice lots, between 252 

and 253. 
Mariett, Rev. Ernest, 278. 
Mark Morris, 236. 
Markell, Jacob, 137, 330. 
.Marshall, Alphonso D., biography of, 526. 

portrait of, facing 525. 
Martin, Celora E., biography of, 499. 
Massacre of the Palatines, reponsibility 

for the, 42. 
Matches, manufacture of, 393. 
Mather, Captain Moses, 306. 
Dr. William, 168, 305. 
biography of, 506. 
portrait of, facing 506. 
Medical College, Fairfield, 171 et seq. 
Medical Society, ofiicers of, 160. 

organization and procedings of 
155 et seq. 
Merrell, A. J., 376. 
Middleville, 311. 

churches of, 313. 
manufacturers of, 311. 
Militia organization subsequent to the 
Revolution, 66. 



Miller, A. G., 234. 

Han. Warner, 230, 236. 
biography of, 542. 
portrait of, facing 40. 
Miller's Mills, 365. 
Milligan, William G., 289, 291, 298. 
biography of, 461. 
portrait of, facing 248. 
Millington, Dr. S. R., 439. 
Mills, Albert M., biography of, .524. 

portrait of. facing 132. 
Mohawk and Ilion Street Railroad, 190. 
churches of, 197 et seq. 
Courier, information from, 258, 200. 
early business of, 194. 
early mills and shops in, 192. 
fire department, 196. 
Foundry, 192. 
Gaslight Company, 195. 
incorporation and first officers of, 194. 
Indian Castle, 343. 
Knitting Company of, 193. 
raanufactm'ers of, 192. 
newspapers, 197. 
officers of, 199. 
public school, 195, 
settlement and early days of, 191. 
Valley Bank, National, 195. 
Hotel Company, 193. 
Knitting Mills, 193. 
Railroad Company, 189. 
Mohawks, the, 28. 
Moon, Clinton A., 149. 
Morgan, Kendrick E., 371. 
Miss Clara E., 197. 
Sewell, S., 153. 
Munger. Charles S., 240. 
Munroe, James, 2.54. 
Munsel, C. D., 209. 
Murphy, Rev. James, 229. 
Myers," Charles E., biography of, 501. 
portrait of, facing 502, 
Michael, 220. 
Peter M., 221. 

Natural characteristics of Herkimer 

county, 25. 
Nellis, jr., George W., 241. 

Dr. Irving O., biography of, 498. 
portrait of, facing 498. 
Nelson, Edwin J., 313. 
Nesbith, Robert, 120. 
Newport, Bank of, 409, 

boundaries and topography of, 405. 

churches of, 410. 

early business men of, 408. 



262 



INDEX, 



Newport, first town officers of, 406. 

manufacturers of, 409. 

schools of, 410. 

settlers of, 405. 

supervisors of, 407. 

village, 408 et seq. 

presidents of, 408. 
Newspapers of Frankfort, 394. 

Herkimer, 239. 

Ilion, 208. 

Little Falls, 282. 

Moliawk, 197. 

Winfield, 376. 
Newville, 346. 

New York State Dairymen's Association 
and Board of Trade, 127. 

Utica and Ogdensbiirgh Railroad, 
190. 
Nichols, Dr. W. C, 305. 

Elder Martin, 325. 
Noble, Arthur, 450. 
Nolton, Hiram, 141. 
North Litchfield, 385. 

Winfield, 381. 
Norton family, the, in Norway, 432. 
Norway, boundaries and topography of, 412 

cemeteries of, 431. 

centennial celebration of, 426. 

dairying in, 417. 

early taverns in, 422. 

first cheese factory in, 417. 

first schools in, 419. 

first town meeting in, 420. 

merchants of, 424. 

mills and manufactures of, 421. 

physicians of, 431. 

population of, 419. 

post-oflices and [lOst routes in, 423. 

prominent families in, 432. 

prominent settlers of, 415. 

religious societies of, 427. 

settlement of, 413. 

supervisors of, 420. 

Tidings, 426. 

village, pioneers of, 418 et seq. 
Noyes, Dr. Joseph, 306. 

O'Conor, Edmund, 550. 

Octagon church, the, 273. 

Ohio, boundaries and topography of, 445. 

churches of, 448. 

City, 448. 

supervisors of, 449. 
Oriskany, battle of, and events leading 
thereto, 53. 



Oriskany, military movements after the 

battle of, 57. 
Tryon county militia oflicers at the 

battle of, 57. 
Ostrom, Joshua, 91. 
Otis, Oran Gray, 142. 
Owen, Volney, 150. 

Page, William H., account of Ilion by, 199. 

Paine. Seth, 188. 

Paine's Hollow, 188. 

Palatine children, apprenticing of. 31. 

families, personal notes of, 71 et seq. 

settlements, Belletre's massacre at the, 
40 et .<!eq. 
Palatines, first and second arrivals of, 29. 

Judge Benton's account of the third 
arrival of, 33. 

patriotism of the, 48. 

the. 28 et seq. 

third arrival of, 33. , 

Palmer, Charles J., 286, 287, 371. 

Chester, W., 242. 

biography of, 499. 
portrait of, facing 242. 
Parker, Jason, 90. -^ 
Patentees, original land, 3.5. 

table of original, 36, 37. 
Patents, JaTid, 18 

Pell (Bell) Frederick and Anna Mary, 72. 
People's Friend, the, extracts from, 255, 

2.57. 
Perry, Samuel, 121, 123. 
Petree, Joram, biography of, 530. 

portrait of, facing 260. 
Petri, Gertrude, deed of, 215. 
Petrie, Arnold, 9.5. 

Familv, the, 80. 

John Jost, 88, 175, 226. 
Petry, Dr. William, 65, 169, 217, 218, 226. 
Phillip.s, Frederick Horton, biography of. 

477. 

portrait of, facing 252. 
Physicians, register of. 161 et seq. 
Pierce, Rev. D. F., 209. 

Rev. F. K., 360. 
Plank roads, 93. 
Pollock. Rev. John H., 386. 
Population and fluctuations of, 111. 
Porteous, John, 248, 2.52. 
Portrait of Alexander, H. D.. facing 194. 

Bailey, Charles, facing 466. 

Barnett, Jonas S.. facing .530. 

Benton, Nathaniel S., facing 24. 

Brill, Addison, facing 484. 



INDEX. 



Portrait of BueIl,AIexander H., facing 302. 
Carpenter, C. W., facing 492. 
Crist, Morgan C, facing 314. 
Dolge, Alfred, facing 332. 
Earl, Robert, facing 48. 
Earl, Samuel, facing 72. 
Feeter, Jame.s, facing 456. 
Garlock, Dr. W. D., facing ICO. 
Gilbert, J. J., facing 286. 
Graves, Ezra, facing 148. 
Hard'n, George A., facing 32. 
Hinckley, Gardner, facing 452. 
Jenne, William K., facmg 476. 
King, A., between 490-91. 
King, Charles, between 490-91. 
Lansing, William F., facing 470. 
MacKinnon, Robert, facing 294. 
Marshall, A. D., facing 525. 
Mather, William, facing 506. 
Miller. Warner, facing 40. 
Mdligan, William G., facing 248. 
Mills, Albert M., facing 132. 
Mj'er.'s, Charles G., facing 502. 
Nellis, Dr. Irving 0., facmg 498. 
Palmer, C W., facing 242. 
Petree, Joram, facing 260. 
Phillips, Frederick H., facing 262. 
Prescott, W. C, facing 156. 
Rafter, J. B., facing 140. 
Remington, sr., E., facing 200. 
Remington, B., facing 202. 
Remington, Philo, facing 204. 
Remington, Samuel, facing 206. 
Richmond, Seth M., facing 488. 
Russell, A. N., facing 208. 
Rust, Nelson, facing 264. 
Sheldon, Eugene E., facing 136. 
Shull, Josiab, facing 176. 
Small, Isaac, facing 268. 
Southworth, Dr. M. A., facing 168, 
Spinner, Rev. J. P., facing 186. 
Steele, A. B., facing 152. ' 
Story, Albert, facing 272. 
Story, A. G., facing 290. 
Vrooman, J. W., facing 64. 
Walrath, Rugene, facing 296. 
Warne, D. D., facing 310. 
Weller, Frederick U., facing ISO.- 
Wheeler, William T., facing 528. 
Willard, Frank H., between 510-511. 
Willard, X. A., between 510-511. 
Witherstine, C. C, facing 240. 
Wood. Alonzo, facing 374. 
Potters, the, in Norway, 411. 
Piatt, Abial, 318. 



Prendergast, John I., 152. 
Prescott, General, 95. 

Family, the biography of, 482. 

W. C, portrait of, facing 156. 
Priest, Major Z. C, 95, 264, 285, 290, 291. 
Pryne, Dr. P., 171. 

Quackenbusb, H. M., 237. 

Rafter, James B., 193. 

biography of, 513. 
portrait of, facing 140. 
Railroad, Albany and Schenectady, 69. 

Utica and Sclienectady, 69. 
Randall, Rev. J. B., 366. 
Rasbach. John A., 140. ^ 
Reddy, Michael, 285, 297, 298. 

Robert, James and Edward, 298. 
Reele (Reall) Family, the, 81. 
Regiment, Eighteenth Cavalry, 108. 
First Light Artillery, 107. 
Fourteenth, 106. 
Ninety-seventh, 98. 
One Hundred Fifty-second, 103. 
One Hundred Twenty-first, 101. 
Second Artillery, 107. 
Second, of Rifles, 108. 
Sixteenth Artillery, 108. 
Thirty fourth, 96. 
Twenty-sixth, 106. 
Remensneider, Henry, 329, 
Remington Armory, 205. 
Eliphalet, 203, 204. 
sr., B., portrait of, facing 200. 
jr., Eliphalet, 189, 202, 205, 206, 207. 
biography of, 475. 
portrait of, facing 202. 
Mrs. Caroline, 209. 
Philo, 203, 205, 206, 207, 
biography of, 473. 
portrait of, facing 204. 
Samuel, 205, 206. 

portrait of, facing 206. 
sewing machine, 206. 
typewriter, 206. 
Kich, Rev. Amos, 327. 
Richardson, Rev. C, S., 276. 
Richmond, Seth M., 282. 285, 289, 291, 
295. 

/ biography of, 489. 

/ portrait of, facing 488. 

▼ Rivers and streams, 25. 
Roads and bridges, early, 88. 
"Rockton," 268. 

Rosecrants, Rev. Abraham, 185, 187, 229. 
George, 137. 



264 



INDEX. 



Rom den, Rev. Fitoli, 186. 
Russell, Albert N., 207. 

biography of, 487. 
portrait of, facing 208. 
& Sons, A. W., 208. 
Russia, boundaries and topography of, 434. 
Poland, village in, 445. 
churches of, 440. 
manufactures of, 437. 
mills of, 436 
schools of, 435. 
taverns in, 439. 
union store, 439. 
settlers of, 434. 
supervisors of, 445. 
village, 444. 
Rust, Alonzo, 233, 425. 

Nelson, biography of, 538. 
portrait of, facing 264. 
Salisbury, boundaries and topography of, 
315. 

Center, 324. 
churches of, 326. 
Corners, 326. 

early improvements in, 322. 
settlers of, 316 et .seq. 
supervisors of, 317. 
Seminary, Fairfield, 306 et seq. 
Senators. State, 111. 
School, George P. Folts Training, 230. 
Schools of Herkimer, 233. 
Schuyler, boundaries and topography of, 
397. 

churches of, 404. 
early merchants m, 401. 
early settlement of, 398, 400. 
early taverns in, 401. 
first town meeting in, 403. 
roads in, 402. 
schools of, 402. 
supervisors of, 403. 
Sharer, Christian, 118. 
Shaul Family, the, 349. 
Shaw. Rev. J. R., 394. 
Shear'd, Titu.s, 285. 291, 296, 297. 
Sheldon, Eugene E., biography of, 518. 

portrait of, facing 136. 
Shell, John Christian, 226. 

John Christian, defense by, 61. 
Sheriffs, 154. 

Shoemaker Family, the, 82. 
Shull, Josiah. 127. 

biography of, 462. 
portrait of, facing 176. 
Silliman, Benjamin, 121. 



Simms, Edward, 346. 
Skinner, W. I., 118, 266,285, 286. 
Small, Isaac, biography of, 472. 
portrait of, facing 268. 
Smith, Alexander, 352. 

Arunah C, 305. 

A. T., 241. 

Family, the, 82. 

family, the, in Norway, 432. 

Fred, 412, 426, 432. 

George W., 322. 

Larkin, 370. 

Nathan, 137. 

Noah, 322. 

Otis, 188. 

Peter P., 346. 

Rev. D. Kendall, 378. 

Rollin H., 287. 

biography of, 527. 

& Bushnell, 300. 
Smith's Corner's, 353. 
Snow, Ephraim, 221._ 
Snyder, Rev. Henry M., 228. 
Social habits, early, 226 
Society, St. Paul's Universalist, Little 

Falls, 279. 
.Soil as adapted to dairying, 116. 
South Columbia, 365. 
Southworth, Dr. M. A., biography of, 495. 

portrait of, facing 108. 
Spinner, Francis E., 135, 189, 214. 
biography of, 464. 
portrait of, 186. 

Rev. John' P.. 186, 227. 
portrait of, facing 186. 
Spofford, John D., 335, 336, 337. 

Thomas, 334. 
Squire, W. C, 206. 
Stafford & Co., W., 292. 
Stage.s and stage routes, 90. 
Stanton, John W., biography of, 523. 
Stark, boundaries and topography of, 348. 

churches of, 352. 

first school in, 351. 

first settlements in, 349. 

first town officers of, 350. 

productions of, 351. 

supervisors of, 351. 

Rev. J., 187. 
Starkville, 352. 
Staring Family, the, 83. 

Joseph, 181. 

Judge Henri, 136. 

Luther P., 398. 

Valentine, 180. 



I 



i 



INDEX. 



265 



State Dairymen's Association, 270. 
Stebbins, G. G., 283. 
J. R., 282, 285, 289. 
J. R. & G. G., 283. 
Rev. L. D., 309. 
Steele, Abram B., biography of, 479. 

portrait of, tacing 152. 
Stimson, S. W., 242. 
Stone Arabia, 400. 
Stone church at Fort Herliimer, 177 et 

seq., 188 et seq. 
" Stone Ridge," the, 215. 
Story, Albert, 291. 

biography of, 460. 
portrait of, facing 272. 
Albert G., 289-291. 
biography of, 460. 
portrait of, facing 290. 
Surrogates, 154. 
Sweet, Dr. Griffin, 171. 
Swift, Nathan, 188. 
Sykes, Rev. R. E., 280. 

Taylor, Rev. W. C, 210. 
Teall, Joseph. 304. 

Temouth (Demouth) Family, the, 84. 
Thayer, Col. Jared, 417. 
Thomas, George H., 313, 409. 
Thompson, Silas, 319. 
Tiramerman, Jacob, 328. 
Todd, Dr. Stephen, 169, 318, 323. 
^ombling. Dr. Abijah, 169. 
^/Transportation, early means of, 86. 
Tryon county, 47. 

troops in the Revolution, 52. 
Turnpike road companies, 89. 

Vail, Rev. C. H., 367. 

Van Allan, Rev. Ira, 197. 

Van Horn, Cornelius T. E., 135, 3.52. 

Family, the, 350. 

Thomas, .351. 
Van Hornesville, 351. 
Van Petten, Rev. J. B., 309. 
Varney, Edmund, 135, 137. 
Vrooman, John W., biography of, 531. 
portrait of, facing 64. 

Tunis, 363. 
Vrooman's map, 22. 

Walrath, Rugene, 287, 296. 
biography of, 515. 
portrait of, facing 296. 
War, Civil, raising of troops for the, 95. 
of 1812, 67. 



Ward, Hamilton, 151. 

Rev. S. R., 354. 

Richard. R., 254. 
VVarne, Dwight D., biography of, 539. 
portrait of, facing 310. 

D. D. & F. L., 310. 
Warren, boundaries and topography of, 
354. 

churches of, 359. 

early mills in, 358. 

first town officers of, 357. 

pioneers of, 3.55. 

schools of, 359. 

supervisors of, 357. 
Wars, efleots of religious, 28. 
Waterman, Alexander H., 148. 
Weber, Jacob, 216. 
Weller, Frederick U., biography of, 492. 

portrait of, facing 180. 
Welleven (Wolleaver) Family, the, 84. 
West Frankfort, 396. 
Western Inland Lock Navigation Com- 
pany, 86. 
Weatherwax, A. G., 301. 

James H., 321. 
Wever. Jacob, 219. 

(Weaver) Family, the, 85. 
Wevens, the, 219. 
Wharrry, Evans, 136, 215. 
Wheeler, William T., biography of, 529. 

portrait of, facing 528. 
White, William H., 289. 
Whitman, Charles, 189. 

Benjamin, 188. 
Willard, Col. Charles, 305. 

Dr. I. N., 305. 

Dr. Nathan S., 170. 

Frank H., poem by, on the death of 
General' Herkimer, 78. 
biography of, 511. 
portrait of, between 510-511. ~ 

George N., 305. 

X. A., 116, 127, 244, 283. 
biography of, 510. 
portrait of, between 510-511. 
Willett, Colonel, 63. 
Williams, Jesse, 123. 
Willoughby, Dr. Westel, 167, 408, 431. 
Willsey, Dr., 350. 

Wilmurt, boundaries and topography of, 
449. 

supervisors of, 452. 
Wilson, Sylvester, 225. 
"Windfall," the, Schuyler, 399. 
Winfield Agricultural Society, 372. 



INDEX. 



Winfield, churches of, 370. 
early settlers of, 309. 
erection and boundaries of, 368. 
first town meeting in, 371. 
growth of, 372. 
schools of, 375. 
sunervisors of, 381. 
West, 373. 

academy. 375. 

Bank, 374. 

business interests of, 373. 

churches of, 376. 

merchants of, 375. 

newspapers of, 376. 

water works, 375. 
Winton, Major D. B., 335. 
Witherstine, C. C, 240. 

biography of, 478. 



Witherstine, C. C, portrait of, facing 240. 

H. P., 240. 
Wolever, Peter, 180. 
Wollaber, Nicholas, 170. 
Wood, Alonzo, 203. 

biography of, 512. 
portrait of, facilis 374. 

Judson I., 204. 
Woodruff, Chauncey, 221. 
Woodworth, Lieutenant Solomon, 0!. 
Wood's Corners, 379, 
Wooster, J. H., 95. 

Sherman, 136. 
Yeomans, Prentice. 135. 
York, Rev. G. P., 365. 
Young, Alanson, 352. 

Wilham, G., 122. 
Zoller, Jacob, 296. 



INDEX 

FAMILY SKETCHES. 



Abbott, Sardis L., 1. 
Abbott, William H., 2. 
Abeel, J. W., 149. 
Abrams, Prof. J. K.. 3. 
Abrial, John, 2. 
Acers, Frank B., 2. 
Ackler, John A., 149. 
Aland, Charles, 2. 
Alexander, Mrs. James, 148. 
Allen, D. E., 1. 
Allen, W. D., 148. 
Alvord, John M., 148. 
Andrew.s, George F., 148. 
Angell, Delevan A., 4. 
Angell, M. D., 149. 
Armstrong, George A., 3. 
Arnold, Harrj' 0., 4. 
Arnold, Thomas, 3. 
Ashenhurst, W. F., 2. 
Avery, Sanford, 148. 
Avery, William W., 149. 
Babcock, Calvin G., 15. 
Babcock, Stephen B., 16. 
Bacon, Warren H., 10. 
Bailey, Albert, 18.' 
Bailey, Squire, 160. 
Bailey, Thomas, W'A- 
Baird, John, 7. 
Baker, Albert, 152. 
Baker Herbert E., 154. 
Baker, Hiram V., 155. 
Baker. J. C, 155. 
Baker, Walter, 10. 
Ball. Alpha A., 134. 
Ball, Elias B., 152. 
Ball. Howard H., 152. 
Bardin, Park M., 154. 



Barnes, Deacon Charles, 152. 
Barney, Dr. A. G., 8. 
Barrett, MurtisA., 154. 
Barringer, C. A., 6, 
Barse, Charles I., 156. 
Barse, F., 6. 
Barse, Irving, 15. 
Bartlett, Rush, 21. 
Barwell, Henry, 16. 
Beals, Rev. Oliver B., 147. 
Beattie, William, 159. 
Beokwith, Clinton, 138. 
Beckwith, E. D., 153. ; 
Bell, Charles, 11. 
Bellinger, George P., 6. 
Bellinger, Henry H., 15. 
Bellinger, James H., 8. 
Bellinger, John, 151. 
Bellinger, Joseph H., 159. 
Bellinger, J. C, 7. 
Bellinger, J. M., 12. 
Bellinger, Peter, 13. 
Bellinger, P. B., 192. 
Bellinger, P. S., 157. 
Bellinger, Steward, 156. 
Belsliaw, Thomas. 137. 
Bemis-s, Oscar, 19. 
Benedict, Charles, 160. 
Benedict, William C, 17. 
Bennett, Howard M., 155. 
Bennett, R. W., 7. 
Bennett, William, 150. 
Benton, W. W., 7. 
Bidleman, Peter L., 9. 
Bishton, F.. 8. 
Blatchley, James W., 150. 
Bliss, Alvin, 153. 



268 



INDEX. 



Bloomfield, Charles W., 150. 
Bly.'Daniel W., 14. 
Bonsfifld, John C, 160. 
Booth, Amanda M., 18. 
Bose, John, 14. 
Boyoe, John, 156. 
Boyer, Horace M., 17." 
Brace Family, the, 20. 
Brace, Frank L., 143. 
Brace, Henry L., 22. 
Brace, Lucius F., 18. 
Brace, Woodrufl'A., 19. 
Bradford, George H., II. 
Bradford, Bopestill, 12. 
Bradley, II. W., C. 
Brandon, Rev. Peter, 158. 
Brayton, Stephen, 14. 
Breckwr.ldt, Julius, 11. 
Brice, Mf.rtin, 11. 
Bridenbecker, Amos, 5. 
Bridenbecker Brother.s, 32. 
Brigg-s, A. M., 10. 
Briggs, Nathan, 156. 
Briggs, William. 9. 
Broat, Hiram, 246. 
Brockett, Calvin, 157. 
Brockett, Clinton, 9. 
Brockett, Z. G., 11, 
Bronner, Alonzo, 159. 
Bronner, Walter I.. 1.58. 
Bronson, O W.. 156. 
Brooks, Fred, 150. 
Brown, Arthur T., 154. 
Brown. Charles H., 21. 
Brown, Edward A., 151. 
Brown, E. H., 10. 
Brown, Horace, 6. 
Brown, H. Clark, 154. 
Brown, Jacob H., 159. 
Brown, Philip H., 153. 
Brown, Roswell E., 8. 
Brown, William, 155. 
Buck, George W., 138. 
Buck, Lyman II., 4. 
Budlong, A. L., 9. 
Budlong, Capt. A. J., 151. 
Budlong, John, 15. 
Bullion, Clark L., 138. 
Bullock, Charles B., 16. 
Bunce, George H., 12. 
Burch, C. B, G 
Burcli, Frederick, 155. 
Burch, R., 11. 
Burch, S. C, G. 
Burgess, Mrs. Sarah A., 17. 



Burke, M. L., 9. 
Burlingame, B. W., 5. 
Burney, F. C. 8. 
Burney, J. G., 157. 
Burns, Edward M., 13. 
Burns, M., 155. 
Burpee, Nathaniel, 31. 
Burt, Delos M., 141. 
Burton. David, 152. 
Bu.shnell, Dr. K. A., 14. 
Button, Gould, 21. 
Caldwell, J. Minott, 165. 
Garden, Frank E., 29. 
Carnwright, J. L., 164. 
Carran, Thomas G., 22. 
Carrier, Col. David R.. 143. 
Carpenter, James O., 80. 
Caruthers, Henry, 23. 
Gary, John L., 29. 
Case, Herman, 164. 
Casey, Dr. L E., 165. 
easier, B. P.. 27. 
Casler, George, 163. 
Casler, George H., 24. 
Casler, Philo W., 28. 
Caswell, George, 33. 
Cavanaugh, Frank, 162. 
Champion, Delano A.. 163. 
Chapman, Byron E., 23. 
Chester, John, 27. 
Chismore, Edward, 164. 
Cliristman, Nichola.s, 160. 
Christman, W., 25. 
Churchill, Henry, 25. 
Clapsaddle, Frank, 35. 
Clayton, Samuel, 34. 
Clemens, Michael, 240. 
Clive, Henry, 2.5. 
Clive, Stephen, 28. 
Cloyes, Anson G., 27. 
Coakley, jr., John, 167. 
Coe, lienry R., 26. 
Coe. S. E.. 164. 
Coffin. E. J.. 28. 
Colcord, J. T.. 163. 
Cole, Gilbert, 29. 
Cole, Truman. 25. 
Coleman, F. W., 3-1. 
Collins, Dennis, 26. 
Collins, Rev. Dennis B.. 166. 
Collins, William H., 166. 
Comes, Addison C, 1(16. 
Comstock, Byron, 163. 
Comstock, Dr. F. F., 29. 
Congdon, William B., 166. 



INDEX. 



260 



Conklin, Silas H., 240. 
Conkling, James, 33. 
Conway, Jolin, 162, 
Cook, D. L., 162. 
Cook, M. B.. 3-4. 
Goonradt, A. B., 161. 
Cooper, B. I., 144. 
Cooper, Charles F., 165. 
Cooper, Henry C, 24. 
Cox, William S., 164. 
Cramer, Addison, 163. 
Cramer Family, the, 165. 
Crandall, Otis N., 22. 
Grim, Adam J.. 162. 
Crist, D. B., 130. 
Crist, Hezekiah H., 166. 
Cristman, James A., 34. 
Croak, John B., 23. 
Cronkhite, Cornelius, 29. 
Cronkhite, Jonas, 23. 
Crossetl, James, 164. 
Crumby, George Fenner, 26. 
Crumby, John A., 141. 
Cunningham, Daniel F., 27. 
Cunningham, Thomas, 28. 
Curry, Thomas H., 33. 
Dady, William J., 168. 
Dale. WiUiam H., 41. 
Daniels, Ira W., 169. 
Davis, Albert, 169. 
Davis, George H., 170. 
Davis, Henry H., 35. 
Davis, E. Irvi:ig, 39. 
Davy, John W., 169. 
Davy, William x'., 168. 
Day, Almond, 170. 
Day. Erasmus W., 37. 
De Coster, Harry A., 36. 
Dedicke, Edward, 37. 
Deimel, A., 167. 
Deimel, H. A., 169. 
Deimel, Menning A., 40. 
DeLong, L. M., 169. 
De Long, Richard, 168. 
Dempsey, James, 36. 
Dennison, Allen W., 171. 
Dess, Louis, 171. 
Devendorf, Irving R., 36. 
Dewey, Dennis A., 35. 
Dexter, Henry W., 39. 
Dexter, Lyman C, 40. 
DiefTenbacher, Jacob, 38. 
Dietz, Charles, 141. 
Dievendorf, Jacob, 41. 
Dixon & Lewis. 170. 



Dodge, Ira. 170. 
Dolge, Carl O., 168. 
Dolge, Charles. 168. 
Dolge, Henry A., 37. 
Donahue Michael, 169. 
Doolittle, E. H., 38. 
Doty, E. L., 37. 
Douglas, Dr. B. H., 36. 
Douglass, Dr. A. J., 40. 
Douglass, Dr. Allison O., 40. 
Downing, Zeno I., 35. 
Dudleston, Joseph J., 247. 
Dudley, Dr. William H., 38. 
Dunckel, Peter, 38. 
Dutton, Ward, 35. 
Dygert, Daniel, 168. 
Earl, Robert, 2d, 42. 
Easton, Hon. Henry L., 142. 
Eaton, Irving, 173. 
Baton, Volney, 44. 
Eckel, Fred W., 173. 
Eckler, Hendrick, 41. 
Bckler, James, 251. 
Eckler, Jeremiah, 241. 
Edes, James, 43. 
Edick, jr., Henry. 172. 
, Edick, John C, 172. 
Edsall, Dr. Irving S., 43. 
Eggleston, Oscar B., 173. 
Ellis, Alanson, 172. 
Ellis, Lorenzo, 41. 
Ellis, Thomas W., 251. 
Ellsworth, Myron K., 251. 
Ellsworth, Sylvester, 173. 
Elwood Families, the, 252. 
Ely, Lester, 172. 
Ely, Samuel, 42. 
Emery, John, 42. 
Enos, William P., 44. 
Evans, James H., 43. 
Eysaman, Horace, 135. 
Fallis, Theodore, 176. 
Farber, Christopher, 229. 
Farmer, Wolcott G., 238. 
Farrell, Thomas P., 48. 
Favil'e, Henry, 47. 
Fay, Rimmen C, 47. 
Fellows, Charles L., 46. 
Fenner, A. G., 177. 
Fenner, Calvin, 177. 
Fenner, John B., 175. 
Fenner, Rosell, 47. 
Ferguson, Thomas D., 176. 
Fields, John, 177. 
Fikes, Willard, 137. 



270 



INDEX. 



Finster, George, 47. 
Fish, Charles P., 141. 
Fish, Irving, K., 44. 
Fish, Wallace Isaac, 44. 
Fisher, Henrv, 44. 
Fisher, JohnC., 48. 
Fitzgerald, John W., 145. 
Fisher, J. H., 2-51. 
Fitzgerald, James, 250. 
Flansburg, Cornelius, 46. 
Flansburg, Jerry, 175. 
Flansburg, John V., 147. 
Flansburg, Philip J., 175. 
Fleming, G. C, 174. 
Foley, Daniel, 176. 
Folnsbee, William, 250. 
Folts, Mrs. D., 45. 
Ford, A. W.,47. 
Ford, C. T., 176. 
Ford, Daniel, 17C. 
Ford, James W., 48. 
Forest, John W., 174. 
Forrest, David, J., 45. 
Foster Aaron Stiles, 176. 
Fowler, D. R., 177. 
Frateschi, Paoli, 128. 
Frederiksen, J. D., 46. 
Freeman, David, 139. 
French, Morris F., 177. 
Freygang, Gustav A., 46. 
Gage, James E., 162. 
Gardinier, Albert, 181. 
Garliue, Charles, 179. 
Garlock, William, H., 49. 
Garner, George C., 52. 
Gerhart, Louis, 181. • 
Gerstenlauer, Gotlieb, 50. 
Getnian, Dr. Clark, 51. 
Getman, Mahlon, 52. 
Getman, Sanford, 51. 
Getman, Sanford, 181. 
Gettley, John, 52. 
Geywits, Adam, 145. 
Gibson, Burr, 181. 
Ginbey, James S., 48. 
Gird, Emma L., 179. 
Glidden, Dr. Charles H., 51. 
Goodale, G. A., 18D. 
Goodier, Alonzo J., 49. 
Goodier, Henry W., 178. 
Goodier, James G., 180. 
Goes, Martin, 50. 
Golden, D. N., 180. 
Graham, J., 51. 
Graves, Dr. George, 49. 



Graves, Solomon, 144. 

Gray, Alfred, 51. 

Gray, C. B., 182. 

Green, Nelson K., 248. 

Green, William J., 178. 

Greene, Alonzo H., 52. 

Greene, Willis. 181. 

Griswold, G. W., 181. 

Grosvenor Family, the, 50. 

Guenther, George, 182. 

Guiney, John, & Company, 180. 

Hackley, Arthur C, 53. 

Hakes, Seward, 246. 

Hall. Dr. Horace, 183. 

Hall, H. Clay, 57. 

Hall, John, 186 

Hailing, Theodore C, 184. 

Halpin, Rev. James H., 244. 

Hamlin, Dr. C. W., 242. 

Hanchett, N. A., 113. 

Harrid, George, 183. 

Harris, William, 53. 
Harris, William H., 193 
Harrison, Horace L., 187. 
Harrison, Thomas E., 53. 
Hart, James, 55. 
Harter, Aaron, 182. 
Harter. Charles, 243. 
Harter, Chauncey C, 245. 
Harter, P. P., 185. 
Harter, Smith C, 56. 
Harwick, Joseph, 186. 
Haslehurst, Alexander W., 58. 
Hawkins, Keith, 243. 
Hawthorne, Wilson, 184. 
Hayes, Dr. William E., 245. 
Hayes, John L., 250. 
Heacock, S. G., 245. 
Helligas, E. B., 147., 
Helmer, Hannibal, 243. 
Helmer, Henry J., 142. 
Helmer, Philip. 184. 
Helmer, Samuel, 182. 
Hemstreet, John, 55. 
Hemstreet, J. V., 58. 
Henderson, John Dryden, 244. 
Herrick, William A., 57. 
Hicks, Robert H., 243. 
Higbie, William, 60. 
Hines, Charles F., 243. 
Hines, Riley B., 54. 
Histed, W. Duane, 54. 
Hiteman, Henry, 53. 
Hiteman, John, 53. 
Hodge, Ira, 140. 



INDEX. 



271 



Hoefler, John, 246. 
Hoffman, George, 184. 
Hoke, Charles D., 184. 
Hoke, Solomon, 180. 
Holcomh, Edward B., 54. ' 
Holden, J. P., 57. 
Holland, George E., 52. 
Holmes, O. Brainerd, 247. 
Hoover, John P., 187. 
Hopkinson, William, 55. 
Hopson, Edwin R., 56. 
Horn, Adolph G., 56. 
Hose, Wallace, 252. 
Hosford, William, 187. 
Hotaling, Reuben, 244. 
Houghton, Clark, 186. 
Houghton, William L., 185. 
House, H. A., 246. 
House, Squire, 184. 
Howell. W. B.,56. 
Hughes, E. H., oi. 
Hull, Henry W., 185. 
Humphrey, B., 187. 
Hunt, Mr^. Mary, 244. 
Hunt, T.E., 183. 
Huntley, Eugene P., 107. 
Huntley, Jackson M., 185. 
Hurlburt, J. W., 245. 
Hurlbut, George H., 126. 
Huyck. J. Horatio, 57. 
Hyer, Otis H., 183. 
IngersoU, Fred T., 190. 
Ingham, C. S., 59. 
Ingham, William A., Gl. 
Ingraham, Fernando C, 128. 
Ives, J. H.. 58. 
Jackson, Henry Eugene, 59. 
Jackson, I. E., 133. 
Jackson, James 0., 191. 
Jackson W. E., .58. 
Jackson, W. R., 188. 
Jackson, William W., 58. 
James, Philip, 190. 
Jarvis, David P., 60. 
Johnson, Gilbert J., 190. 
Johnson, Horace M., 188. 
Johnson, Jesse W., 59. 
Johnson, Joseph A., 58. 
Johnson, Samuel, 59. 
Jones, Dennison S., 188. 
Jones, Hadley, 190. 
Jones, Henry D., 188. 
Jones, Hiram, 188. 
Jones, William E., 188. 
Joslin, Aaron V., 189. 



Joslin, Merritt F., 59. 

Joslyn, George N., 250. 

Kay, Artemas J., 193. 

Kay, Dr. Cyrus, 64, 

Kay, William E., 61. 

Kellar, W., 62. 

Keller, Alexander, 61. 

Keller, Amos, 19^; 

Kelsey, George, 116. 

Kenyon, Samuel P., 193. 

Kenyon, V. S., 194. 

Kerr, Neil, 63. 

Kerivan, John T., 63. 

Kilts, Willard, 61. 

Kingsbury, Edward H., 63. 

Kingsley Brothers, 195. 

Kingston, Edward S., 64. 

Kingston, William. 62. 

Kinne, Jeremiah, 2d, 61. 

Kirby, William, 195. 

Kiltams, James H., 63. 

Klipple, George, 194. 

Kloek, Peter, 63. 

Klock Reuben, 194. 

Knapp, George, 62. 

Knapp, Wheeler, 194. 

Koetteritz, John B., 62. 

Krick, John, 194. 

Kyser, Jacob, 63. 

Ladd, J. B., 199. 

La Due, Daniel W., 65. 

Lally, Patrick, 197. 

Lamberson. J. F., 250. 

Lannmg, WiUiam B., 68. 

Lansing, Edward Ten Eyck, 198. 

Larned, Frederick G., 64. 

Lathrop, Charles M., 199. 

Leach Adelbert Aaron, 199, 

Leahy Dan M., 197. 

Leary, Patrick. 199. 

Legg.A. H. 196. 

Lehr, Dr. Gilbert N., 67. 

Leigh, J. T., 66. 

Leon, John, 195. 
Levee, Richard, 68. 
, Lewis, David, 192. 
\ Lewis, John, 66. 
Ujewis, Marshall, 67. 

Limpert, John, 67. 

Lintner, W. H. H., 65. 

Lints, Alonzo M., 68. 

Lints, Simon, 242. 

Lints, jr., Simeon P., 66. 

Lints, 'W.E.. 199. 

Little, Andrew, 65. 



272 



INDEX. 



Livingston, J. C, 196. 
Lloyd, D. Frank. 252. 
Lottis. John, 131. 
Longshore, Dr. Miles, 197. 
Long.sliore, R. Glide, (i5. 
Loonier, Aaron P., 130. 
Loomis, B. G., 198. 
Loomis, Watts T., 67. 
Lotridge, George H., 131. 
Lotridge, Marlet, 198. 
Loucks, William P., 66. 
Lovenheim, I. N., 126. 
Lndden, Rev. A. P., 197. 
Lutlier, Ira, 198. 
Lvon, ElishaE,, 196. 
Mabbett, John J., 201. 
Mabbett, Smith E., 74. 
McArthur, Daniel, 72. 
McOammon, George \V., 73. 
MeChesney, H., 72. 
McChesney, Robert D., 73. 
McCredy, David W., 207. 
McDougal, Richard, 201. 
McEvoy, P. H., 75. 
McGowan, Cape James, 71. 
McGraw, H., 205. 
McKee, Samuel, 70. 
McKennan, John, 77. 
McLean, Simpson, 202. 
McMillan, J. L., 146. 
McWenie, William, 202. 
Maeyer, Father I. H. W., 202. 
Mang, Frank S., 205. 
Mang, George L., 204. 
Mann, Daniel, 206. 
Marcy, Stoors, 70. 
Mark Morris, 201. 
Marshall, Dolphus S., 71. 
Mason, Amos T,, 242. 
Mason, Joseph W., 132. 
Mather, J., 74. 
Ma'thews, Chauncey, 206. 
May, William, 75. 
Maynard, John E., 7. 
Meagher, John, 127. 
Merry, Seward, 203. 
Metzger, Jacob H., 206. 
Miller, Alonzo P., 192. 
Miller, Dr. Adam, 30. 
Millington, Dr. Stephen R., 71. 
Minott, W. v., 205. 
Mitchell, Edwin B.. 74. 
Mitchell, Thomas H., 76. 
Mixter, David E., 134. 
Molineus, Frank M., 74. 



Monroe, Thomas M., 76. 
Montgomery, E. D., 206. 
Montgomery, William K., 70. 
Moon, Chnton Abner, 200. 
Moon, Dr. John, 249. 
Moon, Erastns, 201. 
Moon, William W., 09. 
Moore, John D., 95. 
Moore, Milo, 77 
Moors, Dr. Alfred A., 69. 
Moors, Joseph, 206. 
More, Miles, 204. 
Morey, Dr. George C, 200. 
Morey, L. A., 203. 
Morey, Milo, 248. 
Morey, Newell, 204. 
Morgan, A. D., 75. 
Morgan, Charles E , 207. 
Morgan, Franklin Dwight, 70. 
Morgan. Tavlor W., 69. 
Morse, Ale.x. L., 205. 
Morse, William H., 72. 
Mosher, W. W., 74. 
Moyer, Peter, 204. 
Mnckey, Warner, 75. 
Mullen, Joseph, 200. 
Munson, F. E., 249. 
Murphy, James A., 202. 
JIurphy, James B., 205. 
Murrav Brothers, 76. 
MyersI F. H.. 73. 
Myers, J. H., 148. 
Neely, Reuben, 208. 
Nellis, James K., 208. 
Nelson, Edwin J., 79. 
Newberry, Samuel H., 78. 
Newell, J. R., 78. 
Newell, Seiim, 79. 
Newman. Horace S., 79. 
Newman. Milton J., 79.. 
Newth, N. J., 79. 
Newth, Walter S., 208. 
Nichols, Dr. C. W., 77. 
Nichols, H. C, 78. 
O'Brien, M. G., 81. 
Odit, Augustus, 208. 
O'Dwyer, Thomas, 167. 
Olmsted, Osmond B., 132. 
Onuf, Dr. B., 81. 
Onvaus, William, 80. 
O'Rourk & Hurley, 128. 
Osgood, Josiah S., 81. 
Osterhout, S., 81. 
Ostrander, Smith, 209. 
Owen, B. J,, 209. 



INDEX. 



273 



Owens, Hugh R., 81. 
Oyer, 0. W., 209. 
Paddock, Robert B., 85. 
Pine, Seth, 213. 
Palmer, Luther M., 210. 
Palmer, Nathan, 209. 
Palmer, Nathaniel Budlong, 211. 
Parker, Theodore P., 85. 
Parkinson, John, 815. 
Pearce, Frank E., 84. 
Peck, William, 83. 
Pelton, G. B., 212. 
Pelton, Justin B., 212. 
Pelton, J. Rand, 249. 
Perrine, A., 211. 
Perry, William H., 213. 
Petrie, Jacob H., 212. 
Petrie, Philo, 249. 
Petrie, S. A., 83. 
Pfhals, Chris. J., 212. 
Phillips, S. A., 84. 
Phillips, William, 84. 
PhiUips, V. 0., 211. 
Pierce, John, 114. 
Pike, J. W., 211. 
Popple, Roswell H., 82. 
Post, Dan, 84. 
Powers, John F., 212. 
Prass Brothers, 214. 
Prescott, C. W., 212. 
Prior, Louis R., 210. 
Pross, George Adam, 83. 
Prowse, William H., 83. 
Pryne, Dr. P., 82. 
Putman, John, 210. 
'EuUiam, John.M., 213. 
Rank, Henry, 217. 
Rank, Lewis, 215. 
Rankin, Horace, 216. 
Rankins, J. M., 240. 
Rankins, Richard M., 93. 
Ransom, N. E., 90. 
Rasbach, Dr. James I., 89. 
Rasbach, G. C, 90. 
Rasbach, John A., 92. 
Rasback, Marcus, 216. - 
Rasback, William C, 87. . 
Read, E. Robins, 87. 
Read, George 0., 8G. 
Read, G. D.. 89. 
Read, John B., 87. 
Redway, Charles B., 93. 
Reed, Elijah, 91. . 
Rees. M. A., 215. 



Reese, Frank, 215. 
Reynolds, Gideon. 88. 
Rhodes, Thomas T., 86. 
Rhodes, W. H., 216. 
Rice, Ai, 216. 
Rice, Albert M., 214. 
Rich, Charles M , 91. 
Richards, Dr. Seymour S., 91. 
Richards, La Fayette, 215. 
Richardson, D. M., 86. 
Richardson, Thomas, 90. 
Richardson, Rev. Charles S., 93. 
Rider, Byron Adelbert. 94. 
Rider, Brainerd M., 94. 
Rider, Emerson D.. 214. 
Rider, Holmes, 89. 
Riley, James U., 138. 
Rising, James G., 247. 
Robbins, Sanford, 92. 
Robinson, Douglas, 88. 
Robinson, Joseph, 217. 
Robinson, T. F., 87. 
Ross, A. M., 92. 
Ross, D. G., 92. 
Root, A. P., 93. 
Root, H. G., 90. 
Rudd, 0. B., 92. 
Ruddy, Henry, 249. 
Russell, George R., 91. 
Russell, Pardon S., 90. 
Sadler, John B., 101. 
Salisbury, John E., 192. 
Saxby, Wilham, 101. 
Schall, Daniel, 30. 
Schmidt, John, 222. 
Schooley, Andrew, 130. 
Scriber, G. H., 100. 
Schuyler, John E., 219. 
Seaman, George L, 100. 
.Seamens, A. C, 100. 
Seavey, Jerome L., 95. 
Seckner, Francis A., 112. 
Seeber, Peter B., 100. 
Seeley. Horatio B., 220. 
Selcer, John, 219. 
Sellman Brothers, 99. 
Sellman, J., 219. 
Senior, Frank, 127. 
Seversen, C. W., 219. 
Shall, George W., 226. 
Shant, B. J., 220. 
Shant, W. H., 94. 
Sharer, Dr. John P., 104. 
Sharp, James, 222. 



274 



INDEX 



Shaul, Andrew G., 224. 
Shaul, Samuel, 218. 
Shaut, Moses, l.'i3. 
Shedd, Orlando B., 223. 
Shppard, F. C, 101. 
Sheridan, Thomas, 218. 
Slierrhan, John, 9G. 
Shoemaker, Nicholas N., 220. 
Sholes, Nelson W., lOS. 
Sibel, George F., 189. 
Silliraan, George, 103. 
Silliman, Gould, 108. 
Simms, Edward, 94. 
Skiff, Dr. Perrin A., 99. 
Skinner, John W., 24G. 
Slade, Samuel, 224. 
Small, Fred I., 95. 
Small, Matthew, 223. 
Smith, Alexander, 31. 
Smith, A. G., 98. 
Smith, A. J., 221. 
Smith, Bartlett J., 108. 
Smith, Charles A., 105. 
Smith, C. Cutler, 221. 
Smith, Dr. Fletcher N., 221. 
Smith, Dr. Fred A., 132. 
Smith. Edward A., 98. 
Smith, Edwin P., 97. 
Smith, E. La Grange, 97. 
Smith, Frederick, 106. 
Smith, George A., 105. 
Smith, George L., 144. 
Smith, George M., 218. 
Smith, Gersham, 225. 
Smith, Hon. George W., 105. 
Smith, John H., 128. 
Smith, Larkin D., 108. 
Smith, Melchert, 98. 
Smith, R. H.. 104. 
Smith, William, 106. 
Smith, William H., 217. 
-Snell, C. R., 97. 
Snell, Irving, 219. 
Snell, Joseph L., 127. 
Snell, Melton, 224. 
Snell. Nathan A., 104. 
Snell, Seffrenus Clarence, 223. 
Snider, John R., 227. 
Snyder, Albert E , 163. 
Snyder, C. E., 97. 
Snyder, H. P., 104. 
Snyder, John, 227. 
Snyder, J. A., 130. 
Snyder, Lewis, 227. 



Snyder, Moses, 227. 
Somers, William C, 102. 
Spencer, D. D., 247. 
Spofford, C. J., 222. 
Spall, Jacob, 126. 
Spellman, E. J., 101. 
Spellman, Joseph, 222. 
Spellman, M., 220. 
Spencer & Armstrong, 220. 
Spencer, D. D., 225. 
Spencer, Herbert J., 217. 
Spencer, Howard, 223. 
Spinner, J. W., 223. 
Spohn, Frank, 103. 
Spoor, James H., 131. 
Springer, Frank, 225. 
Springer, Loadwick, 226. 
Springer, Oliver H., 225. 
Squire, A. M., 107. 
Stacey, Irving E., 94. 
Stahl, John L., 100. 
Standard, Peter, 222. 
Staring, Charles E., 102. 
Staring, Gilbert, 226. 
Staring, Peter A., 99. 
Staring, Philip, 9i). 
Starkeather, Rutus G., 103. 
Stauring. E., 222. 
Steele, J. A., 96. 
Stephens, Dr. John H., 218. 
Stephens, Frank E., 189. 
Stewart. John H., 224. 
Stillman, Ezra, 98. 
Stinson, E. I., 97. 
Stoddard, Wilson O., 102. 
Stone, B. A., 101. 
Strobel, Charles G., 101. 
Suits, Hiram, 143. 
Sweet, Burton J., 107. 
Swift, Timothy C. 221. 
Taber, Frederick Frank, 228. 
Taber, Peleg, 110. 
Taber William 1., 247. ' 
Tallraan, W. Akius, 192. 
Tanner, Merritt W., 111. 
Taylor, Joseph, 228. 
Taylor, J. R.. 109. 
Taylor, Noadiah D., 111. 
Thoma-s, Charles D., 111. 
Thomas, George H., 230. 
Thomas, J. F., 110. 
Thompson, James W., 230. 
Thomson, E. 0. W., 110. 
Thorp, John J., 127. 



INDEX. 



275 



Tibbets, Dr. William, 230. 
Tilyon, Abram, 435. 
Timmerraan, Ira, 228. 
Timmerman, L., & Son, 109. 
Tine, G. Frank, 110. 
Trenbeth, Frank, 110. 
Trenham, William T., 111. 
Tunnicliff, George E., 229. 
Turner, E. M., 228. 
Turner, George R., 229. 
Turner, Louis, 109. 
Uebler, Conrad, 231. 
TJhle, Jerome, 230. 
Vagts, Christ, 232. 
Van Alslyne, Calvin, 231. 
Van Benschoten, Elias, 232. 
Van Buren, Jacob, 113. 
Van Deusen, D. B., 232. 
Van Dewalker, Nicholas, 231. 
Van Dieman, Paul, 114. 
Van Gumster, sr., John, 114. 
Van Slyke, D. C, 231. 
Van Slyke, William, 230. 
Van Valbenburg, 0. A., 115. 
Van Vechten, Charles F., 115. 
Van Vechten, William P., 231. 
Vickerman, James, 232. 
Vosburgh, Charles W., 114. 
Wadell, George C, 234. 
Wadsworth, Joel, 125. 
Wagner, Oscar, 122. 

Wainman, John, 139. 

Waite, Eben Britton, 122. 

Wakeman, Ward, 119. 

Walker Brothers. 239. 

Walker. Dr. D. E., 237. 

Walker, George A., 235. 

Walker, L. N., 117. 

Wall, William R., 239. 

Wallace, B. M., 119. 

Wallace, Peter, 238. 

Wallace, Rev. P. F., 119. 

WalUver, D. H., 236. 

Walrath, Henry, 235. 

Walrath, Jacob, 236. 

Walrath, Levi, 146. 

Walrath, Marvin, 146. 

Ward, Henry L., 120. 

Ward, Hiram, 128. 

Ward, William E., 237. 

Warner, Dr. Robert W., 118. 

Warren, Halsey W., 116. 

Washburn, Elisha, UC. 

Waters, jr., S. J., 237. 



Watkins, James H. J., 123. 
Watts, J. W., 110. 
Way, William H., 147. 
Wayne, William, 117. 
Weatherbee, Elias B., 123. 
Wetherwax, A. L., 119. 
Weaver, Walter, 118. 
Weeks, George S., 235. 
Weeks, Hiram, 233. 
Weeks, James N., 140 
Weeks, Levi, 145. 
Weigand, A. E., 118. 
Welden, Thomas, 135. 
Weldon, John F.. 235. 
Weller, W. F., 120. 
Western, Benjamin E . 121. 
Western, Samuel J , 239. 
Wheeler, Charles D., 125. 
Wheeler, Clarence J., 189. 
Wheeler, Henry H.. 124. 
Wheelock. Clayton T., 133. 
Whipple, Benjamin A., 133. 
Whipple William, 236. 
White, Franklin, 123. 
Whiteman, Henry, 115. 
Whitfield, Walter, 118. 
Whiting, A. L., 237. 
Whiting, James P., 120. 
Whitney, Henry G., 118. 
Whitney, H. P., 236. 
Wholahan, John J., 234. 
Wicks, J. D., 117. 
Wightman, Abel G., 129. 
Wilcox, Charles, 237. 
Wilcox, Herbert H., 237. ' 
Wilcox, Newton Peleg, 235. 
Williams, J. K., 120. 
Williams, Richard, 234. 
Williams, Roger F., 234. 
Williams, Stillman, 124. 
Williams, Thomas, 233. 
Willoughby, Daniel C , 129. 
Williamson, Norman J., 239. 
Wilson, A. C, 117. 
Wilson, Sylvester, 121. 
Windecker, Fred, 234. 
Winegar, Robert D., 120. 
Withe«stine, William, 121. 
Wolf, Frederick, 121. 
Wood, B. W., 234. 
Wood, D. R., 116. 
Wood, Henry W., 236. 
Wood, John, 238. 
Wood, Palmer M., 125. 



276 INDEX. 



Woodard Brothers, 242. Wright, Grant B., 117. 

Woodhull, Dr. W. B., 124. Wright, Isaac. 118. 

Wooster, Daniel P. B., 134. Young, Charles, 130. 

Wooster, .Joseph T., 120. Zoller, Frederick, 239. 

Worden, Jefferson, 124. Zoller, Jacob, 126. 

Wright, George A., 238. Zoller, James, 240. 



Hi^7 75 ''J 



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